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Nickname:
rocknfire12
Posts: 2301
Member Since: 9/02/00
Posted: 4/11/2007 11:34am
Views: 4957
Replies: 8
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Problems facing HS coaches
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Since there are obviously many of you out there that cant stand the HS coach/ or just think they are not a good coach, ill list the problems with being a HS coach as I see it. This is not meant to bash, incite, or otherwise start a nasty thread. This is to give many of you a different perspective.
1. Players and coaches are stuck together. As a travel coach I hold a tryout and get rid of the players that I feel wont help the team, or will not be the right fit for my coaching style. On the flip side, players can choose to not play for me and go somewhere else if they feel my style does not fit them. What is left are players and coaches that CHOOSE to be together.
2. So few games to spread playing time. If the program is trying to win games, they can not afford to experiment all that much once league starts. Tournaments have time limits that can keep games to 4 or 5 innings, making substitution difficult. We then play 2 games a week, and in those two games, most of the time the same kids start, and the same kids sit. This causes major problems for those sitting.
3. Animosity among upper classmen that have Freshman starting. Again, if your HS is trying to put the best team on the field, they likely move up 1 or 2 frosh, and 1 or 2 sophs. This causes problems among the players and especially the parents of the kids that arent starting as they watch a Freshman play everygame.
This is not an issue at all in travel.
4. Community relations. As a travel coach, I do exactly what I want. I pretty much answer to nobody except myself(well, i always answer to the wife:) On the HS program, many parents that arent happy will just go to the AD or Principal and complain all the time. So the HS coach is always walking somewhat of a line between the admin and his program.
5.Quality/desire of players. Travel players are likely going to hitting 1 or 2 times a week and have a burning desire to get better. They work hard every practice and softball is one of the main things in their life all year. The HS team(if you are lucky) is blessed with 4-6 players like that, and then another 6 players of varying skill levels and desire. Practices can be a chore for them. Coach must work extra hard to motivate all of the players.
6. The travel/HS conflict. This is not a problem at our HS. But after reading the many posts in here, I see how a HS coach is going to get bashed no matter what they do because Suzie's dad coaches the travel team, or he listens at the travel practice and he will then explain to everyone how wrong the HS coach is.
7. Losing sucks. If the HS teams loses, the travel players will be hating life. Losing just plain sucks for everyone. I have never seen a team in my life that was just terrible have the coach stand up at the end of the year and say this was the best group. The parents are not happy, the players arent happy, and the coaches arent happy. It is misery to the 3rd power and it just snowballs. Travel ends soon and if the team stinks, you go find another. If the HS team stinks, you just come back the next year.
The biggest problem IMO, is number 1.
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Nickname:
Duane
Posts: 290
Member Since: 11/19/99
Posted: 4/11/2007 11:53am
Views: 4912
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I'm with ya. Not all HS coaches are the science teacher. I myself have been coaching for 14 years with 9 of those travel. The rural HS team faces a team without a feeder program which may have 1 player that has played travel, 4 or 5 that have played some rec ball, when they were young, and the rest are just interested enough to try out. Our school has been open for 5 years and we have yet to have all 9 starting players that have even played softball. We try to take the athletic ones and quickly (2weeks) teach them to throw and catch. Later in the year we will get to hitting the ball and what to do if the ball comes to you. As coaches we look around the field knowing that half the girls are praying that the ball never gets hit to them. As you might imagine, the win / loss ratio is not very equal and in turn the turnover rate of players is high. This means that next year we will once again be forced to start players with 2 weeks experiance. If you want a challenge and want to know just how good of a coach you are, give that a try!!!!!
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Nickname:
erinsdad__1
Posts: 1287
Member Since: 6/08/01
Posted: 4/11/2007 12:10pm
Views: 4892
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I think you've raised some valid points. It's easy to blast High School coaches, but many are working with limited or zero money from the school, plus a limited pool of talent. It's not easy to bench a senior who's given her best for three years, and whose parents are great supporters of the team. While many HS coaches are probably deserving of the criticism, it may be less stressful to appreciate High School ball for what it is and just make the best of it.
