Teen FAQ

If you know you'd like to play and would like to learn to play better, go ahead and tryout -- take your nervousness with you, don't let it keep you home. Remember, everyone else will be nervous to some degree too; and everybody is there to learn. You might talk with the coach ahead of time and tell him or her that you're "nervous but dedicated".

Also, a school team is not the only team. There are recreational leagues at most communities' recreation department, the YMCA (for boys and girls) or YWCA, church leagues (you may not need to belong to a given to church to be able to play for them), regional leagues that play for fun, summer programs, winter-break workshops, etc. Separate your feelings of lack of confidence and self-consciousness from the issue, and instead practice behaviors that might get you playing somewhere. For example, talk to people about playing, search community leagues, and let the coach know your passion and yearning -- that's great stuff and more rare than you might think.

If you want to lose some weight, exercise (which is key to health and vital living anyway) will certainly be of help. Talk again to your parents letting them know it's a priority for you. Talk with your doctor (privately or jointly with parents, however you feel comfortable) and ask to see a nutritionist that can help with menu planning and setting goals. Be patient with yourself. Know that weight on a scale is separate from who you are, or what you can do!