Practices belong to the coaches and the games belong to the
kids. This is one of the most powerful statements in Youth
baseball, and Youth sports for that matter.
Practices belong to the coaches and the games belong to the kids. This is one of the most powerful statements in Youth baseball, and Youth sports for that matter. Yet, as post season play, including tournament of champions and all-stars, begins, games belonging to the kids sometimes get overlooked.
Countless times we have our children take center stage on the pitcher’s mound and face distractions they’re not ready for. The umpire, the opposing hitter, the other team, the cheering and loud noise as well as the magnitude of the game are all things the youth pitcher doesn’t face in practice.
With this in mind, parents must help their kids relax and let the coaches do their job, especially with pitchers. Let the kids enjoy themselves. Most kids are out there trying to please their parents and their coaches and do well. The last thing they need is more pressure from the stands.
To relax, a youth pitcher must take deep breaths before every pitch, focus on throwing to the catcher’s glove, get outs, take it one pitch at a time and not worry about what he can’t control, such as errors by his teammates or the umpire. This, obviously, is easier said than done.
So, as a parent, how can you help your son get through an important time in his, or her, life and have fun? Simple, let the coaches handle the instruction and keep everything in a postive manner when you’re cheering.
Before the game remind your youngster to keep his poise, listen to the coaches, focus on his task only , relax and enjoy the experience. Keep the word winning out of the conversation.
During the game refrain from saying “Throw strikes,” “Don’t walk him,” or anything that deals with mechanics. These things tend to have the pitcher aim and throw with less velocity and accuracy, and more pressure.
Saying anything that allows him to keep his poise and emotions under control is good. This in turn allows you, as a parent, to also keep your emotions in check.
By setting a good example you’re sending the message to your child that it is indeed his game to play.
Rich Taylor is the owner, head instructor and CEO of Taylor Made Baseball. He is a former pitching coach at Pepperdine University and Chicago White Sox scout. He founded the West Coast Baseball School and has 26 years of youth coaching experience. His column appears on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
