Growing up, my mom was notorious for yelling from the sidelines. “Be aggressive!” “Shoot it!” “Luke, what are you doing?!”

What did that do to grade-school me? Did it help me focus on my game? Enjoy the sport? Not even close. I dreaded playing in games.

Then something incredible happened. My parents went on vacation, and I had a basketball game. No pressure. No sideline yelling. No “Luke!!!” echoing through the gym. I scored 20 points. I played free. I actually enjoyed the game.

For the first time, I wasn’t looking over at the sidelines after every play. I stayed locked into the game—not into trying to read my parents’ body language.

And I know I’m not alone. I’ve seen this dynamic play out again and again. Parents yelling from the stands. Calling out plays. Making scenes. It’s become even more intense in the NIL era—where dreams of scholarships, stardom, and spotlight cloud what youth and high school sports should be about.

So here’s the truth: The lines on the field or court? Yes, they mark the rules of the game. But they should also serve as a boundary for you as a parent. Stay outside the lines—physically and emotionally.

Let your kid play. Let them enjoy the game. No interfering.

Your support means everything. But your sideline coaching? That might be doing more harm than good.