Raising Athletes

Rob Taormina
  • 5.0 (9)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Raising Athletes is the ultimate guide for parents supporting their young athletes on the journey toward college recruitment and beyond. Hosted by experts in sports development, recruiting, and mental performance, this show provides actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help parents navigate the competitive world of youth athletics. From goal-setting and skill development to navigating the recruiting process, Raising Athletes is your trusted playbook for helping your child achieve their athletic dreams while building character and resilience.Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner:  www.PGMAthlete.com

  1. MAR 26

    Coaches Guide: Three Week Plan to guarantee a GREAT SEASON!

    Send us Fan Mail The first few weeks of a baseball or softball season can make even confident parents feel stressed, especially when your roster has everything from future stars to kids who have never swung a bat. We share the “secret agenda” we think every Little League coach should adopt: stop coaching only for Opening Day and start coaching so every eight or nine-year-old leaves the season begging to play again. When that’s the target, your practices get simpler, your players get braver, and your sideline stays a whole lot calmer.  We break down a practical youth baseball practice plan built for short attention spans: stations, not lines. You’ll hear exactly how to set up small groups, rotate every 10 to 15 minutes, and cover fielding reps, tee work or soft toss, and base running without losing kids to boredom. Then we dig into differentiated coaching, a way to keep one team together while still meeting different skill levels by changing the objective, not the drill. We also explain why pairing experienced players with beginners creates instant leadership and trust.  As Opening Day arrives, we walk through a game plan that prioritizes development and confidence: rotate kids through positions within safe limits, use the three-second rule to respond to mistakes before they spiral, and define success as hustle and cheering instead of the score. If you’re coaching youth baseball, coaching youth softball, or just trying to create a positive sports culture, this approach will help your team improve while keeping the fun intact. Subscribe, share this with a parent coach, and leave a review with your best tip for keeping kids excited to play. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    7 min

  2. MAR 23

    What To Do When Your Kid Gets Cut From A Team

    Send us Fan Mail The walk back from tryouts can be the longest walk of a season. When your kid gets cut from a middle school or high school team, it hits their confidence and it hits you right in the chest. I’m Rob Termina, and I’m talking straight to parents who want to protect their kids without making the moment worse, because the way we respond becomes the lesson they remember. We get honest about why cuts happen in youth sports: limited roster spots, too many kids trying out, position backups, and the reality of upperclassmen. It’s not always “fair,” but it is often predictable, and understanding the numbers game helps you trade outrage for a plan. I share a simple guardrail that can save a lot of regret: the 24-hour rule. No rash emails, no instant quitting, no dramatic moves, just support while emotions cool. Then we shift to what matters most: teaching your child how to pivot. Getting cut can be a bruise, not a broken bone, if we use it to build resilience, self-awareness, and a healthier sports mindset. We also talk about the difference between travel sports and community sports, and why local leagues are essential for kids who love the game but aren’t on the “elite” track right now. There are more ways to play than one school roster. If you care about youth sports, parenting athletes, and keeping doors open for kids, listen now. Subscribe, share this with another sports parent, and leave a review with your best advice: what helped your child bounce back after getting cut? Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    7 min

  3. MAR 6

    The Rookie Parent’s Guide: Making the Right Call for the Spring Sports Season

    Send a text Spring sign-ups can feel like a pop quiz for parents of four, five, and six-year-olds, so we’re cutting through the noise with a practical game plan. We talk about why early specialization is a trap, how variety builds real athletic foundations, and what “serious” should actually mean at this age: consistency, not pressure. If you’ve wondered whether to choose soccer, T-ball, or both, this is your field guide to making smart, low-stress choices that keep kids excited to play. We share a simple framework for picking the right league: development over standings, high parent involvement to keep kids engaged, and a true fun factor measured by whether families come back next season. You’ll hear why private lessons can wait for most five-year-olds, how to be the calm “chief logistics officer” who sets kids up to succeed, and the six words that make the car ride home better for everyone. Along the way, we explore what good coaching looks like for beginners and how small wins build confidence. We also make the case for T-ball as a powerful on-ramp to sport. With the ball on a tee, kids can focus on the stance, the swing, and the sprint without fear of getting hit. That first clean hit, the cheer from the sidelines, and the dash to first base create a positive feedback loop that turns reps into joy. Add in dugout culture—learning to cheer, wait turns, and support teammates—and you’ve got social skills that carry into any sport. Spring should feel like a fresh start, not a recruiting race. If they leave the field with dirt on their knees and a smile on their face, you’re winning. Subscribe for more practical youth sports advice, share this with a fellow parent trying to choose a league, and leave a quick review to help other families find the show. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    5 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    Why Your Child’s Private Lessons Aren’t Working And How To Fix It

