What would you do?
How do you cheat in baseball? Not like there is loaded bats and stuff.
I don't agree with your coaching philosophy though. I've coached girls softball 10-14 and they're all now in high school. Multi-time state ASA champions, and top national contenders every year. What I've learned is that if you want them to be successful you have to get them to WANT to win. Once they start winning, they LIKE it. You ALWAYS play to win and put your best players on the field. There are games when bench players won't play too much and others they play alot. Now, to get them to be good you have to push them. We are talking about little emotional girls just like young boys. I whole heartedly agree that each kid is different and might take a little different approach at times. But as a good coach, that's your job to figure out how to connect with them. Some think sports are just for fun, but I think it's about winning. I think the kids that are coached to win, ultimately work harder, are more confident, and take what they learn from sports and apply to the rest of their life.
I will give you an example. My brother lives in a podunk town far from real civilization. 5 kids in the grade/middle school, 3 are his. Mom is the assistant teacher (yeah they have 2 teachers for 5 kids lol) and the bus driver. Anyways, to put it lightly the kids don't have much for resources around them.
What they have is a father and mother that are 100% involved in their life, pushing them, making them be as good as they can be. 2 are boys, 1 is a girl. All three are wrestlers. My brother barely wrestled himself, so he doesn't know much. But he works with the kids constantly, spends $ on books, reads on the internet, talks to every coach he can think of. They spend every last penny to make it to wrestling events. All 3 kids are multiple time state champions, the girl won the national championship last year, and one boy is rated #1 in the nation and was part of the all-national team last year. Their dad is a hard *** on them, maybe too hard at times. They do pushups and situps everyday. Money is hard to come by so they get to help raise animals and cut firewood regularly. My point is they were taught to WIN, once they tasted it, they work harder than any other kid to stay there. That drive came from their parents. You're not born with it.
So with my experiences and what I've seen, the passion and drive of the coach is every bit as important as what he knows. If the coach says good job, when the kid didn't put it all out there or is lazy, his just did a big mis-service to that kid, perhaps beyond whatever sporting event he was playing. I think you even need to push when the kid is trying, even when he/she is doing good. They are kids, but I think kids are more resilient than you give them credit for.
So i say keep that guy you said tried to cheat to win! whew.
I don't agree with your coaching philosophy though. I've coached girls softball 10-14 and they're all now in high school. Multi-time state ASA champions, and top national contenders every year. What I've learned is that if you want them to be successful you have to get them to WANT to win. Once they start winning, they LIKE it. You ALWAYS play to win and put your best players on the field. There are games when bench players won't play too much and others they play alot. Now, to get them to be good you have to push them. We are talking about little emotional girls just like young boys. I whole heartedly agree that each kid is different and might take a little different approach at times. But as a good coach, that's your job to figure out how to connect with them. Some think sports are just for fun, but I think it's about winning. I think the kids that are coached to win, ultimately work harder, are more confident, and take what they learn from sports and apply to the rest of their life.
I will give you an example. My brother lives in a podunk town far from real civilization. 5 kids in the grade/middle school, 3 are his. Mom is the assistant teacher (yeah they have 2 teachers for 5 kids lol) and the bus driver. Anyways, to put it lightly the kids don't have much for resources around them.
What they have is a father and mother that are 100% involved in their life, pushing them, making them be as good as they can be. 2 are boys, 1 is a girl. All three are wrestlers. My brother barely wrestled himself, so he doesn't know much. But he works with the kids constantly, spends $ on books, reads on the internet, talks to every coach he can think of. They spend every last penny to make it to wrestling events. All 3 kids are multiple time state champions, the girl won the national championship last year, and one boy is rated #1 in the nation and was part of the all-national team last year. Their dad is a hard *** on them, maybe too hard at times. They do pushups and situps everyday. Money is hard to come by so they get to help raise animals and cut firewood regularly. My point is they were taught to WIN, once they tasted it, they work harder than any other kid to stay there. That drive came from their parents. You're not born with it.
So with my experiences and what I've seen, the passion and drive of the coach is every bit as important as what he knows. If the coach says good job, when the kid didn't put it all out there or is lazy, his just did a big mis-service to that kid, perhaps beyond whatever sporting event he was playing. I think you even need to push when the kid is trying, even when he/she is doing good. They are kids, but I think kids are more resilient than you give them credit for.
So i say keep that guy you said tried to cheat to win! whew.
