If you’re looking for a fun way to get your little players into sports, look no further than B.E.S.T (Beginners Edge Sports Training) in Scottsdale. Actually, B.E.S.T offers classes all around the valley so there’s most likely a location close to you. I was a little bit nervous singing up my “free spirited” 1.5 year old for any type of organized sports program, but the coaches and curriculum at B.E.S.T works for even the feistiest-stubborn-I do what I want toddler. Hey, he may not be following every direction from coach Jon perfectly but he’s being social, listening to instruction, and learning the value of being part of a team. We signed up for the multi sport class, which is a mix of soccer, basketball, and T-ball. Toddlers with bats, I know what you’re thinking…but really, nobody used them as weapons! Our typical class starts with a basic warm up then moves into leaning a few new skills. With T-ball the kids learned to swing and drop a bat and run the bases while praising each other. During the 3 weeks of basketball, JZ was making baskets in a bucket and even a few daddy assisted slam dunks. Throughout the soccer portion he was kicking goals and perfecting his red light-green light skills. In addition to the sports I mentioned, B.E.S.T. offers Softball, Football, Volleyball, Golf, Karate, and Tennis. The thing that stood out the most to me is the fact their professionally trained staff cares about each child and focuses on HOW to perform the skills of each sport in a FUN, safe, encouraging, and structured environment. There is no competition involved. Thank goodness, they will face enough of that later in life. I’m so glad JZ views sports as fun, rewarding, and something we can do as a family.
Children as young as 18 months and up to 10 year of age are welcome at B.E.S.T, We’ve made some wonderful friends and it’s been incredible to watch JZ progress a little bit more each class. If you have little ones I encourage you to try the B.E.S.T program as an introduction to sports in the most positive way possible.
