In youth baseball, and any youth sport for that matter, the
manager or coach plays an important role in that year
’s development of each player. For that season, they become the
most influential person the player will come in contact with. And,
in some cases, they will influence how a player approaches the
future in regards to sportsmanship, winning and losing and work
ethic.
In youth baseball, and any youth sport for that matter, the manager or coach plays an important role in that year’s development of each player. For that season, they become the most influential person the player will come in contact with. And, in some cases, they will influence how a player approaches the future in regards to sportsmanship, winning and losing and work ethic.
Coaches will set the tone for his team’s style of play, how the practices will be run, how well each player improves and setting each player up for advancement to the next level. It’s not an easy job. The average coach spends about 80-100 hours each baseball season with his players. Between practices and games his values and objectives will probably reflect on the team.
A good coach will care about his team, be a teacher, stay composed and patient, know the game, listen to his players, won’t play favorites and will get everyone into the games. While doing this the main focus should be to have fun.
To provide a great mesh between coaches, parents and players, each coach should establish team and individual objectives and re-evaluate those objectives halfway through the season. Team chemistry and individual improvement changes as the season progresses.
To make the coach’s job easier, parents should provide their objectives to the coach in regards to their child. Coaches are not mind readers. Parents should tell them about any learning disabilities, health problems or split families. Tell them what you expect your son to get out of the season. This will alleviate conflict down the road. It will also help the coach change or establish a new objective based on your information and provide a clearer picture of what the child can accomplish.
Players need to play and have fun, not explain theories and ideas to his coach or parent. If everyone is on the same page throughout the season, the end of the season will be a fun time not a war of words.
Both parents and coaches must remember that the practices belong to the coaches and the games belong to the kids. Staying within that focus will allow each player to have fun and enjoy the game. And, that influence from the adults will go a long way in the development and character of the player.
