What We Don't Want to See Our Youth Baseball Coaches Doing- A Top Ten List
Tip! Baseball is a game that is dependent on equipment though, and if the equipment is poor quality or in doesn't suit the kids using them, it can dampen their enthusiasm for little league baseball. It's important to buy youth baseball gloves for your child, not small adult baseball gloves which will discourage your youngster.
1. Calling a player, "Hey you".... At least make the effort to learn the names of all your players. It is not good for the child's self esteem to be called "Hey You"!
2. Making practice go on forever. Everyone has a life, I bet even you do, Coach. There are homework, chores, dinner and general wind down time needed by the young players. If you can't get in all the drills in the allotted time, get more assistants so you can run more stations. Use your parents, they are willing to help.
3. Criticizing and chastizing players on the field in front of parents and other players. That includes public displays of disgust and disappointment. You are the adult here and you need to set the example for good sportsmanship. Add to this...no swearing.
4. Yelling at their kid. Stop this. This is a way to destroy your relationship with your child and also see the point above.
Tip! Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years. He also is known as 'The Doctor' for his quick baseball glove repairs and restorations for many kids and adults throughout the summer.
5. Arguing with the umpire. Sure, make certain the ump knows when he is applying the rules wrong, but don't bother arguing play calls. Umpires are human and they make mistakes. Coaches should also discourage the parents from heckling the umpires, no matter what.
6. Favoring their child. Most coaches make an effort in this area, but not always. Use your players without discrimination. If your child is not the best player for that valuable position, use the player that is. It really is obvious to everyone, not just the good player's parents.
7. Using alcohol. Use discriminitively and conservably. Children should not see behavior that would not take place if alcohol were not consumed.
8. Thinking every player should be available whenever. There are school activities, family activities, church, other lessons and sports activities. Do not penalize the player if they are not able to drop everything and attend an unscheduled baseball activity.
9. Encouraging escalating potlucks. See #8 above. Baseball games should not have to go on beyond 4 hours. Also be aware that not all families can afford the big and expensive food spreads.
10. Comparing one player to another. A team sport is supposed to teach cooperation and collaboration.
Tip! Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years. Over those years he's seen a lot of baseball players, teams, coaches and parents and likes to share some thoughts and experiences on these subjects for encouragement and a little humor at times.
Visit our website for more: www.coybl.info
|
| 
