Attitude

[obbay]

Koach Kevin, that is EXCELLENT!!
If these kids think they are good, they should've seen Taryne Mowatt in the 2007 WCWS. she pitched her way out of so many tight spots, game after game. Unbelievable composure. Now that's a great pitcher! The roof caves in, you shake it off and keep going.

something I've seen that is interesting regarding a kid who has natural ability. They start out as a good player and good attitude. Then after awhile they start thinking they are better than everyone else (and they still may be). shortly after this, some coaches start to see that this kid isn't that great and isn't really coachable because she's playing by her own rules. I don't know how the story ends because it's still playing out. Suffice it to say she is still recognized as one of the best because of her past performance, not current. several girls who started out with less ability have become more desireable to coaches because they continually improve and know how to play WITH a team.

There are so many circle princesses......drives me crazy!

 

[bgecoach]

many moons ago i played youth football and we had a d1 college player come and spoke at our year end banquet. he said something that stuck with me from that time on... "no matter how good you are, or think you are, you will come across someone else that is better than you."

 

[Ken Krause]

One other thing I would tell you, especially with a 10U team. Make sure the player's actions have consequences, even if it means your team loses.

Other than you and your team's parents, nobody really, truly cares what a team's record is at 10U. You have the chance for a teachable moment, though. When she acts up, get her out of there. On the bench. She'll then either have to learn to control her emotions, or she'll leave. Either way problem solved, and you can either develop your other pitchers or look for someone who won't take the whole team down with her.

It may be tough for a little while, but everyone involved will benefit. Including this girl, because if she ever wants to do anything at a high level, the adults in charge of the high level activity won't put up with it. If she doesn't learn it now, it could eventually hold her back. No college coach worth his/her salt who sees that behavior during a game will ever recruit her.

 

[Ken Krause]

the problem is we only had 9 players for this tournament. so i couldn't bench her.

Not exactly true. It would've been a handicap, but you could've played with eight by the rules. It's a tough thing to do, but sometimes the point has to be made. I should've done it once a long time ago but didn't. If I had it to do over again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

[CoachKevin]

Should have seen the umpire questioning me why we were playing 8 when I had 1 sitting on the bench. LOL, I told him attitude problem, he smiled and said OK.

 

[Ken Krause]

Should have seen the umpire questioning me why we were playing 8 when I had 1 sitting on the bench. LOL, I told him attitude problem, he smiled and said OK.

Good for you! You are my new hero. You probably did that kid more good than everyone who's ever made an excuse for her.