For all the motivational experts out there...

You're a HS head coach.

You are the home team. The game starts and goes rapidly downhill. You find yourself down 10-0 in the top of the 2nd inning, bases loaded and nobody out.

What do you tell your team the next day before you start the suspended game?

I'm assuming this is a team you feel you can usually be competitive with?

I would say you have absolutely nothing to lose, go out and put effort into every pitch and at bat. Likely, the other team won't expect that. Encourage them to look for 1 run at a time and I wouldn't say anything about winning or losing at this point.

If they are sucessful (even if they don't win) tell them that staying engaged in a game like that is one or the hardest things to do and how much easier the next game will be when you start 0-0.

"Forget about yesterday and let's focus on winning today's game."

Never give up, avoiding being run ruled would be considered a moral victory.

"Baby steps"....challenge them to win the next inning, then the next. If you "win" 4 out of 7 innings you can claim a moral victory and downplay the one or two bad innings where the wheels fell off the bus!

Seattlecoach said:

I'm assuming this is a team you feel you can usually be competitive with?

I would say you have absolutely nothing to lose, go out and put effort into every pitch and at bat. Likely, the other team won't expect that. Encourage them to look for 1 run at a time and I wouldn't say anything about winning or losing at this point.

If they are sucessful (even if they don't win) tell them that staying engaged in a game like that is one or the hardest things to do and how much easier the next game will be when you start 0-0.

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I really like this.

Out in Left Field said:

I hate to say it but I would put all the subs in and see who could make something happen. Then maybe put the starters back in.

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This sure feels like quitting to me. Usually the team wants to win so to go back and show your trust in the starters by putting them in and giving them free reign to work their hardest and do what it takes seems like the way to go. if they can't get themselves out of it, then play the subs.

The fact that it is a suspended game really throws a kink in the play for me. If they are usually competitive with this team, a new day may be what's needed.

I would start first by breaking down the why' s as to how we got ourselves in said rock an hard place. This would not be finger pointing but rather an honest break down of what transpired and accepting my responsibility too. Then would focus on what we can do better and remind them sometimes these things happen to even the best teams and that how we respond and handle such adversity is what defines us and shows wether we are such a team. Then discuss the strategy we would employ to do our best to spoil that other teams party and steal back that game and after all getting a break from such a game is a good thing as it dampens their momentum an may leave them complacent an over confident. There would be no talk about losing or moral victory or consolation talk. Such discussions would only take place if an when we infact officially lost. Thats roughly what I would do

You find yourself down 10-0 in the top of the 2nd inning, bases loaded and nobody out.

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Forget the motivational speech, if I go down by 10 in the second, just call me an ambulance.

We're in a tough spot here girls. Fortunately, we know what we did yesterday to get ourselves into this mess, and we're gonna learn from that and not repeat our mistakes. We're gonna make all necessary adjustments.
They're gonna come out here today overconfident and cocky. Let's show them who we are and how we've gotten this far.
Let's lock down our defence, nothing gets past anyone. Outfielders, assume everything is getting through and get lined up quickly. Pitchers, I expect confidence and self control, hit your spots and keep the spins tight. Your defence has your back, so be fearless.
We need to capitalize every opportunity at the plate today, no home runs. I want smooth and steady cuts that find the barrel. Get on base by any means necessary. Be alert as to Blue's zone today, and if that ball comes in your box, you better wear it with pride!
Lets go out there with all your heart, love, and desire, and and leave all your fears and doubts behind. As far as I'm concerned it's a 0-0 game today. Are you a hammer or a nail?... Today, we're big rear sledge hammers. Let's go get dirty!
(Team name) on 3!!!!!....

See signature below...

Tell them... "I'm pretty sure the other team isn't even going to turn their bus off. What do you say we make them waste some diesel?"