Baseball Coaching Info

The Teachable Moment

Becoming a good coach involves not only learning the principles of the game. The effective coach applies the knowledge by delivering it to the players at the right moment in a learning fashion. The teachable moment is the instant when you identify a mistake to correct by showing the players involved a preferred option or choice. The off-season can be especially valuable for teaching fundamentals and other integral parts of the game.

Each coach will present the insight uniquely, but generally it is wise to be concise, specific, and encourage your players to think. A good teaching catch phrase is: “Freeze it, Fix it, Get out of it.”

1. FREEZE IT!
As you observe and then recognize the precise instant for a teachable moment, say “freeze” to stop the activity. Reconstruct the situation like you would rewind a video tape.

2. FIX IT!
Once you reset the situation, begin to paint a clear picture to teach the players. Ask the players why they chose such an option and help them to learn from their decisions. Encourage the players to discover or listen to different, more beneficial options. Ask questions, show other choices, provide insight. Paint a clear picture.

3. GET OUT OF IT!
Do not interrupt the flow of the exercise or game with long, repetitive, or inappropriate interventions. Immediately after you have used the teachable moment effectively, get out of the picture and let the play continue.

The best and most permanent learning experiences players have come when they discover the more “correct” choices by themselves. Players should be able to think on their feet and improve their mental awareness on the field.

The teachable moment often highlights a specific player, but be sure when you stop play in a group exercise that all learn from the example.

Make sure you are not over-coaching, i.e., verbose monologues, non-flowing exercises, not allowing players to talk. Choose your teachable moments carefully and sparingly. Remember that the game is the best teacher.