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Nickname:
peeweesmom
Posts: 396
Member Since: 5/07/02
Posted: 4/11/2007 12:19pm
Views: 4888
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I think high school coaches deserve a lot more credit than they get. The high school coach has to make a team out of what talent he or she has. My DD's high school is a good example. There are three TB players on varsity and the coach has one pitcher in the entire program. The other school in our district has 5 pitchers that are juniors. I don't even know how many are in her program. Is the coach of the other team really better than ours or just blessed with having a lot of talented kids. We will never Know. My DD chose music over softball after her sophomore year. She's very happy not to be playing any more and losing game after game. But I don't ever blame the coach for this. She does her best with what she has for talent.
[ Modified 4/11/2007 1:20pm by peeweesmom ]
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Nickname:
Emtae
Posts: 123
Member Since: 5/21/03
Posted: 4/11/2007 12:29pm
Views: 4887
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Head coach gets paid. Many of the asst coaches get paid.
They get to pick their team. Every kid that tries out wants to play.
Most have playing time available at two levels (V & JV), some also have freshman teams.
Start the loyal senior in front of the freshman. Easy fix.
You coach how you coach. Parents will always complain to some degree. If the AD or principal wants to fire you, they will. So what.
You don't have all travel players. So what. You have 3 hour practices 5 days per week to actually coach the kids and provide some training. Travel coaches don't get 15 hours per week to work with their teams.
There is no HS/travel conflict. You do what you are allowed by the rules.
Losing sucks. Do your best. Set different goals for the team. Improvement is the big thing. HS Coaches get fired because of many other things than losing. Most HS's could give a crap if their softball team wins or not.
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Nickname:
Bryan__234
Posts: 53
Member Since: 2/21/06
Posted: 4/11/2007 1:06pm
Views: 4815
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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"nuff said concerning our coach"
Just curious what would be your description of a good coach. Not trying to be mean or argue or bash. I read your post on your daughters H.S team.
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Nickname:
rocknfire12
Posts: 2301
Member Since: 9/02/00
Posted: 4/11/2007 1:09pm
Views: 4812
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Head coach gets paid. Many of the asst coaches get paid.
And...... your point?
They get to pick their team. Every kid that tries out wants to play.
I am not sure I understand what you mean here.
Most have playing time available at two levels (V & JV), some also have freshman teams.
Start the loyal senior in front of the freshman. Easy fix.
So if the Sr is loyal but cant/wont have any impact on the program you play her? Isnt that what so many HS coaches get bashed for? Not playing the best players?
You coach how you coach. Parents will always complain to some degree. If the AD or principal wants to fire you, they will. So what.
Couldnt agree with you more. I only know one way to coach. If that isnt good for some, I dont care.
You don't have all travel players. So what. You have 3 hour practices 5 days per week to actually coach the kids and provide some training. Travel coaches don't get 15 hours per week to work with their teams.
You can coach some kids over and over and over and their physical skills will NEVER allow them to do certain things on a softball field. You do the best you can with what you have.
There is no HS/travel conflict. You do what you are allowed by the rules.
For some coaches, I agree. I have already stated that this will never be a problem as long as I am a HS coach. My way or the highway, but there are MANY inexperienced coaches that simply do not know how to handle things.
Example: Last week we were playing Central Valley HS in Ceres Ca ( yeah Ill mention names, I dont make crap up) and this dad was behind the backstop calling pitches and otherwise talking crap the entire game. The head coach simply didnt want to deal with him or did not know how to deal with him. I think she was a first year coach and relatively young. She must learn to deal with this stuff.
Losing sucks. Do your best. Set different goals for the team. Improvement is the big thing. HS Coaches get fired because of many other things than losing. Most HS's could give a crap if their softball team wins or not.
