Baseball Coaching Info

The Month Before the Season Starts

To most coaches, August is an exciting and very important month. It is the month when teams get back together and dive into the Fall Season. Duke Basketball Coach Mike Kryzewski once said that “A season is a lifetime”. Each August provides the opportunity for a new book to be written, a unique combination of players and coaches starting over from scratch.

Begin each season anew with a fresh mindset that includes an upbeat outlook, positive attitude, and contagious enthusiasm. From the very first training session, you must touch the players psyche and make them believe indelibly in your approach to and promise of the new season. Establish themes for the players. Here are three examples:

Every Practice is an Opportunity to Improve

Too many players see practice as a tedious nuisance rather than as a crucial vehicle where they can work on their game, earn respect from their teammates, and improve as a unit. Set a glowing example from the initial training sessions that practices will be fun, challenging, and constructive.

Each Player is an Essential Piece of the Puzzle

Have each player ask him or herself, What role can I play in the team’s success How can I contribute? You may even pull each player aside for these questions or have them write a paragraph to hand in or read to the group. Players can make an impact in so many different ways whether it be the obvious forms or less tangible ways such as leadership, work ethic, communication, humor.

Recognize the Critical Significance of “Team First, Me Second”

Players need to always realize that game is truly a team sport. The sum of all the team’s parts together will reap great awards if everyone is on the same page. There must be humility and role playing with occasional situations when the player may have to give, not take, for the sake and betterment of the team. Teamwork may very well be the most crucial lesson of all youth sports.

August is also the month for the coach to set standards of how you will teach and guide the team. The coach is the leader in so many ways and establishing guidelines may emblazon a season of growth and success. Here are a few examples.

Open and Honest Communication with the Players

Encourage a two-way street with your players, so that they are comfortable both listening to and speaking to you. If the players feel they can trust you, they will not only approach you with excellent feedback and ideas, they will work harder and learn more quickly from you.

Develop a Style that Fits Your Players Strengths

Far too many coaches go into each season thinking they have the miracle style, line-up, or formation then attempt to place their players into their pre-determined design. Evaluate your players? abilities and highlights, while keeping in mind their limitations and weaknesses, then start to mold a style, rhythm, and formation around the components.

Remember You Are Dealing with Individuals First and Foremost

We get caught up far too often in dealing with the success of the team that we forget that we are teaching a group of young people, all of whom are unique. Every player thinks and reacts differently, so establish a bond with each that is singular and genuine. Give every player a fair shot and your full commitment - you may be surprised who your best players really are by the end of the season!