High School coaches

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Apr 13, 2015
179
28
Having been a member of this board for over two years, I am amazed about the criticism of HS coaches and the negative posts on HS coaches. I say this because I am a high school coach of over 30 years in Texas, which I feel has plenty of good softball coaches. I have been a part of very good programs and when we get them in 9th grade after playing travel ball for 5-6 years, that 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. 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.
 
May 15, 2016
926
18
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 don't doubt you, but my experience is the complete opposite. In our area it is immediately obvious that the girls who are wearing TB helmets, and not the school helmets, are the ones who get into ready position when the pitch is thrown, overrun first base on a single or make the turn on an extra base hit, or even show more fundamental skills.

I wonder what makes for such a difference between your area and my area.
 
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Oct 5, 2017
214
43
Western Indiana
In my area (Indiana) we have a lot of daddy ball and that is where the lack of game knowledge comes in. Yeah they play many games a summer but practices are bp and some infield. Not what to do in situations or what the rules are in a certain situation. Now, do not get me wrong there are some coaches that do it better and the girls come in with game ready skills. We get a mix in our area.

Another thing that hurts HS coaches is they have to coach to the skill level of all their players and not accommodate daddy's star player. So daddy thinks HS coaches do not know what they are doing. They also think what they believe is the best way is the only way. I believe this is a game where some aspects can be done a couple different ways and be effective. I watch the WCWS and see 8 great teams with different philosophies of how to play the game. They have to be great teams to make it that far so why does anyone believe there is only one correct way.

Sorry daddy coach/ball rant. Season has not started and already butting heads. I have not been disrespectful or been able to discuss our philosophy with one particular parent. He has made it clear how he expects his daughter to be utilized. From what I understand he is a parent that played little HS baseball himself when we have 2 former college baseball players, 1 former D3 softball player, and a former D1 softball catcher (volunteer) on staff. We might be able to figure it out... Rant over thank you.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
I have been a part of very good programs and when we get them in 9th grade after playing travel ball for 5-6 years, that 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.

This is in a nutshell is why High School coaches get a lot of criticism where I am from. Do you really think that players in a high level travel organization do not know how to bunt , tag up, or slide?

The funny part is the one thing I consistently hear from travel coaches is that they can't wait for that first practice in the summer to unlearn all of the "crap" that the high school coach taught the player.

So who is right? At the "A" level most travel organizations do a better job with regards to coaching best practices than high school programs. The travel org's play more games, have more practice time, and they must win (or be successful in getting kids recruited). Having said that there are some really really good high school coaches out there. Problem is that *most* high school coaches think they are really good (ego) when they are just average.

Just my observation.
 
Apr 24, 2017
203
28
Georgia
"bunting, infield fly rule, tagging up, how to slide is a biggie."

If you have TB players who don't know these basics, it is time to find some new coaches for that organization. Just my two cents.

I think JAD has hit the nail on the head. HS coaches vary greatly from school to school. Some are really fantastic, and some are former HS baseball players who think softball is the same sport with a different ball. We are lucky to have had a great HS coach who moved across town this year, and the new coach did a great job as well. Two totally different philosophies, but effective nonetheless. Our HS team is made up of basically all TB players and mostly high level at that. We were State champs in our division this year and runners up last year. (My kid is just an eigth grader, so not bragging on her) So kudos to all the high school coaches out there that are doing things right, dealing with difficult parents, and continuing to learn and grow as a coach. I think school ball is incredibily important and teaches not just school spirit and dedication, but leadership skills for our girls that are higher level players. Thanks to all the HS coaches out there for all you do!
 
Sep 30, 2013
155
28
Northwest, IN
Gah! It's like beating a dead horse! I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's not about HS or TB. It's about the coach. Period. If you're not taking the time to learn and grow then you're not a good coach. If you think you know it all, you don't. If you don't reach out and ask for advice, help, or feedback, you're not a good coach. You have to be able to evolve, and try new things!

There are some "A" level travel teams where I am from and almost every one of their teams are run by a dads. Are they bad coaches? Some sure. Are some HS coach bad, sure.

I do both, Travel and HS. I've seen some terrible TB coaches practices, and I've seen some terrible HS coaches practices. In the end, I'll base my opinion on the coach, not whether or not it's HS or TB.
 
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Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
Gah! It's like beating a dead horse! I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's not about HS or TB. It's about the coach. Period. If you're not taking the time to learn and grow then you're not a good coach. If you think you know it all, you don't. If you don't reach out and ask for advice, help, or feedback, you're not a good coach. You have to be able to evolve, and try new things!

There are some "A" level travel teams where I am from and almost every one of their teams are run by a dads. Are they bad coaches? Some sure. Are some HS coach bad, sure.

I do both, Travel and HS. I've seen some terrible TB coaches practices, and I've seen some terrible HS coaches practices. In the end, I'll base my opinion on the coach, not whether or not it's HS or TB.

This ^^^

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.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
Gah! It's like beating a dead horse! I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's not about HS or TB. It's about the coach. Period.

High School softball and travel softball are not even remotely the same game nor do they have the same goals. Saying that there are good and bad travel and high school coaches isn't an apt comparison.
 

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