You are correct, but in the end that isnt enough. Thats how parents then come in here and bash the coach and blame the coach. I make it real clear to parents on my teams. I let them know if we are losing it is all on the players. So if we stink, our players are just not that good. if we win all the time, our players are really good. That simple.
Coaches can teach all they need to be succesful (assuming they know what and how to teach) but that doesnt mean the team will be good.
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Nickname:
Emtae
Posts: 123
Member Since: 5/21/03
Posted: 4/11/2007 1:28pm
Views: 4804
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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You never go wrong with returning loyalty. The only people who bash the coach for starting the loyal senior over the "phenom freshman" are the parents of "phenom freshmen." Most of them can't spell loyalty. Their kids have travel uniform collections rivaling the uniform section in Cooperstown. These are the same people who won't want the new phenom taking their kid's position in three years.
All the HS coaches are in the relative same boat when it comes to the talent of the players. Thats what I meant about the tryouts in my earlier post.
The point is that their job is no more difficult than a TB manager, its just different.
Most of the bashing I hear doesn't have to do with personnel decisions, but game management:
1) no bunting
2) no squeezes
3) kids not tagging up at 3B on fly balls with less than 2 outs.
4) changing the way a kid hits even though she has a hitting coach.
5) changing the way a kid pitches, period.
6) pitch calling
7) lack of rules knowledge
8) steal attempts of 3B
9) putting runners at risk in games which they are behind
etc.
I watched a game a couple of weeks ago involving one the top 5 rated HS's in the nation. They are leading 7-1 in the last inning. Opponent has R1 at 3B and R2 at 1B with one out. R2 attempts to steal 2B. F2 throws the ball to 3B (F2 is a kid I coached for 3 years going on a full ride D1 scholarship next year). I asked her after the game why she threw to 3B and she said that is where the coach had the play. The opponent that game is coached by a multiple CIF Championship winner. Same inning they load the bases, one out, and now down 7-2 with the #9 hitter up and the #1 hitter on deck (who is 3-4 with a homer and double). Pitcher throws a WP to the short backstop and R1 goes towards home plate. She is thrown out from you to me. Now it is 7-2, runners on 2B and 3B with 2 outs. #9 hitter K's to end the game. How can you let a meaningless baserunner get thrown out? These are both CIF winners and considered excellent coaches.
These are the complaints I hear.
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Nickname:
rocknfire12
Posts: 2301
Member Since: 9/02/00
Posted: 4/11/2007 2:13pm
Views: 4775
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I agree with much of what you say, but we disagree big time with loyalty. I am loyal to all of my players..... but what does loyalty mean? To me it means teaching them all equally
to make them the best player I can. It means everything that goes into a player coach relationship, but it does not mean preferential treatment when it comes to playing time. I am loyal to the TEAM first. As a coach, it is my responsibility to put the best team out there to win games.
My first year involved with the HS team they were coming off a lackluster season. No playoffs and no league title in 20 years. We moved up 6 sophs that season. Our starting lineup had 6 sophs, 2 jrs and 1 sr. We had 2 other Sr players that thought they earned the right to start, regardless of ability...... we didnt see it that way. We won the league that season, and came one 11 inning game and 1 run short against Angelica Seldon from reaching the section finals. We won the next 2 section titles with those same players.
Coaches have decisions to make when it comes to playing time. It isnt easy, but being a Sr only counts if the players are equal. If a freshman is better than the Sr, she should play. That will make the team better over the long haul. This is a philosophy. Some coaches dont think that way, I do.
I personally think we coaches have an obligation to all of the players to try and be the best we can be. Playing Sr players just because they are Sr's is a recipe for a terrible program IMO.
8) steal attempts of 3B
Are you against this? I will steal third EVERYTIME the other team allows us to. Last week we stole home in the 8th inning of a 0-0 tie to win the game in the 8th inning. Had we been thrown out, of course I would have been the biggest idiot on tis side of the Mississippi. Runner was safe, so of course it was a great call. Many complaints also come from people who dont have a clue. So I guess we need to consider the source of the complaints.
