Baseball Coaching Info

Player Conferences: Opening the Lines of Communication

Conducting player conferences is vital to any successful program that wants to keep the lines of communication open between the players and coach. This line of communication allows players and coaches to deal honestly with one another in order to gain a better understanding of what is needed and expected of one another. When issues are dealt with in an open and honest manner, both individuals gain confidence in the situation and are able to excel in their defined roles.

Two of the biggest elements in speaking with players are honesty and the ability to listen. Athletes appreciate honesty. Knowing exactly where they stand and what their roles are, allows athletes to set realistic goals and gives them confidence in knowing what is expected. Also, a coach’s ability to listen to player and give her direct feedback is vital, as most athletes look to their coaches for guidance and insight.

Components of a conference:

• How is the athlete doing?
• What is the athlete doing well?
• What needs improvement?
• What is the athlete’s role on the team?
• Where does the coach see the player contributing? (Importance to the team?)
• If player desires another role, can that fit into the team’s plan?

Goals

• Player and coach must agree on goals set, and they must fit the athlete’s team role.
• Season goals, short term goals, etc. (See “Process-Oriented Goals” article)
• Is the player meeting those goals?
• Special concerns of the coach and player

Conferences can be conducted as many times as needed. However, in general, three conferences a season are usually sufficient. The first conference can be held at the beginning of the season and help establish goals and expectations of the player. The second conference can be held after the pre-season when the coach knows the players and the roles they will be filling throughout the season. Goals should be rethought and adjusted, if needed, and the coach can give a better assessment of where the player is and where the athlete is going. The final conference should be toward the end of the season (possibly just before the conference tournament), in order to make sure the players and coach are seeing eye-to-eye as the team is going into the final stage of the season.

Conduct conferences to meet your needs and your team’s needs. If more meeting opportunities are needed, or specific needs arise with your team leaders, open the door up and start the dialogue. The more players know how coaches think, the more confident they will grow in what is going on with the program. Give your players access to your thought processes and sell them on your plans, and they will give you more of what you want.