How do you cheat in baseball? Not like there is loaded bats and stuff.
I don't agree with your coaching philosophy though. I've coached girls softball 10-14 and they're all now in high school. Multi-time state ASA champions, and top national contenders every year. What I've learned is that if you want them to be successful you have to get them to WANT to win. Once they start winning, they LIKE it. You ALWAYS play to win and put your best players on the field. There are games when bench players won't play too much and others they play alot. Now, to get them to be good you have to push them. We are talking about little emotional girls just like young boys. I whole heartedly agree that each kid is different and might take a little different approach at times. But as a good coach, that's your job to figure out how to connect with them. Some think sports are just for fun, but I think it's about winning. I think the kids that are coached to win, ultimately work harder, are more confident, and take what they learn from sports and apply to the rest of their life.
I will give you an example. My brother lives in a podunk town far from real civilization. 5 kids in the grade/middle school, 3 are his. Mom is the assistant teacher (yeah they have 2 teachers for 5 kids lol) and the bus driver. Anyways, to put it lightly the kids don't have much for resources around them.
What they have is a father and mother that are 100% involved in their life, pushing them, making them be as good as they can be. 2 are boys, 1 is a girl. All three are wrestlers. My brother barely wrestled himself, so he doesn't know much. But he works with the kids constantly, spends $ on books, reads on the internet, talks to every coach he can think of. They spend every last penny to make it to wrestling events. All 3 kids are multiple time state champions, the girl won the national championship last year, and one boy is rated #1 in the nation and was part of the all-national team last year. Their dad is a hard *** on them, maybe too hard at times. They do pushups and situps everyday. Money is hard to come by so they get to help raise animals and cut firewood regularly. My point is they were taught to WIN, once they tasted it, they work harder than any other kid to stay there. That drive came from their parents. You're not born with it.
So with my experiences and what I've seen, the passion and drive of the coach is every bit as important as what he knows. If the coach says good job, when the kid didn't put it all out there or is lazy, his just did a big mis-service to that kid, perhaps beyond whatever sporting event he was playing. I think you even need to push when the kid is trying, even when he/she is doing good. They are kids, but I think kids are more resilient than you give them credit for.
So i say keep that guy you said tried to cheat to win! whew.
I don't agree with your coaching philosophy though. I've coached girls softball 10-14 and they're all now in high school. Multi-time state ASA champions, and top national contenders every year. What I've learned is that if you want them to be successful you have to get them to WANT to win. Once they start winning, they LIKE it. You ALWAYS play to win and put your best players on the field. There are games when bench players won't play too much and others they play alot. Now, to get them to be good you have to push them. We are talking about little emotional girls just like young boys. I whole heartedly agree that each kid is different and might take a little different approach at times. But as a good coach, that's your job to figure out how to connect with them. Some think sports are just for fun, but I think it's about winning. I think the kids that are coached to win, ultimately work harder, are more confident, and take what they learn from sports and apply to the rest of their life.
I will give you an example. My brother lives in a podunk town far from real civilization. 5 kids in the grade/middle school, 3 are his. Mom is the assistant teacher (yeah they have 2 teachers for 5 kids lol) and the bus driver. Anyways, to put it lightly the kids don't have much for resources around them.
What they have is a father and mother that are 100% involved in their life, pushing them, making them be as good as they can be. 2 are boys, 1 is a girl. All three are wrestlers. My brother barely wrestled himself, so he doesn't know much. But he works with the kids constantly, spends $ on books, reads on the internet, talks to every coach he can think of. They spend every last penny to make it to wrestling events. All 3 kids are multiple time state champions, the girl won the national championship last year, and one boy is rated #1 in the nation and was part of the all-national team last year. Their dad is a hard *** on them, maybe too hard at times. They do pushups and situps everyday. Money is hard to come by so they get to help raise animals and cut firewood regularly. My point is they were taught to WIN, once they tasted it, they work harder than any other kid to stay there. That drive came from their parents. You're not born with it.
So with my experiences and what I've seen, the passion and drive of the coach is every bit as important as what he knows. If the coach says good job, when the kid didn't put it all out there or is lazy, his just did a big mis-service to that kid, perhaps beyond whatever sporting event he was playing. I think you even need to push when the kid is trying, even when he/she is doing good. They are kids, but I think kids are more resilient than you give them credit for.
So i say keep that guy you said tried to cheat to win! whew.
But once I used that bat, if My ball was in the air, it was over the fence.
