Gorham author Thomas Dahlborg, Sr. began coaching because of his son Tommy. It wasn’t because he had a passion for the sport; actually, he never played it. “The Big Kid…and Basketball…and the Lessons He Taught His Father & Coach” started as a journal about Tommy’s experiences being shunned and bullied by peers, adults and coaches because he was “too big.” Dahlborg wanted to share these experiences in hopes of shedding light on adult to child bullying.
At a recent seminar for coaches hosted by Gorham Recreation, Dahlborg shared what he believes it takes, not just to coach, but to be relatable and to understand each child on a team. He projected a quote on a screen that said, “Young people need models, not critics.” (John Wooden, UCLA).
Photo credit Dahlborg FamilyThomas Dahlborg, Sr. (right) is shown with his son, Tommy, the inspiration for his newly released book about overcoming bullying in sports.
At one point Dahlborg asked the group to make an OK sign with their fingers and they did so. He then said, “Put it up to your chin” while he put the OK sign up to his cheek instead. Many in the room put the OK to their cheek instead of their chin. It was a powerful moment for me as I was one who followed what he did instead of what he said. “We are programed to respond. We need to listen to understand,” he stated.
“The Big Kid…and Basketball” shares not only experiences he had with his son, but his own journey starting out as an inexperienced coach. Dahlborg shares what he learned from coaching; simple things such as encouraging communication between parent and coaches, knowing their philosophies, playing time and their values, and also building relationships with the children he coached.
The book is written from Dahlborg’s perspective about what his son was going through. However, it is also about his journey from an insecure coach to one that had an impact on the lives of the children he coached. If you would like more information on Thomas Dahlborg, Sr. and his recent book release, visit tbkid.org.