- Dec 15, 2012
- 102
- 18
A coach can either play to win trophies or play to develop softball players.
If your priority is to win as many games as possible, then the clock becomes a real issue. Lots of things are within your control to slow down ballgames. Some of these tactics can get really bizarre (equipment failure) and others are more mainstream (taking pitches or extending signals). The intent is still exactly the same which is to NOT LOSE a ballgame. It is 100% legal and within the rules of the game.
If your priority is to develop players, then clock becomes a non-issue as you want your players to learn how to compete in tight situations with the ball game on the line. (What an opportunity!). You will win some nail brighter games and you WILL lose some heartbreaker games. Your players are however learning skills they will need to compete in real 7 inning games that matter in High School and College.
In my opinion, if you are a playing on a team where the coach manipulates the clock find another team.
If your priority is to win as many games as possible, then the clock becomes a real issue. Lots of things are within your control to slow down ballgames. Some of these tactics can get really bizarre (equipment failure) and others are more mainstream (taking pitches or extending signals). The intent is still exactly the same which is to NOT LOSE a ballgame. It is 100% legal and within the rules of the game.
If your priority is to develop players, then clock becomes a non-issue as you want your players to learn how to compete in tight situations with the ball game on the line. (What an opportunity!). You will win some nail brighter games and you WILL lose some heartbreaker games. Your players are however learning skills they will need to compete in real 7 inning games that matter in High School and College.
In my opinion, if you are a playing on a team where the coach manipulates the clock find another team.