Baseball Coaching Info

New Year’s Resolutions

‘Tis the season, so why not throw in some coaching resolutions. We can always improve to more fully understand the game and more effectively teach our players. They deserve our dedication to elevate our abilities, just as we ask of them.

Think back on the past season and jot down:

1. Three elements you planned for the season that did not fully develop.
2. Three moments in training sessions when exercises were not smooth.
3. Three occurrences in games that confused you.
4. Three times that when you were talking to a player, you were not quite sure how or what to tell him/her.
5. Three times when you should have spoken to a player about an issue and you decided to not say anything.
6. Three situations with either referees or parents that you could have done better on.
7. Three times you were either late or unprepared for a training session.

Review and refocus your understand your role by asking yourself these and other questions:

1. In what ways am I a role model for my players in terms of emphasizing teamwork and having fun (over winning)?
2. Am I successful as a role model for my players’ parents in terms of enjoying the competition as a game, accepting loss, dealing with referees, remaining positive?
3. Do I keep the players’ safety in mind at all times?
4. Do I strive to always place fairness, ethics and integrity at a premium?
5. Am I knowledgeable of and in line with all of the rules according to my team, club, school, and state association?

Examine your coaching philosophy on player development. Consider some of the following elements in relation to your own viewpoint:

• Spur on every player’s appreciation of the sport.
• Having FUN is the essential goal - keep winning and losing in proper perspective.
• Treat each player as an individual - everyone develops and learns in a unique manner.
• Educate the players on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level, not beyond.
• Create flexible players - allow and encourage players to experience all positions.
• Provide positive feedback and reinforcement - Shout Praise, Whisper Criticism.
• Training sessions should be challenging and competitive, but fun.
• Don’t push the game too much or too early on youth players - burnout or quitting may result. Provide the appropriate number of training sessions and games according to the player’s stage of development.
• Strive to help players reach their full potential. The hope is that each player will be prepared and comfortable to move to the next level of development.

Finally, make some resolutions. Here’s some help. Write down:

1. Three principles to teaching that you wish to improve (i.e., listening to players better or stopping to discuss positive moments in practice, not just bad ones)
2. Three new ways to help further your coaching education (i.e., get certified at clinics, watch pro games on TV, or go observe other coach’s sessions)
3. Three team chemistry themes you want the team to accomplish next season (i.e., everyone can be a leader or learning from losses)
4. Three new positive phrases you can say from the sidelines to the players during the game (i.e., Keep up the hustle, That’s great teamwork, or Way to close down the space on defense)
5. Three new issues to consider at halftime (i.e., asking the players what they thought about the first half , discussing why and how the goals were scored in the first half, or keeping second half themes to three or less)
6. Three new concepts to help players remain confident.

The biggest step you can take as a coach in the off-season is to carefully evaluate the age group and skill level that you are coaching. Think about where the players are in their lives as people (i.e., confidence and emotional/physical maturity) and as players. Treat each player with respect. Remember you are important in their development on and off the field. Enjoy and relish this role.