Hey DFP. I'm coming to you for some advice. My daughter is a 12U pitcher who is doing well in the circle over the past 1.5 years. Additionally, after short a transition period at the plate, my daughter was hitting the ball well with power.
Fast forward to this season, with the change from 10U where her team won more tournaments than they lost to 12U where they rarely win a Sunday game, there is obvious frustration being displayed among the players - especially my daughter. She pouts on the mound when she gives up hits or the team gets behind. She lollygags to first on grounders that she's not happy with or pop flies (that we all know at this age can still drop) and pouts on her way back to the dugout.
This is a huge departure from her persona last year where, even if they got behind, she kept upbeat and positive. Obviously, losing takes a toll on a player, but this type of attitude is cancerous. Whether or not she's the one who displays it first, once someone starts down that path, the energy on the team is sapped. Additionally, being the pitcher, everyone feeds off her energy, and when she slumps her shoulders, it's going to have an effect on the others out there.
Additionally, she gives me a very similar attitude when I work with her pitching. Where in the past she was eager to listen to my suggestions (that I pick up from her pitching coach) to help her, now she closes down and gives very little effort in our sessions - which often ends up in me getting upset (I'm working on this!)
My question to you is this: How as a parent can I help fix this? The coach has indicated that he is prepared to take steps on his end to stop this from happening, regardless of effect on the outcome of the game, which I am in 100% agreement with. But what can I do from home? She's reassured me that she loves the game, loves to pitch, loves her team and is having fun, because I told her that it oftentimes looks like she doesn't like it.
Ok DFPers! Please let me know what you think! I look forward to hearing suggestions!
Thanks in advance!
Fast forward to this season, with the change from 10U where her team won more tournaments than they lost to 12U where they rarely win a Sunday game, there is obvious frustration being displayed among the players - especially my daughter. She pouts on the mound when she gives up hits or the team gets behind. She lollygags to first on grounders that she's not happy with or pop flies (that we all know at this age can still drop) and pouts on her way back to the dugout.
This is a huge departure from her persona last year where, even if they got behind, she kept upbeat and positive. Obviously, losing takes a toll on a player, but this type of attitude is cancerous. Whether or not she's the one who displays it first, once someone starts down that path, the energy on the team is sapped. Additionally, being the pitcher, everyone feeds off her energy, and when she slumps her shoulders, it's going to have an effect on the others out there.
Additionally, she gives me a very similar attitude when I work with her pitching. Where in the past she was eager to listen to my suggestions (that I pick up from her pitching coach) to help her, now she closes down and gives very little effort in our sessions - which often ends up in me getting upset (I'm working on this!)
My question to you is this: How as a parent can I help fix this? The coach has indicated that he is prepared to take steps on his end to stop this from happening, regardless of effect on the outcome of the game, which I am in 100% agreement with. But what can I do from home? She's reassured me that she loves the game, loves to pitch, loves her team and is having fun, because I told her that it oftentimes looks like she doesn't like it.
Ok DFPers! Please let me know what you think! I look forward to hearing suggestions!
Thanks in advance!