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Nickname:
Emtae
Posts: 123
Member Since: 5/21/03
Posted: 4/11/2007 2:22pm
Views: 4746
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I'm all for stealing 3B, especially with 2 outs and facing a tough pitcher. I believe you have to posess the speed to accomplish the steal, though.
The complaints I have heard involve the HS coach's philosophy of constantly attempting to steal 3B, even though this coach's success rate is less than 20%. Running yourself out of an inning 4 out of 5 times is not going to help the offense.
When I talk about loyalty to the senior, I'm referring to a senior who started the previous year or two or three. I'm not going have the kid lose her job to a freshman. The senior who has yet to start through her junior year, likely won't start her senior year. So my loyalty is really devoted to the starters whom have previously performed for me.
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Nickname:
Kat__123
Posts: 313
Member Since: 4/01/05
Posted: 4/12/2007 10:50pm
Views: 4231
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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>>I am loyal to the TEAM first. As a coach, it is my responsibility to put the best team out there to win games>>
And in my opinion the only way to be...our coach is this same way. This is funny that this comes up because I just had almost this very same conversation with our girls High School basketball coach. She asked my opinio n about something and my response was the TEAM is first players are second.
>>Coaches have decisions to make when it comes to playing time. It isnt easy, but being a Sr only counts if the players are equal. If a freshman is better than the Sr, she should play.>>
I agree and if my Senior (I don't have a Senior who plays softball but if I did) is sitting the bench then she/he is not working hard enough in my opinion. My kids know better then to complain to me about playing time. They talk to coach about what they need to do to get more or they keep their complaint to themselves. Now I can easily say this as I know the coaches. I know they play the best players period. If I was in a situation where they didn't I don't really know how that would feel to be honest.
>>I personally think we coaches have an obligation to all of the players to try and be the best we can be. Playing Sr players just because they are Sr's is a recipe for a terrible program IMO.>>
I agree!!
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Nickname:
TurnTwo__7
Posts: 235
Member Since: 10/09/06
Posted: 4/11/2007 1:11pm
Views: 4814
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I understand HS coaches aren't top notch and some are more arrogant than others, and some are just there for the extra pay, and the teams lucky enough to have a coach that coaches for the right reasons & is knowledgeable... well those are the teams that are usually successful and you don't hear too many complaints.
Even knowing all of this...
Response to #6
Because I hear these kind of complaints more than not in the stands from parents.
My understanding of coaches when I was growing up!
1) No matter what the instruction was you did it to the best of your ability.
2) You never talked back.
3) Rolling of the eyes was not even considered.
4) You always helped with the teams equipment.
5) No one helped me with my gear after games, if I even thought of asking my parents, it would still be in the same spot.
6) The BEST players played... this wasn't Little League, Pony League or (whatever it is called in your part of the country) anymore.
Whatever the coach may be LL HS, TB, College, USA Team...
The one word I teach my children is RESPECT!
That is what is wrong with the ways of today you don't have to get it in order to give it!
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Nickname:
SoCalFP
Posts: 347
Member Since: 12/28/00
Posted: 4/11/2007 5:11pm
Views: 4661
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Cory:
I'll see you at 11:00 AM tomorrow and we can sort this all out then.
