- Jun 7, 2012
- 49
- 0
I think a lot of time people who say "6 pitchers" probably mean 3 who are "pitchers" and maybe 3 who "can pitch".
I like 2 stud pitchers, and 1 good pitcher who plays field position mostly. And maybe I've been lucky to have such. It has helped out with this formula not only for the pitchers, but also keeps the parents happy.
I do try to communicate. Look, I'm not a magician nor do I have a crystal ball. But I do believe if I express my "ideas or theories" so the girls understand the plan of a game or tournament that egos simmer down.
" I'm pitching you this game because of your curve, this team doesn't hit outside well "
" I'm pitching you this game because this team is aggressive and you mix speeds and spots well. "
" I'm pitching you this game because this team hits speed, you have less heat but a great knee buckling change up ".
Etc.............
This is a smart plan; I couple your strategy with statistics because numbers don't lie. In addition, I always post "the numbers" with coaching recaps for players and parents to see post games/tournaments. I think it's always better to be proactive and discuss these things with players and parents than to simply "assume" they know why you are doing what you're doing.
I know, as a coach, one shouldn't have to "justify" the moves one makes, but by being as transparent and openly honest as possible, it always seems to "simmer down those aforementioned egos."
And when you can relate those numbers to precise situational instances, it's tough for a rail bird to publicly disagree with you (because we all know no matter what a coach does, even if he/she is successful in a move, people will always agree to disagree...and that's ok).