Clock management...what would you have done?

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Sep 28, 2015
13
0
San Diego
Here was my situation this weekend, we were the visitors, up 1 run with 2 outs, runners on 2nd and 3rd, and about 2 minutes left on the clock (1:20 no new). Would you kill the clock so if you get that last out the game is over?

I let it play out and we got the out but there was 10 seconds left so we had to play another inning. We ended up losing.

I appreciate the feedback.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
If this was a game where winning was important, I'd find a way to kill the clock. As soon as they introduce timing to the game, clock management becomes an important factor.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
I do not like playing the clock, vast majority of teams we play do not either. Always a clever person out there though, they can do what they want but DD is not playing for them.
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
It depends on the age group, the purpose of the team, and some other factors. As our players started getting older and I began speaking with some college coaches, one pet peeve I heard quite often is how travel ball doesn't fully prepare players because of the time limits. Some coaches seem disappointed that players are not fully prepared for the adversity they may face in a full game without time limits. So while we may institute some very minor timing tactics (such as having the pitcher become more deliberate with her time between pitches), I really don't pay much attention to the clock. I wouldn't say I ignore it, but it isn't a big factor to me. And if we are at a showcase, I really don't pay much attention to it at all. That said, it would be dishonest if I stated that I never used the clock to my advantage. However, winning the game outright just feels better than winning it by using the clock. But that is just my opinion.
 
Sep 28, 2015
13
0
San Diego
It depends on the age group, the purpose of the team, and some other factors. As our players started getting older and I began speaking with some college coaches, one pet peeve I heard quite often is how travel ball doesn't fully prepare players because of the time limits. Some coaches seem disappointed that players are not fully prepared for the adversity they may face in a full game without time limits. So while we may institute some very minor timing tactics (such as having the pitcher become more deliberate with her time between pitches), I really don't pay much attention to the clock. I wouldn't say I ignore it, but it isn't a big factor to me. And if we are at a showcase, I really don't pay much attention to it at all. That said, it would be dishonest if I stated that I never used the clock to my advantage. However, winning the game outright just feels better than winning it by using the clock. But that is just my opinion.

I appreciate your opinion and I should mention that this was an all star tournament. I am big on clock management, I feel like it's part of my job as the coach.
 
Dec 1, 2015
26
3
Southern IL
Hate playing the clock. I brought my team to play, not manage time. 10 seconds is tough to lose by though. If i know it is that close, i may give an extra couple seconds for a sign or take a pitch. We have played teams where they do a shoe check to waste time
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Yea, this was the semi-final.

I know some people may not agree with me, but I'm a believer in clock management. This includes slowing things down (within reason) in order to preserve a win, or speeding things up in order to give my team another at bat if we're behind.
 
You say you were the visitor - I would think the home team would get their last AB in the bottom half, irregardless of clock. Maybe I misunderstand what you are describing.

Usually it's the home team that has these kind of clock dilemmas. Do you slow roll your ABs to run clock for instance by taking pitches? My feeling is that you're cheating the girl a good AB by such actions. We've gotten that extra inning in a couple of cases as a result. I think every inning you play and perform under that pressure is awesome, something you can't simulate in practice. Risking the loss is certainly a drag, but hopefully the softball karma gods will look favorably on me in the long run.
 

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