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Nickname:
Kat__123
Posts: 313
Member Since: 4/01/05
Posted: 4/12/2007 11:04pm
Views: 4236
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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>>But it's what I see with some of the posters on Eteamz. Am I wrong are is it usually the mommies of freshmen?<<
Hey now not all of us are that way. This past year my DD started high school. She started out the basketball season as a starter, for the first 3 games. Then for the next 3 games she didn't start. When my DD's coach had her individual meeting my DD, she told her that the reason she wasn't starting was because she was a thinker and she noticed that when she was on the bench she always watched the other players, and when she went in she made something happen. Well my DD thought it was nice for coach to tell her that but to her it just wasn't the same as starting. My response was well then you have to fix what's wrong. I advised her if she didn't know what she was doing wrong or what she need to do more right, that she needed to approach the coach and ask her what she needed to do to get back to starting. Well she didn't take my advice about talking to the coach she just kept working hard every day, after 3 more games she started again every game of the season after that. By the time these girls get to high school we am no longer their rescuer, at some point these kids have to figure out how to talk to adults and work things out. Mine is not very good at it I have to tell you, but in time I am sure she will improve. If I continue to rescue her then I am not allowing her to grow. I am glad the coaches come right out and tell the girls this at the beginning of the season that it's their responsibility to talk to the coach and work things out, no meetings with parents will be had until the girl first meets with the coach. If things fail to improve then the parents have the option of talking to the AD. Our AD backs our coaches up pretty well on this, typically the first question out of his mouth is have you talked to the coach yet? I am really happy with every coach we have dealt with this year in our high school. The AD is absolutley awesome we love him to!!! I am only bummed that our trainer is leaving us after this year...we will all miss him. God knows my little crash dummy has seen him alot.
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Nickname:
ILS
Posts: 1282
Member Since: 8/29/03
Posted: 4/12/2007 8:56am
Views: 4444
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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rockinfire12
With regards to #3 - OR the other way around, the freshman that sits even though they are way better than the upper classman. That's HS politics for you.
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Nickname:
Emtae
Posts: 123
Member Since: 5/21/03
Posted: 4/12/2007 9:30am
Views: 4418
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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99% of the time it is a direct function of the freshman's lunatic parents bloated assessment of their daughter's capabilities.
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Nickname:
ILS
Posts: 1282
Member Since: 8/29/03
Posted: 4/12/2007 2:55pm
Views: 4322
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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SoCalbully
Just came back here from the softball rules side. I've been causing trouble over there most of the day. :-) Yes, I can agree with you that parents are mostly the problem ... not sure about the 99% part.
Just for the record, I'm ok with freshman paying their dues.
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Nickname:
Bart_Vader
Posts: 962
Member Since: 12/20/05
Posted: 4/12/2007 3:20pm
Views: 4304
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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ils,
don't annoy the rules board gestapo. it just makes them more crabby.
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Nickname:
ILS
Posts: 1282
Member Since: 8/29/03
Posted: 4/13/2007 9:54am
Views: 4125
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Bart_Vader
Yea ... you're right. Now Patrick is mad at me.
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Nickname:
PATRICK_S
Posts: 685
Member Since: 6/30/04
Posted: 4/12/2007 8:17pm
Views: 4234
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Are you proud of yourself for umpire bashing anonimously. Can't do that in a game can you!
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Nickname:
ILS
Posts: 1282
Member Since: 8/29/03
Posted: 4/13/2007 8:32am
Views: 4185
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Patrick
Of course I can do that in a game. I just put on the hat of the opposing team we are playing and get all over you guys. It's amazing how many calls we get in our favor. :-)
Patrick ... lighten up. I was just kidding. Besides, I never "bashed" anybody. Reread my posts. I never was demeaning or used provacative words. I was trying to spark a debate and make umpires think a little bit. I really enjoyed Bretmans last couple of posts. That was good stuff.
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Nickname:
Donnie_S
Posts: 5380
Member Since: 4/30/03
Posted: 4/12/2007 9:50am
Views: 4410
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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>> My daughter was ultimately called up and got some playing time and started for three more years. . It wasn't the end of the world because my daughter didn't allow it to be. I didn't pound it into her head it was the end of the world because it wasn't. <<
Very similar situation here last year when mine was a freshman - after her hitting went south, they used her as a runner. She wasnt used to the bench - but we told her she was contributing to the team and she was - she scored the winning run in the game that got us the district championship.