    Send a text Stop paying for motion when you want progress. We dig into why so many private lessons fail to create real separation on the field and show how to flip the model from selling minutes to producing measurable outcomes. The focus isn’t more reps; it’s the right reps—built on intent, movement quality, and a game-ready mindset that holds up under pressure. We start by naming the problem: uniform, overpriced sessions that treat a beginner like a travel standout and mistake activity for development. Then we lay out a better path. Tier instruction by age, experience, mechanics, and goals. Set a clear objective for every session and end with a takeaway plus a weekly plan. Teach athletes how to think: self-diagnose after a miss, read pitch rotation, anticipate count leverage, and make in-at-bat adjustments. Movement training becomes a lever for skill—balance, sequencing, rhythm, and strength flow directly into command, bat speed, and adjustability. Our myth-busting segment tackles stubborn beliefs. More reps don’t equal better results; only quality reps with feedback drive change. Pitching lessons can’t be just throwing—health, control, and performance come from movement patterns and sequencing. Tee work isn’t kiddie stuff; used with purpose, it’s how elite hitters refine positions and ball flight. We challenge facilities and coaches to stop babysitting, invest in education, and mentor athletes toward clear, trackable goals. Parents get the accountability script: ask “What’s the goal today? What’s the long-term plan?” If lessons don’t produce visible improvement over teammates who only attend practice, it’s time to make a switch. Modeled on what pros do in the offseason—analyze, measure, adjust—this approach builds smarter, stronger, more resilient athletes. When training targets mechanics, movement, mindset, and game IQ, kids don’t just hit in cages; they perform when it counts. If this resonates, subscribe, share with another family, and leave a review so we can grow a community committed to raising athletes the right way. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    12 min

  5. 10/21/2025

    Why Off-Season Training Is a Game-Changer for Baseball & Softball Players 🥎⚾

    Send a text Parents want their kids to shine under the lights, but the real transformation happens when the stands are empty and the pressure is off. We break down a clear, no-nonsense plan for using the offseason to make smart mechanical changes, build strength and speed, and lock in confidence that shows up when the games return. Drawing from the routines of elite athletes, we explain why small in-season tweaks and big between-season overhauls are the proven path—and how to apply that rhythm for youth players at any stage. You’ll hear a practical roadmap across hitting, pitching, fielding, and athletic development. For hitters, that means targeted lessons, video analysis, and focused work on grip, hand position, stride, and swing path. For pitchers, it’s a progressive throwing plan, command training, spin efficiency, and safe velocity development combined with arm care and recovery. We also highlight the often-missed pillars: mobility, core stability, lateral movement, first-step quickness, and the smart introduction of new gear so athletes adapt before the first pitch in spring. We tackle the myths that hold families back—like months of total rest, “they’ll fix it at practice,” or “too young for strength”—and offer accessible options such as small group clinics to keep costs manageable without sacrificing quality coaching. The payoff is tangible: fewer injuries, faster skills, and a visible performance jump on day one next season. If you’re ready to trade guesswork for a plan, this guide will help you structure an offseason that compounds into real results. Subscribe, share with another sports parent, and leave a review to tell us what your athlete is prioritizing this winter. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    15 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    Hustle, Handshakes, and Highlight Reels: Standing Out at College Camps