Also another type of bat that was outlawed in High school ball back home was the C-core bat. I bought that bat for 275.00 used it four times, hit two home runs, and then it was outlawed... sucks. I was on a roll... o well. lol
And if you think sports are just about winning, then dude you are missing out... Whens the last time you played for the fun of it??? Sounds to me like it has been to long....
I went out to give it my best shot, and of course hope to win, but even when we lost, I still new that what matters the most is that I am out on the feild doing what I love, and not sitting at home eating potatoe chips.....
There are a number of bats that are out-lawed now double thin walled aluminum, you name it its hi tech. Cracks me up someone would drop $300 for a DeMarini to hit slow pitch softball.
They key to playing good ball at a level where wining counts is a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the game. This is the age where the kids get that foundation. We dont keep score in this level, it isnt about winning its about teaching the game and helping them to develop the skills needed to win when they move on. Agressive coaching and a win at any cost attitude is the furthest thing from what they need at his age. They will learn soon enough, cut throat 1,2, and 3rds graders arent what we're looking for. They're freaking kids. The only reason they think winning is important in the first place is because some adult to them they had to win or they're a failure. Thats horse-**** philosophy.
Spoke with the guy already, didnt mention it to him. Told him I was glad to have him on board and then we came up with a contingency plan for when it rains. I'll explain my philosophy when it comes time for game planning and it wont be an issue. He seemed like a really nice guy and had some good idea's for hitting. Which is my weak side. I can hit great but I cant teach it very well. I can teach defense good so he looks like a good fit even.
They key to playing good ball at a level where wining counts is a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the game. This is the age where the kids get that foundation. We dont keep score in this level, it isnt about winning its about teaching the game and helping them to develop the skills needed to win when they move on. Agressive coaching and a win at any cost attitude is the furthest thing from what they need at his age. They will learn soon enough, cut throat 1,2, and 3rds graders arent what we're looking for. They're freaking kids. The only reason they think winning is important in the first place is because some adult to them they had to win or they're a failure. Thats horse-**** philosophy.
Spoke with the guy already, didnt mention it to him. Told him I was glad to have him on board and then we came up with a contingency plan for when it rains. I'll explain my philosophy when it comes time for game planning and it wont be an issue. He seemed like a really nice guy and had some good idea's for hitting. Which is my weak side. I can hit great but I cant teach it very well. I can teach defense good so he looks like a good fit even.
Yikes@! I havent played in a while, knees dont like me doing anything anymore.. hockey will do that to a person after a while... and age and fat! lol
I had a kid on our fall ball team who had an uncle that was distrubutor. He had $1000 worth of gear easily. 8 yr old kid. Good hitter, way to fat to be a serious player though. Couldnt touch his toes. Couldnt get a ground ball unless it bounced to him, no lateral movement at all.
I had a kid on our fall ball team who had an uncle that was distrubutor. He had $1000 worth of gear easily. 8 yr old kid. Good hitter, way to fat to be a serious player though. Couldnt touch his toes. Couldnt get a ground ball unless it bounced to him, no lateral movement at all.
I have seen plenty like that. I was lucky, I am 6'3" weight close to 200, then,, Now about 225, so still fit, just feeled out more. At 14 I was throwing 84 mph fast *****. at 17 I could throw 91 mph, but not all day like the pro's. Now I am not sure what I can throw, but I know I still have an arm, I go out and throw at a brick wall every once in a while.. lol. Since the navy I have only played Slow pitch, I have thought about trying out for the Navy ball team. But My career just won't have it right now. ha ha. I miss it though. I think about it everyday almost...
I hear ya, I wish I could skate again. I'm a fierce competitor whe I'm playing any game but I curb that for the kids. I dont have a coaching ego I guess. I let them enjoy it how they see fit but when I play if I dont produce I'm not happy...lol my son unfortunately is the same way. He's never even see me play so I dont know where he gets it.
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The key to playing good ball at a level where wining counts is a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the game. This is the age where the kids get that foundation.
We dont keep score in this level, it isnt about winning its about teaching the game and helping them to develop the skills needed to win when they move on. Agressive coaching and a win at any cost attitude is the furthest thing from what they need at his age. They will learn soon enough, cut throat 1,2, and 3rds graders arent what we're looking for. They're freaking kids. The only reason they think winning is important in the first place is because some adult to them they had to win or they're a failure. Thats horse-**** philosophy.