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Nickname:
slim_
Posts: 446
Member Since: 4/26/05
Posted: 4/12/2007 11:22am
Views: 4396
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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OK, I've been quietly following this debate. How about this situation. HS coach seems to be very competent and puts the best team on the field. The only exception seems to be when playing a weak opponent when more players are given the opportunity to play. Sounds good so far right?
HS coach says no TB when playing for me. On the surface that seems at least defendable, until you find that playing for me means beginning in August when school starts until you're released in April or May. Now can any of you HS coach defenders justify this? If not how do we handle this situation. As you can tell from the tone of my post I'm not too happy.
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Nickname:
slim_
Posts: 446
Member Since: 4/26/05
Posted: 4/12/2007 1:04pm
Views: 4334
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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At what age level would you suggest that the players handle this themselves? This potentially affects this years 6 graders who will try out for next season all the way through this years 11 graders. Do you think a 6 grader is old and mature enough to approach a HS coach about something like this?
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Nickname:
goprolles
Posts: 1536
Member Since: 7/30/03
Posted: 4/12/2007 1:10pm
Views: 4322
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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"Do you think a 6 grader is old and mature enough"
6th graders are more mature than some HS parents...
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Nickname:
00sDad__1
Posts: 6
Member Since: 9/19/06
Posted: 4/12/2007 9:55pm
Views: 4233
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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"But why will this affect kids who will be in 7th grade next year? They're three years removed from high school in 6th grade. The coach isn't going to be interested in hearing from them."
Because in small schools with limited talent the 7th graders start. Sometimes on varsity but many times on JV. So yes it does affect next years 7th graders.
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Nickname:
Emtae
Posts: 123
Member Since: 5/21/03
Posted: 4/12/2007 12:56pm
Views: 4339
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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If your DD is good enough to obtain a college scholarship, you do what your TB coach wants you to do. If she isn't, you tell her to quit travel and devote her life to the HS coach.
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Nickname:
CoachSean
Posts: 406
Member Since: 11/02/00
Posted: 4/12/2007 2:03pm
Views: 4302
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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rockinfire12,
Great Post! I think you really added some insight about how tough it can be to coach high school softball.
Socalbully,
You make some good points and I am with you on the game decisions that some coaches make. In fairness I have seen TB coaches make the same mistake.
Great Post!
Sean
Minnesota Sting
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Nickname:
soonerjohn
Posts: 194
Member Since: 1/28/06
Posted: 4/12/2007 7:46pm
Views: 4264
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I didn't have time to read all the replies and I'm sure this has already been said but just in case, how bout "Psycho Parents"
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Nickname:
rocknfire12
Posts: 2301
Member Since: 9/02/00
Posted: 4/12/2007 8:27pm
Views: 4250
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Parents are not a problem if a coach knows how to deal with them. You nip it immediately and then you have no more problems. If they a see a weakness in a coach, they go right at it. No weakness, they behave.
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Nickname:
Coach__3144
Posts: 151
Member Since: 7/23/05
Posted: 4/15/2007 1:11am
Views: 4041
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I just can't wait for my dd to get into high school ball...Not
To me, the best nine should start.
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Nickname:
rocknfire12
Posts: 2301
Member Since: 9/02/00
Posted: 4/15/2007 8:37am
Views: 4050
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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I agree, but..........................
If your daughter is not in the best nine, you will likely complain that the coach shows favorites. If she is in the starting nine, coach is a great coach.
Im not talking about you specifically as I do not know you. But this is generally how it works.
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Nickname:
Coach__3144
Posts: 151
Member Since: 7/23/05
Posted: 4/15/2007 8:40pm
Views: 4017
Replies: 2
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Sorry...I am not one of those moms...However, my daughter has been gun verified at 53 - 55 with several other pitches and only in the 7th grade.
I've seen the current Varsity pitcher at what will be her high school and she is probably throwing 55 - 57 as a junior with 85 - 90% accuracy...and didn't even throw a CU. The school has what I would look at as rec ball pitching for the JV.
