Head coach first or third

[Huskerdu]

I am the head coach of a 1st year 12u team and if our dugout is on the 1st base side, I prefer to coach first so I can manage the kids in the dugout, prepare them for on deck, strategy, make changes, etc. If our dugout is on 3rd base, same thing.

What is the thinking that an assistant or head coach coaching either base?

 

[Quake Softball]

I am always at 3B. I have an assistant on 1B and we have a bench coach as well...well actually two this year. I need to be focused on what is going on on the field not worrying about getting the girls ready to hit.

 

[andyh64000]

I am the head coach of a 1st year 12u team and if our dugout is on the 1st base side, I prefer to coach first so I can manage the kids in the dugout, prepare them for on deck, strategy, make changes, etc. If our dugout is on 3rd base, same thing.

What is the thinking that an assistant or head coach coaching either base?

It is a different skill set so I would say make the decision on whichever base the coaches can best coach. You should also have a coach in the dugout to manage the team while up at bat (and you could also be that). The dugout you occupy shouldn't matter.

 

[fastpitch]

I've seen head coaches give signs from 1B if thats what you want to do.

 

[Lozza]

I am the head coach of a 1st year 12u team and if our dugout is on the 1st base side, I prefer to coach first so I can manage the kids in the dugout, prepare them for on deck, strategy, make changes, etc. If our dugout is on 3rd base, same thing.

What is the thinking that an assistant or head coach coaching either base?

Shouldn't this all be done beforehand? And don't you have a team mum/manager who can organize the team for you?

 

[Amy in AZ.]

I know a man in Springfield IL., that preferred to be at 1st base. He coached from there, for 60 years.

 

[CoachV]

I like 1st base early in the year. I can remind players about the things they are unsure of and since you have to get to first before you can get to third, I know I will be talking directly to more players than if I am at third base.

 

[Momo'sDad]

Until we have the game in hand, I'm at 3B. If we have all the runs we need, then an assistant can go out there. It's not that they aren't capable of coaching the position exactly as I would (if not better, in some cases), it's that I prefer having the liability for what might happen at the plate. Plus, the smiles from the players that reach 3B are often better than the coach gets at 1B.

 

[BrianMonk]

And don't you have a team mum?

I think they're going with a Petunia instead

 

[Greenmonsters]

Why do you have a kid play 2B and not SS or another one pitch rather than catch? 1B and 3B coach have different roles and responsibilities too and FWIW, cheerleading is at the bottom of the priority list for both. Think about it from a skill set standpoint and then make the decision. If the PRIMARY rationale for deciding who coaches 3B is based on shouldering the burden and being accountable when things go wrong, IMO, it often is more indicative of someone who may be inclined to take undue credit when things go right rather than an act of true selflessness.

Two 3B coaching tips 1) get out of the box and down the line so you can have a runner round the bag at full speed before you decide to send or hold her and 2) Once you send a runner home, don't watch the play at the plate, pick up the trailing runner and coach her!