Youth Baseball: Focusing on We, Not Me

Coaching Youth Player in Focusing on We, Not Me
By Guest Author Dave Rosene

Have you ever heard youth coaches tell their players, "Do this for me." or "I really need a hit or strikeout." or "I want to beat that team."?

Notice "I" or "me." Is their any mention of "team"?

I have heard variations of these quotes too many times, and it disturbs baseball people who watch youth games that a lot of youth coaches care about winning and not about teaching the game correctly.

This type of coach sends two dubious messages: the players are playing to please you; and you only care about the immediate result and not the development of the whole player, including playing as a good teammate.

Youth players are easily swayed, and when they hear "I" from coaches over and over again, they can start feeling pressure to succeed-a pressure that's intensified because it comes from an adult. The players also start to think of themselves first, instead of the team first.

"Me" is displayed in subtle and obvious displays. Coaches who espouse sportsmanship and teamplay teach their players in practice the rules, the strategies and the fundamentals of baseball. Players that go outside those parameters get punished appropriately in a way that it is still a team function. When players have to do pushups, or crunches, run sprints or 'poles' or a lap or two, the rest of the team would cheer or push to succeed until the exercises are completed. Then the coach explains that is a sign of team unity, that you don't practice without everyone, but you take away practice time when you break team rules, and the punishment will be more excessive if it happens again. If a player is really team-oriented it won't happen because he either hates punishment or he feels bad that he let his team down. Coaches can discover what players need to be a better teammates. In games individual infractions manifests itself in throwing equipment, doing things against team philosophy, or temper tantrums, and should be addressed immediately, with appropriate punishment at practice the next day.

Remember, team sports mean playing for each other, 'we' not me. Me never works!

Dave Rosene - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

DNA Sports' goal is to make sure all athletes are given the chance to succeed. Through the promotion of teamwork and sportsmanship our team clinics and private training clinics maximize an athlete's social, emotional, and physical talents. All of our clinics teach both fundamentals as well as detailed position skills like pitching and behind the plate catching. We have worked with over 1000 players-over 200 of which have gone on to play at the collegiate level and beyond.

To learn more, visit our website: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Rosene
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