    Send a text The secret weapon in college athletic recruiting isn't talent—it's communication. While fewer than 5% of prospect camp attendees follow up with coaches afterward, this overlooked step makes the difference between being noticed and being recruited. College coaches aren't just evaluating athletic ability during prospect camps and clinics. They're carefully observing behavior, communication skills, and genuine interest in their program. As one coach revealed after recruiting a persistent athlete who contacted them regularly: "It proved she really had a desire to go there, she was committed, and I knew she'd be loyal to the program." This insight reveals the fundamental truth of recruiting—skills will get you seen, but communication gets you recruited. Maximizing prospect camps requires a three-phase approach. Before the camp, athletes should research participating coaches, send personalized introduction emails, and know their athletic metrics to understand how they compare to peers. During the camp, making direct introductions to coaches, demonstrating coachability, asking intelligent questions, and maintaining positive body language can significantly impact a coach's perception. The most critical phase comes after the camp, when sending a personalized thank-you email within 24-48 hours can cement your place in a coach's memory. This follow-up should reference specific camp takeaways, reiterate program interest, and include updated highlights. Parents play a crucial supporting role in this process, but hovering during camps or taking over communications can backfire dramatically. Coaches want to recruit independent young adults who can thrive away from home—not athletes who rely on parental intervention. By helping your athlete develop the confidence to navigate the recruiting process themselves, you're preparing them not just for college athletics, but for success in adulthood. Ready to transform your approach to college prospect camps? Start by implementing these communication strategies at your next opportunity. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    12 min

  7. 09/09/2025

    Pitching Success: Finding Release Points and Leg Power

    Send a text Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    12 min
  8. USSSA All-American Games: A Father's Honest Review

    08/05/2025

    USSSA All-American Games: A Father's Honest Review

    Send a text Wondering if the USSSA-A All-American Games is worth it for your young softball player? Look no further than this revealing father-daughter journey from tryouts to championship week. Having just returned from Florida where my daughter competed in this prestigious event, I'm pulling back the curtain on every aspect of the experience. Despite initial skepticism about whether this was merely an elaborate money-grab, what we discovered was a legitimately transformative opportunity that exceeded our expectations at every turn. The journey begins with a comprehensive tryout process spanning 23 locations nationwide, where players showcase their skills through athletic testing, position evaluations, and hitting assessments. Unlike many youth sports "showcases," this one genuinely selects based on merit, creating teams of remarkably talented athletes from across the country. What sets this tournament apart is its thoughtful organization - players compete in single-year age groups rather than the traditional two-year brackets, and strict playing time rules ensure every selected athlete gets substantial field time. From the moment we arrived at the USSSA Space Coast Complex with its 15 turf fields and 8,000-seat stadium, it became clear this wasn't an ordinary tournament. The opening ceremonies filled the stadium with cheering families, custom jerseys and trading cards made players feel like professionals, and the coaching staff delivered both technical expertise and genuine encouragement. Perhaps most surprisingly, these teams of strangers quickly developed extraordinary chemistry, with players supporting each other through successes and mistakes alike. Yes, USSSA is running a business, but they're delivering exceptional value in return. For talented softball players seeking recognition and growth opportunities beyond their local travel teams, this experience represents something truly special. After witnessing my typically introverted daughter thrive in this environment, I can confidently call it the best softball experience we've had to date. If your daughter has the skills to compete, don't let skepticism hold you back from what could be a defining moment in her athletic journey. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - https://www.lidiamondbaseball.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3athleteperformance/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

    30 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Raising Athletes is the ultimate guide for parents supporting their young athletes on the journey toward college recruitment and beyond. Hosted by experts in sports development, recruiting, and mental performance, this show provides actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help parents navigate the competitive world of youth athletics. From goal-setting and skill development to navigating the recruiting process, Raising Athletes is your trusted playbook for helping your child achieve their athletic dreams while building character and resilience.Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner:  www.PGMAthlete.com

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Taormina
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Raising Athletes
  • Show Website
    Raising Athletes

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