Dr. Bradley J. Kayden (Coach_Pickles)

Bored are young children waiting in long lines in sports. As parents watch, they eagerly want their children to do well but see them struggling to be patient. Parents become anxious. Afterwards, they will feel the need to apologize to coaches for what they've deemed as their children's poor behavior.

Coaches are more frustrated. They blame themselves, and sometimes go as far as to blame the children for their underachievement and poor coaching outcomes. It is an all too common cycle. It demands understanding that starts here.

For the complete research foundation and framework documentation, visit: www.bradkayden.com

The unfortunate reality is that there maybe no more two unlike things than young children and competitive sports.

Young children are naturally unsportsmanlike. Combined with sports' tradition being intolerant of unsportsmanlike behavior, it makes young children not fit into sports. Or, so you might think.

Young children possess many unique and unmet needs. In 2006, I began a journey that would change that. I started working in park districts. I hit a ceiling. And in 2009, I began Jelly Bean Sports before incorporating it in 2010.

Keeping sports simple and making learning fun, my practice of how to coach early learners was built. It demanded a complete reimagining of sports for young children. Instead of conforming children to fit sports. I conformed sports to fit children, and the shift in children's performances and outcomes was extraordinary. I called it, the Jelly Bean Way.

My "voice" in this hub speaks to how conforming sports to fit young children works. I provide classroom-proven tips, strategies and techniques for you to have early learning sports development success.

MY BACKGROUND

Upon exiting the Navy in 2003 as a Law Enforcement Officer, I went to the University of Oklahoma - Norman. In 2005 complete my Master's in Human Relations with an emphasis in Training and Development.

Afterwards, I relocated to Chicago, where I began my Educational Doctorate program at Argosy University. I would graduate in 2013.

In 2006, I worked full-time in higher education and part-time with parks and recreation. It would be in parks and rec where I recognized sports for early learners was broken and there was definitely room for it to grow. The challenge was set.

In 2009, I founded a Chicago-based early learning sports instruction, production and research Company I formally named Coach Pickles' Jelly Bean Sports (Jelly Bean Sports, Inc. incorporated in 2010).

Since, I have worked exclusively with over 15000+ families ages birth to 5 years.

I describe my Company and work essentially as, a Sesame Street but for sports. The Jelly Bean Way is a cornerstone of my groundbreaking doctoral research that would eventually lead to my Founding the Field of Early Learning Sports Development.

IN THESE HUBS

In these hubs, I will share with you our animation, sports language and many of the new and effective ways I have broken down how to coaching early learners in sports.

I am currently based in the major metropolitan market of Chicago. I welcome conversations about partnerships and collaborations. Don't be afraid to reach out.

Thanks for reading a little more about me. Please feel free to leave your comments. I love feedback. Have a great day and much success in your early learning sports endeavors.

Dr. Bradley J. Kayden (a.k.a. Coach Pickles)

In the Spotlight

How to Teach Young Children to Pass a Basketball

Passing is an important part of basketball. Several problems often exist with a young passer's technique. This article provides a guide on how to teach young children to pass a basketball.

In the Spotlight

How to Teach Baseball Fielding to Young Kids

Fielding is an important part of baseball, but several problems often exist with young fielders' techniques. Here's how to teach young children to field a baseball.

In the Spotlight

How to Teach Young Children to Hit a Baseball

Teach young children how to hit a baseball without a bat. Kids learn an important aspect of baseball: focus. Follow a three-step approach to hitting and an animated video.

In the Spotlight

How to Teach Young Children to Dribble a Soccer Ball

Teach young children to dribble a soccer ball with a quick one-minute lesson and a fun video.

In the Spotlight

How to Teach Young Children to Dribble a Basketball

Teach young children how to dribble a basketball with a quick one-minute lesson and a fun video.

In the Spotlight

How to Teach Young Children to Play Defense in Basketball

Teach young children to play defense in basketball with a quick lesson and three minute video.

• 
  0
  Basketball

  How to Teach Young Children to Play Defense in Basketball

  2 years ago

  Teach young children to play defense in basketball with a quick lesson and three minute video.

• 
  0
  Team Sports

  How to Teach Young Children to Dribble a Soccer Ball

  2 years ago

  Teach young children to dribble a soccer ball with a quick one-minute lesson and a fun video.

• 
  2
  Baseball

  How to Teach Young Children to Throw a Baseball

  8 years ago

  Keep baseball simple and make learning fun. Learn an easy 3-step way to quickly and easily teach young children to throw a baseball.

• 
  1
  Baseball

  How to Teach Young Children to Properly Hold a Baseball Bat

  2 years ago

  Batting is an important part of baseball. Several common problems exist with the technique of young hitters. This article provides a lesson on how to hold a baseball bat properly.

• 
  7
  Baseball

  How to Teach Young Children to Hit a Baseball

  2 years ago

  Teach young children how to hit a baseball without a bat. Kids learn an important aspect of baseball: focus. Follow a three-step approach to hitting and an animated video.

• 
  5
  Baseball

  How to Teach Baseball Fielding to Young Kids

  2 years ago

  Fielding is an important part of baseball, but several problems often exist with young fielders' techniques. Here's how to teach young children to field a baseball.

• 
  17
  Basketball

  How to Teach Young Children to Dribble a Basketball

  2 years ago

  Teach young children how to dribble a basketball with a quick one-minute lesson and a fun video.

• 
  2
  Basketball

  How to Teach Young Children to Pass a Basketball

  2 years ago

  Passing is an important part of basketball. Several problems often exist with a young passer's technique. This article provides a guide on how to teach young children to pass a basketball.

• 
  6
  Basketball

  How to Teach Young Children to Shoot a Basketball

  2 years ago

  Teach kids the most important aspect of basketball: ball security. This simple three-step approach to shooting a basketball includes a fun 30-second animated video.