Actually from all the people that I know that are state champions, world class athletes, and olympic contenders and now hopefulls.... they had somebody or something that pushed them and made them competitive. I had one friend in high school that is 2nd in line to represent the US for olympic wrestling at his weight class. All he does is train. He happened to be a little guy in high school with a big attitude I think because of people making fun of him. I have another friend I graduated with that was drafted #15 overall in the MLB draft in 1994 straight out of high school who was pure talent. Turned out he didn't do squat cause he never had to work hard. My dad was a 3 time all-american football player and the only thing that kept him from the NFL was my oldest brother and sister on the way. He had minicamps he didn't go to. My girlfriends' dad holds the Oregon state record in the 100 yard dash which can never be broken. I know first hand alot of world class athletes and what drives them.
My niece has already been to the olympic wrestling training center in Colorado. She won her national championship (without her parents....which was her coach) in Michigan. My nephews are both multi-state champions, winning the washington and oregon state championship in the same year and have been to and won numerous national tournaments. We are talking about kids that have been doing it for 3-4 years that are only 7, 9, 11 years old. These kids are as tough, competitive, and confident as they come. And as respectful to other kids and adults when they aren't competing as you can get. They see opportunity and have the confidence to KNOW they can do what they want to do. Kids don't just have that. Where do you think these kids are gonna go. Can you believe that College coaches from the national tournaments are already talking to my brother about his kids. We're talking about Oklahoma, the best program for wrestling in the country. This is the real deal. The ho-hum lets all just have fun and be out here attitude won't get them anywhere. Cause somewhere else, there is another kid with someone pushing him. After a while, that kid realizes the hard work directly translates into winning and knows he can win so he pushes himself. And that carries on through-out the rest of their life.
The winning and losing thing is exactly the difference between most little league teams and organized ball like ASA softball. Little league is recreational, ASA is more serious competition where you travel all over the place to play the best and maximize your potential. Now don't tell me you don't watch the little league world series, essentially an ALL-STAR little league playoff. They are out to win... period! I will agree that slow pitch for most poeple is about recreation, I play and it's fun. Still don't like to lose, but it doesn't bother me cause not everybody is as athletic or competitive as I am.
Not all ASA teams are that competitive. I helped coach a team with my dad and there were times in the middle of the game my dad would get hot about something we practiced over and over and yell someones name so they knew he knew they screwed up. Sometimes it was my sister, sometimes the other girls. Well other coaches and parents on the OTHER team would complain. But what's interesting is the team won. The girls had fun, and the girls and parents both were ok with it because they could see the improvements they were making and my dad treated each girl like his own. That is 8,9,10 year old emotional girls. Now they're in high school, a few of those girls that were on that traveling team MOVED across the state to play high school ball with that team. THAT is parents and kids that are dedicated and KNOW this is what got them this far and this will probably be what gets them to the next level.
^^^Sounds like to me, that you know alot of people that shoulda been famous or coulda been famous...
The last two posts you have talked none stop, and pretty much talked up your family tree on how they should be pros or could be pros... I really don't buy it. sorry, thats just my oppinion. And maybe I am wrong.
But the original thread was about 7 to 8 year olds. Not 12 and up... 7 and 8 year olds should be going out there to have a good time, and not having to worrying if there dad is going to be disappointed in them for the way they played or struck out.. Dude its commin since, why would you push your kid so much at that level, do you want them to live a fun happy life, and learn to injoy sports before you throw them under the bus? I mean a little bit of pushin is not bad for you, but you are talking about if they make a mistake its the end of there life... Thats just sad.
My dad pushed me some, but he also told me the number one reason I am out there is to have fun, not be a robot and do what I am programed to do. Thats just bullshit.
You know what, I had a coach like you once on my traveling team, But whats funny is he didn't even last a full season. After a few games, and the familys watching the practices, they put an end to that ****. He was like a drill sargent, no stoppin this guy, my dad at one point got in his face about how he down graded us when we did something wrong... Thats not how you coach, if they do something wrong you show them, and then after the fact, try and figure out a way to make sure it doesn't happen again. Now if it is a repetative thing, and the kid just can't grasp the concept, then yeah laps from foul line to foul line, might just be good for him...
The last two posts you have talked none stop, and pretty much talked up your family tree on how they should be pros or could be pros... I really don't buy it. sorry, thats just my oppinion. And maybe I am wrong.
