High School coaches

FP26 · Dec 23, 2017

At the rec level we spent a great deal of time working on situations; both defensive and offensive. Our local organization had two teams and I worked out a deal with the other coach. On Monday night and Wednesday night the field was mine. On Tuesday night and Thursday night the field was his. Every Sunday we would run a joint practice including a lengthy scrimmage. During that scrimmage all of the coaches had various responsibilities. On the defensive side we would ask the players where their responsibility was if the ball was hit to them, or not hit to them (everyone has a responsibility on every play). We would work extensively with the base runners. Reviewing defensive placement, judging the ball, when to run hard, when to hold to the base, when to go part way, etc. It was a scrimmage atmosphere but it was definitely more of a practice.

Honestly, if it was up to me, we would have done this multiple times per week and limited the regular practices.

Bob516 · Dec 23, 2017

FP26 said:
At the rec level we spent a great deal of time working on situations; both defensive and offensive. Our local organization had two teams and I worked out a deal with the other coach. On Monday night and Wednesday night the field was mine. On Tuesday night and Thursday night the field was his. Every Sunday we would run a joint practice including a lengthy scrimmage. During that scrimmage all of the coaches had various responsibilities. On the defensive side we would ask the players where their responsibility was if the ball was hit to them, or not hit to them (everyone has a responsibility on every play). We would work extensively with the base runners. Reviewing defensive placement, judging the ball, when to run hard, when to hold to the base, when to go part way, etc. It was a scrimmage atmosphere but it was definitely more of a practice.

Honestly, if it was up to me, we would have done this multiple times per week and limited the regular practices.

Just proves what [MENTION=9236]FP26[/MENTION] said,

FP26 said:
I have seen some very good rec ball coaches. I have seen some terrible rec ball coaches.
I have seen some very good travel ball coaches. I have seen some terrible travel ball coaches.
I have seen some very good high school coaches. I have seen some terrible high school coaches.
I have seen some very good college coaches. I have seen some terrible college coaches.

See a pattern here? In general there are some levels that are better than others. After all, in some cases a certain amount of knowledge and ability is required to get to that spot. You would think anyway... However, it isn't always the case.

DD1 had a coach for her 12u TB team that did not teach any situation play during fall ball. She lasted 4 months, then she was fired.

quincy · Dec 23, 2017

Rec you should know what you are in for.

I have seen TB and school ball coaches that expect the players to know what to do when they show up.

By the way DD loved her school coaches, DW and I liked them too.

djcarter1966 · Dec 26, 2017

Bob516 said:
I assume @djcarter is talking about elite level of players. It makes sense to me at that high a level instinct becomes dominant in executing great base running. What I have seen in rec and B level, even the best baserunners are not ready for, or maybe not capable of, what he is referring to.

Really what I'm getting at is what I consider basics. If you are on third less than two outs you get your lead and the ball is hit in the air nobody should have to tell you to go back to the bag. If there are two outs and runners are on first and second you should go at the crack of the bat. The thing is you can do a million drills and remind them at the time but some kids (really good in every other facet) just don't seem to care or take it seriously but it ends up costing you runs.

CoachJD · Dec 26, 2017

djcarter1966 said:
Really what I'm getting at is what I consider basics. If you are on third less than two outs you get your lead and the ball is hit in the air nobody should have to tell you to go back to the bag. If there are two outs and runners are on first and second you should go at the crack of the bat. The thing is you can do a million drills and remind them at the time but some kids (really good in every other facet) just don't seem to care or take it seriously but it ends up costing you runs.

Yup. We worked a lot on these basics, and some just don't pick it up quickly. As the 3B coach I would even tell them what to do and they'd *immediately* do the wrong thing on the next pitch. I've gotta be honest, I'm not really sure what to do when you tell a girl "If the ball is hit in the air, freeze" and she takes off full speed on a line drive back to the pitcher 5 seconds later.

Cannonball · Dec 26, 2017

Base-running, like anything else should be an important part of any seasonal practice plan. For us, and this is HS, we do a lot of baserunning in situational defense drills. Coaches hit balls and give conditions to the defense. For example, one out and runner on 1st. There is a runner at the plate. Coach throws ball up and hits it. We have a pitcher pretend to throw the pitch. From there you can do a lot of base running coaching.

cuzmail · Dec 27, 2017

lynx said:
we have to teach them so many basics of the game. They play tons of games yes, but many of them are not taught how to play the game or rules of the game......bunting, infield fly rule, tagging up, how to slide is a biggie.

I have seen my share of HS Coaches who think they have to teach their experienced players the game. Only they try to erase the current techniques and replace them with the 1970 techniques they think are still current. Just sayin.

lynx said:
In Texas public schools you have to teach there or be full time employee unlike many states, but I am just sharing my toughts on that topic. This is a great board for fastpitch softball at all levels.

And this is where the problem exists. Hard to find a qualified Coach who also wants to be a teacher.

lynx · Dec 27, 2017

well cuzmail, first of all a good coach is a good teacher....a coach should be a teacher of their sport and know how to get the most out of their players. The school system is about getting the best teacher for that opening, ex. Math teacher and if they coach or if coaching ties into that position. Education should come first not the sport.....and I am all about sports in schools, travel, rec, etc.

cuzmail · Dec 27, 2017

lynx said:
The school system is about getting the best teacher for that opening

Oh, how I wish that were true.

Cannonball · Dec 27, 2017

lynx said:
well cuzmail, first of all a good coach is a good teacher....a coach should be a teacher of their sport and know how to get the most out of their players. The school system is about getting the best teacher for that opening, ex. Math teacher and if they coach or if coaching ties into that position. Education should come first not the sport.....and I am all about sports in schools, travel, rec, etc.

I think that the times have changed and people don't believe this but I do. I remember when I hired in 31 years ago, I was asked what I could coach. That was a very important part of my first interview. Heck, I could coach 2 sports then, baseball and basketball, and so, I was hired. Remember back then, if you were in Social Studies, you were probably a coach. That competitive spirit I had for the playing field/court was the same I took into the classroom. I wanted to be the best teacher in the school and then the school system. When I came to my current school, I was hired as a coach of two sports as much as I was for the classroom. At that time the Superintendent and Principal were trying to change the climate of the school system. IMO, winning athletic teams have a tremendous effect upon the improvement of the climate of the school and in turn, the improvement of academics.

High School coaches

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