Category: Coaching
Type: Philosophy
FALL BASEBALL – A GREAT TIME TO REALLY COACH
Fall baseball is the time when teaching and learning, hopefully in a fun environment, may fight the demons of your competitive coaching side. We like to say that it is fall ball so we are not going to win at all costs, BUT...it is hard not trotting out your stud pitchers at every opportunity... especially if you have history with some of your competition! Here's some thoughts to assist your fall success:
1st – You Need To Have The Reality-Check Preseason Meeting
Your goals for this fall season must be outlined in an initial meeting with parents and players. You must be abundantly clear regarding your thoughts on winning, which I would always encourage. It is the playing well and with marked improvement between the first game to the end of the season that are the real barometers of a fall season's success!
2nd – You Are The Man
You, coach, are the guy who is giving your time and doing your best to help an entire team of other people's kids to do their best. And trust me on this one, if the kids aren't having fun, you had better change your ways fast...or you are missing the reason you should be doing this in the first place! And to a player, what could be more fun than to finally have a coach who gave them a chance to earn the position they have dreamed about. Learn to pick your spots, be honest with the younger kids who you know may be in harm's way, and be aware of when you can and can't do this. If your heart is in the right place…you will know! Today, without fall ball...when and how are they going to learn these positions?
3rd - Players, Positions & Having Fun!
We play baseball – We don't work baseball! If it isn't fun, why would any kid want to play this game at all? They are kids! No matter what the age and skill level, especially as they get older, they will have a lot of choices and options. Let's keep ‘em in the game! Face it...most of the world doesn't think baseball with autumn in the air. It's football, back to school, new friends, etc. So, any kid who is on a baseball field in September is telling you...I REALLY LIKE (or love) THIS GAME! Don't you chase them away! No matter what their present skill level, those skills may change...and fast! I cannot tell you how many kids I have had in the Fall who grow and get stronger by Spring. Always remember...Players only get better. Help them to make it happen!
It's not "daddyball," it's just smart fall ball! Take some risks, show some courage, park your ego, then kick some butt on the scoreboard! You may end up getting more out of this experience than your players!
*This is an excerpt. Click here to read the entire article!
Tools To Improve Your Fall Ball Players
Players are built in the off season. No player can expect to reach his potential just by doing only what is required. With bad weather and no practices or games, practical tools that really will get used are vitally important.
HITTERS:
Every use a SWINGAWAY Hit Trainer?
It is the only training aid I know of that is used by every MLB team. It is also personally owned by over 275 Big League players. Groove a swing in your backyard, garage, basement or take it to the field (it is very portable.) Click here to read more!
PITCHERS:
If you want to see a real velocity and strength difference next spring...you had better find a way to get ahead through the winter. Our Armed & Ready Program by Big League pitching guru Alan Jaeger will do this and help you keep your arm healthy. Invest in yourself and your future. Click here to read more!
Also, here's another link for those that want more baseball knowledge:
BaseballTips.com Newsletter
Submitted by: Coach John Peter
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