But the original thread was about 7 to 8 year olds. Not 12 and up... 7 and 8 year olds should be going out there to have a good time, and not having to worrying if there dad is going to be disappointed in them for the way they played or struck out.. Dude its commin since, why would you push your kid so much at that level, do you want them to live a fun happy life, and learn to injoy sports before you throw them under the bus? I mean a little bit of pushin is not bad for you, but you are talking about if they make a mistake its the end of there life... Thats just sad.
My dad pushed me some, but he also told me the number one reason I am out there is to have fun, not be a robot and do what I am programed to do. Thats just bullshit.
You know what, I had a coach like you once on my traveling team, But whats funny is he didn't even last a full season. After a few games, and the familys watching the practices, they put an end to that ****. He was like a drill sargent, no stoppin this guy, my dad at one point got in his face about how he down graded us when we did something wrong... Thats not how you coach, if they do something wrong you show them, and then after the fact, try and figure out a way to make sure it doesn't happen again. Now if it is a repetative thing, and the kid just can't grasp the concept, then yeah laps from foul line to foul line, might just be good for him...
I started this post to seek advice. Wasnt sure what to do and I know my people skills can be lacking at times with adults... or supposed adults so knowing there are people in here who are not of my personality type I thought it would give me good points of view not my own. I think I was right in doing so. I do know my limitations and flaws and because this was not about me (its about the kids) I wanted to do the right thing.
I appreciated all those who tried to offer me advise, I really do.Thank you guys and gals.
I appreciated all those who tried to offer me advise, I really do.Thank you guys and gals.
Last edited by GEARHED; Feb 29, 2008 at 01:54 AM.
Okay maybe I read your posts the wrong way. But the way you came across was why I said the things I did....
And whos to say I have never had that experince??? I have had some of the best coaches out there. My father being one of them as well. He took my sisters bobysox to nationals in Anahiem when I was 10, they placed 7th Nationaly. So I am sure he was doing something right.. And we are from a town that Graduates on average around 68 kids a year. So the talent is far and few between as well.
Like I just said, the way you came about telling us your opinion was not that great.. I am not trying to bash you, I was just stating mine as well. And the way I read your post, totally striked me as an odd way of teaching young kids the fundelmentals of Ball..
I am only 26, and I am sure if I was to coach a team I would make plenty of mistakes, I don't know everything.
And whos to say I have never had that experince??? I have had some of the best coaches out there. My father being one of them as well. He took my sisters bobysox to nationals in Anahiem when I was 10, they placed 7th Nationaly. So I am sure he was doing something right.. And we are from a town that Graduates on average around 68 kids a year. So the talent is far and few between as well.
Like I just said, the way you came about telling us your opinion was not that great.. I am not trying to bash you, I was just stating mine as well. And the way I read your post, totally striked me as an odd way of teaching young kids the fundelmentals of Ball..
I am only 26, and I am sure if I was to coach a team I would make plenty of mistakes, I don't know everything.
Okay maybe I read your posts the wrong way. But the way you came across was why I said the things I did....
And whos to say I have never had that experince??? I have had some of the best coaches out there. My father being one of them as well. He took my sisters bobysox to nationals in Anahiem when I was 10, they placed 7th Nationaly. So I am sure he was doing something right.. And we are from a town that Graduates on average around 68 kids a year. So the talent is far and few between as well.
Like I just said, the way you came about telling us your opinion was not that great.. I am not trying to bash you, I was just stating mine as well. And the way I read your post, totally striked me as an odd way of teaching young kids the fundelmentals of Ball..
I am only 26, and I am sure if I was to coach a team I would make plenty of mistakes, I don't know everything.
And whos to say I have never had that experince??? I have had some of the best coaches out there. My father being one of them as well. He took my sisters bobysox to nationals in Anahiem when I was 10, they placed 7th Nationaly. So I am sure he was doing something right.. And we are from a town that Graduates on average around 68 kids a year. So the talent is far and few between as well.
Like I just said, the way you came about telling us your opinion was not that great.. I am not trying to bash you, I was just stating mine as well. And the way I read your post, totally striked me as an odd way of teaching young kids the fundelmentals of Ball..
I am only 26, and I am sure if I was to coach a team I would make plenty of mistakes, I don't know everything.
I'm glad you cleared that up about attacking me, cause it seemed like you were running me down because of my opinion. I believe strongly in my position, so it may come off as arrogance or overwhelming. But it is what it is.