Bragging no, stating facts, yes...would I expect my dd to be at least one of the starters on the Varsity squad as a freshman...yes. If not, well then, I guess politics are coming into play. Will I go to the coach and complain? No, if dd wants to start that bad, then she will handle it.
If a stud freshman comes on board when my dd is a junior or senior and out pitches her, well, dd needs to work a little harder.
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Nickname:
golfbum
Posts: 113
Member Since: 10/04/06
Posted: 4/16/2007 1:57pm
Views: 3980
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Biggest problem facing HS coaches is that if they don't coach TB they likely have no idea what's going on in the game.
Our Coach thinks:
1. HS is where its at, TB is a waste of time.
2. Upperclassmen should get preference, they've earned it. (their spot is locked)
3. Been coaching 30 years and the game hasn't changed.
4. Parents paying for TB are wasting their money.
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Nickname:
STXFastpitch
Posts: 865
Member Since: 1/06/01
Posted: 4/16/2007 9:25pm
Views: 3944
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Coach, Sounds like your DD will be a great addition to the JV squad if their pitching is so bad and she is so good. I hope your ego doesn't get in her way of a happy/successful HS experience.
I used to think like many other parents. My DD was the ONLY serious TB player in the whole program. As a 14 yo freshman she made varsity and I was SURE that she fielded better and could hit as well as the upperclassman playing her position. We both learned that there is more to varsity than pure ability. There's mental toughness, physical maturity and dues. The game is played by bigger, stronger, faster athletes. She sat most of freshman year and had Mono soph year. Junior year I/we started to see what her coach had been trying to say about underclassmen vs. upperclassmen. Now as a senior it is all clear.
Clearly SOME frosh and sophs have talent and a few will play if the TEAM needs them. However juniors and seniors MAKE the team. They have proven dedication to the team and the maturity/experience to come through when it counts.
I also believe that for 95%+ of the kids playing HS ball this IS their softball experience and for most seniors the coming weeks will be the last time they step on the dirt to play. That means something as well. Underclassmen have next year. Seniors don't.
JMHO,
Vic
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Nickname:
Coach__3144
Posts: 151
Member Since: 7/23/05
Posted: 4/17/2007 11:41am
Views: 3931
Replies: 1
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Vic -
Unfortunately I knew if I put my honest opinion on here that someone would think I have a huge ego, and that I'm talking my dd up and talking down all the other pitchers...that is just not true.
But, whatever...I believe what I said...best 9 on the field...if dd gets passed up by someone else that is better...well, she needs to work harder.
She is the one that wants to go to a big name college (out of state) on a full ride scholarship, she knows that she has to work her butt off to get that...it is all in her hands...I'm just there to catch her pitches & drive her where she needs to go & cheer the TEAM on....
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Nickname:
STXFastpitch
Posts: 865
Member Since: 1/06/01
Posted: 4/17/2007 12:03pm
Views: 3939
Replies: 0
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Re: Problems facing HS coaches
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Coach,
Maybe it was the way you worded it. Sorry.
I agree in theory that best 9 should play. HOWEVER, On a 10 point scale of ability, if a senior 3B is rated as a 7.5 and a freshman 3B is an 8 or even 8.5 I would still give the nod to the senior because of my aforementioned reasons. Now if it is Senior 5 frosh 8... probably a no brainer, play the frosh. If you ask the senior 5 she will more often than not tell you she would rather be on a winning team and play a little than be on a loser and play a lot. Especially if she thinks she is the weak link.
With the vast opportunities to play all sports outside of HS at a MUCH more competitive level, I think there is room for a little paying dues to play even if you may not be the very best at that position. My DD learned a TON her freshman year (way more than if she played JV) even though she didn't play much and I beleive she is a better ball player today because she learned to work hard to fight for a spot and how to handle the emotions when she did work hard but still didn't get to play. There are plenty of lessons to be learned on and off the dirt. It's all part of the process.
JMHO,
Vic
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