How do we teach players how to handle adversity? In a game of failure, how do we teach our players to stay positive? Focus on the 7 vs. focus on the 3. “Flush it”. Body language, attitude, picking one another up. Focusing on QAB vs. Batting Average. What causes a slump?

2 Strike Mentality: Approach in 0 strike counts, 1 strike counts, 2 strike counts. Defensive Approach vs. Tough & Competitive. What are the player's fears?. Ask questions & get in their head. Extend it 1 pitch at a time!!

 Developmental vs. Win at All Cost Mentality? Depends on the age, skill level, and talent level of the team. What are the goals & expectations of the coaching staff? Tournament schedule / league games / rec games. Batting the whole lineup? How many players on the roster? Goals for the players? (Make the Middle School team, Make the HS Team, Play in College, Play professional) Handling parents with unreasonable expectations.

Thank you for joining us today! We will continue to dive deep into topics like taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun, and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week – Go out and Dominate the Diamond!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What creates a Positive Team Culture?

How to teach our players what it means to be a good teammate. Team before me, How to pick my teammates up, How to cheer one another on. Expectations for work ethic (sprint on and off the field, maintain eye contact, respect teammates, opponents, coaching staff, umpires, fans). We must teach our players to battle through adversity & be mentally tough.

How to incorporate Pitching into team practices?

Creating pitching stations-Doing flat ground work at the end of throwing programs-PFP fielding work-1 on 1 bullpens with coach on the side-Simulated games –controlled scrimmages

How should coaches handle parent issues?

Expectations need to be outlined before the season starts-Coaches –Coach / Parents –Cheer -The age will dictate how involved they should be. Food / Drinks during the game. Carrying equipment. Communicating During Games-Some Rules that need to be followed. Stay out of the dugout. No yelling instructions or mechanics from the stands. No arguing with umpires or other coaches.

Thank you for joining us today! We will continue to dive deep into topics like taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun, and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week. Go out and Dominate the Diamond!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running the Perfect Practice:

Being Prepared! Creating Practice Plans. Structure - Utilizing Assistant Coaches & Volunteer Parents. Using the Whole Field. Create Stations & Keep the Kids Moving. Have Competitions & Keep it Fun!

Expectations of Playing Time:

Depends on the Age of the Team. Travel Ball vs. Rec Team. Pool Play vs. Playoffs. We try to bat 12 if possible. Allows for free defensive changes and gets everyone in. Discuss with the players/parents before the season starts, No Surprises! Our goal has always been development but we also owe it to the players to try to win ball games. As they get older, real baseball is 9 players in the line-up so at a certain point (13-14U) it’s good to start introducing 9 or 10 batters in a lineup.

Communication & Assuming Your Players Know Nothing:

Players Learn 3 Ways. Seeing - need to see video or example of skill. Hearing – can learn by hearing the coach explain it. Feeling – need to be put in a position to feel the skill. Don’t just assume they understand what you’re talking about. We need to be able to teach the same skill/drill in multiple ways & dummy it down to their ability level. Discuss Phrases we shouldn’t assume they know:-“Split the Plate”-“Pitch w/ the Lead”-“Be on Time”-“No Doubles!”

Thank you for joining us today! We will continue dive deep into topics like: taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week – Go out and Dominate the Diamond!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dreaded Car Ride Home: How to communicate with your players after a bad game? What to talk about? Criticize performance or not? Kids shouldn’t be nervous for the car ride home. 

When Should Coaches Start Focusing on 1 position for their players? - Depends on the Age of the player. PO vs. Position Player. Playing multiple positions keeps kids athletic. Helps them to understand the game as a whole, instead of specializing. As they get older – players are more valuable if they’re able to bounce around the field and play multiple positions.

What do you do when there are no cages? How to Get Creative? - Use Props! Smush Balls, Wiffle Balls, Heavy Balls, Mini Golf Balls, Catch it Deep Stations, Frisbee Station, Timing Stations

We will continue dive deep into topics like: taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun and keeping them playing the game!  

To see more from Coach Duke & Coach Steve visit their channel at https://watch.stickandball.tv/page/5ea9b675a0e845001adabade full of coaching and player development videos!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices