| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 04/03/2015 : 11:32:03
There have been several threads across multiple age groups on this site with phrases like "if your kids coach does XXX then he isn't a good coach"...OR...."My kids coach did XXX, that's how you can tell he is a good coach"
So, I think it's time to share your stories on what the term Good/Bad coach means to you....hopefully we can have several "Good" stories, and not just bad ones.
I'll go first...to me a "good" coach is someone who stands firm on his rules.
For example, if my *12+ age* kid forgets his jersey...even if it is the championship game of a well respected tournament...even if my kid is best pitcher that coach has EVER seen....my child will be sat that game to teach him the lesson that ONLY he is responsible for his belongings and by not taking the time to check he had everything he has let himself and his team down...i.e. a valuable life lesson that will stick with him for years, if not his life.
A "bad" coach would take the jersey off someone else's back and change my kids number for that game just so he could play. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| bballman |
Posted - 05/21/2015 : 12:03:32
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
While that is all true it has been our experience that there is at least one parent on the team that falsely thinks their child should be getting more playing time or their child should be used in a different way and therefore doesn't like the coach.
That's part of why a coach's job isn't to please parents. There will ALWAYS be parents that think they are getting a raw deal - even if the deal is MORE than fair. A coach needs to do what is best for his players and his team, not what the parents think he should do.
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
I will admit that 90% of the time I agree with what the coach has done, but sometimes there is a kid who would excel given half the chance...but he's smaller, or more awkward and poof...they are out of consideration for that coach for that season.
Yes, if a coach does that - particularly at the younger ages, he's not a good coach. Every kid that a coach takes on his team should get the same opportunities as the other kids - especially at ages 10 or 11 and younger. Develop every player.
Of course, as I stated earlier, the older they get, the less this is true. As the kids get older, the coaches have the obligation of putting the best 9 on the field. His obligation is more to the team than to the individual. This is especially true starting in HS. Especially varsity. At this point, the idea of getting everyone play time stops. The objective is to win and the best 9 will play. If a coach does any less than that, he is not doing his job.
Just to reiterate. As the kids get older, the idea of what a good coach is changes. I think at the younger ages, pre-HS, the coach's job is to develop his players and make sure everyone gets opportunities. The younger you go, the more this applies. At the older ages, HS and beyond, the coach's job is to win. He should still develop his players, but his job is not to get everyone in the game and make sure everyone is happy. His job is to win baseball games. You do that by developing all your players and making sure the best 9 are on the field at any given time. If a bench player develops to the point where he is better than a starter, it's the coach's job to bench the starter and put the other guy on the field.
Once you get in HS and beyond, it is really a cut throat situation. If you want to play, you have to do better than the other guys that play your position. If you're not, you won't be seeing much play time. It's no longer the coach's job to make sure you are happy about that. As a player it is your job to be a good teammate and work your butt off to take the other guy's job. Pure and simple. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 05/21/2015 : 09:49:09
quote:
Originally posted by bballman
quote:
Originally posted by GaBaseballFamily
IMHO, one of the most important qualities of a good coach is inspiring his players to reach their potential.
I agree with this. I think a coach can inspire someone to be their best and the player still not necessarily "like" the coach. I've heard countless stories where a player did not get along with or necessarily like a coach, but years later had stated that coach pushed them to their limits and made them a much better player. Probably for the younger ages - like 10 & under, it may be important that the player likes the coach more. Helps that kid stay in the game. As they get older, I think it matters less and less.
My initial statement was more to ItsGodGiven's post about parents liking the coach. I don't think it really matters at all whether a parent likes the coach. A coach is there to coach the kids. He's not there to coach the parents or get them to like him. Once again, more and more evident as the kids get older. If a coach is trying to please parents, that's when you really get into politics and daddyball. It has no place on the baseball field. JMHO.
While that is all true it has been our experience that there is at least one parent on the team that falsely thinks their child should be getting more playing time or their child should be used in a different way and therefore doesn't like the coach.
I will admit that 90% of the time I agree with what the coach has done, but sometimes there is a kid who would excel given half the chance...but he's smaller, or more awkward and poof...they are out of consideration for that coach for that season.
So, I guess I'm adding another to my list of what makes a bad coach...a Bad coach decides in the first month which positions a kid can play and will NOT change his mind, even if new data is presented. |
| GaBaseballFamily |
Posted - 05/21/2015 : 06:52:03
I like your posts bballman. 100% agree. Should add though that the great coaches have made me a better baseball parent. This was certainly not an expectation then and isn't now; they were just great to be around and fun to watch. You are right in that some great coaches aren't liked but create amazing players. We have seen that as well, just not our personal experience yet. |
| bballman |
Posted - 05/20/2015 : 21:17:01
quote:
Originally posted by GaBaseballFamily
IMHO, one of the most important qualities of a good coach is inspiring his players to reach their potential.
I agree with this. I think a coach can inspire someone to be their best and the player still not necessarily "like" the coach. I've heard countless stories where a player did not get along with or necessarily like a coach, but years later had stated that coach pushed them to their limits and made them a much better player. Probably for the younger ages - like 10 & under, it may be important that the player likes the coach more. Helps that kid stay in the game. As they get older, I think it matters less and less.
My initial statement was more to ItsGodGiven's post about parents liking the coach. I don't think it really matters at all whether a parent likes the coach. A coach is there to coach the kids. He's not there to coach the parents or get them to like him. Once again, more and more evident as the kids get older. If a coach is trying to please parents, that's when you really get into politics and daddyball. It has no place on the baseball field. JMHO. |
| GaBaseballFamily |
Posted - 05/20/2015 : 19:53:25
I hear you BBallman; just saying that it is possible for a coach to be liked and respected by all the parents and players. I agree that is not the only measure nor should it be. IMHO, one of the most important qualities of a good coach is inspiring his players to reach their potential. Same applies to any great leader. |
| bballman |
Posted - 05/20/2015 : 15:26:04
quote:
Originally posted by GaBaseballFamily
A great coach connects with his/her team, instills a love of the game, and inspires players to reach their potential. They are in it for the right reasons and have no hidden agendas.
I like this.
And I don't think that whether everyone on a team likes the coach is a measure of whether he is a good coach or not. If no one likes him, it could be a sign, but having a small group of parents who are not happy is NOT a sign of a bad coach. |
| GaBaseballFamily |
Posted - 05/20/2015 : 13:08:32
ItsGodGiven: I agree that most coaches can't please everyone. My son has played multiple sports for years and had an exceptional experience with his basketball coach last season. The coach had two highly competitive teams and every player and family loved the guy. He took a genuine interest in each kid and took the time to develop his players. This guy is gifted both as a professional player and as a leader. We also had a similar experience years ago with a rec baseball coach and a travel baseball coach last season. There are some greats out there, but they are the exception.
A great coach connects with his/her team, instills a love of the game, and inspires players to reach their potential. They are in it for the right reasons and have no hidden agendas. I wish I knew years ago what I know today; we could have avoided some unfortunate situations. We have worked with mostly good coaches, a couple we would have been better off without and some exceptionally great ones. |
| Newbie BB Mom |
Posted - 05/20/2015 : 10:38:32
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
CaCO3Girl no offense but you are way too serious about 12 year old baseball.
I'm sure you stare at my posts the same way I stare at 9u posts...I'm guessing it's all a matter of perspective, you have it regarding 12u, I don't....funny enough I'm the laid back parent on the team! :- )
Please share what you think makes a good/bad coach.
You know, I have to say something about this. Why do you think, out of all the people who post here, that CaCO3Girl is the one that is way too serious? Her observations and questions are always thoughtful. She starts conversations about some of the most challenging aspects of being a parent navigating the travel ball world. She usually is looking for perspective and advice, and she tries to share what she's learned from her own personal experiences. I think she is much more balanced than the folks who obsess over which of the "real" major-level 12U teams belong in the top ten, or the top five, or the top three and which teams will make it to the finals on Sunday. Those are the people that take 12U baseball way too seriously, or, perhaps more accurately, are taking the wrong things seriously.
In my opinion, of course. And, no I do not know CaCo3Girl. This is just my take from reading her posts over the last 2 years. |
| ItsGodGiven |
Posted - 05/19/2015 : 19:45:44
No such thing as a good coach...never met one. At least not one every parent on a team likes. Impossible to find the perfect coach. Each have their pros and cons... |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 05/19/2015 : 16:24:49
quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
CaCO3Girl no offense but you are way too serious about 12 year old baseball.
I'm sure you stare at my posts the same way I stare at 9u posts...I'm guessing it's all a matter of perspective, you have it regarding 12u, I don't....funny enough I'm the laid back parent on the team! :- )
Please share what you think makes a good/bad coach. |
| HITANDRUN |
Posted - 05/19/2015 : 15:17:42
CaCO3Girl no offense but you are way too serious about 12 year old baseball. |
| PlayitRight |
Posted - 05/12/2015 : 07:50:15
Good discussion. I would like to add that a good coach has integrity and doesn't accept less from his assistant coaches or scorekeeper. |
| bama21 |
Posted - 05/05/2015 : 07:07:26
A good coach/organization, it's hard to separate the two in my opinion, sticks with the kids that he/it originally chose for the team. Aside from injuries, there is no reason teams should be picking up players and then start those pickups while the other kids sit. Win, lose, or draw you go with what you got. The best coaches/organizations develop kids, while the not so great want kids already developed.
It's always funny to me and ironic at the same time, at the younger ages you always see coaches wanting the bigger kids that have already hit puberty or close too it. Then when they get older you hear college/pro scouts wanting kids that look young with a lot of upside. Go figure. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 05/04/2015 : 08:52:09
quote:
Originally posted by bkball
A good coach takes the blame for a loss and gives the credit for the win to the team. If your team only got 2 hits then yeah tip your hat to the pitcher of the other team. What good does blaming anyone do anyway.
Not sure I can agree with this...I have seen games where the other pitcher was decent but not only 2 hits worthy...sometimes the bats of the players just don't show up. Is that kudos to the pitcher, or more batting practice for the team?
And while I agree the team earned the win it is often how they are played that gets them there in the end. |
| bkball |
Posted - 04/30/2015 : 14:15:32
A good coach takes the blame for a loss and gives the credit for the win to the team. If your team only got 2 hits then yeah tip your hat to the pitcher of the other team. What good does blaming anyone do anyway.
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| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 04/21/2015 : 13:10:34
quote:
Originally posted by agent21
A good coach is man enough not to blame, belittle and yell at his players for a loss. He encourages rather than discourages them to do better.
I agree with not belittling players at every age group. At 12u+ not sure you can get around blaming and yelling about a loss. Is it ever one play that cost the game, no, never. But if you have 2 hits the whole game and 3 errors there is going to be some blame to go around, usually accompanied by some yelling, or at least a stern voice. I would say the encouraging to do better is a staple, after the coach points out the major flaws of the day...not by individual kid, but a general "No bats"..."team inability to make consistent plays"...etc. |
| bkball |
Posted - 04/21/2015 : 07:42:14
Bravemom great post, I forgot about the actual instruction and in game coaching! |
| agent21 |
Posted - 04/21/2015 : 00:07:50
A good coach is man enough not to blame, belittle and yell at his players for a loss. He encourages rather than discourages them to do better. |
| Bravemom |
Posted - 04/20/2015 : 17:35:59
quote:
Originally posted by turntwo
A good coach, to me, is a teacher of the game... One who actually provides instruction and a 'learning' environment. Also, this coach makes the 'tough' decisions that are based on what's best for the team-- which may not be his son in the starting lineup or his buddy's son, or the person who forked over the most money. This coach, is not only a good instructor, but he motivates and gets the most out of each player on every play, in every inning, in every game. The boys respect him enough to lay it all on the line every time. This coach is also a great 'game day coordinator'. He's aware of what's going on, he's planning, he almost always seems to make the right 'in-game' decisions at the right time.
Agree! |
| turntwo |
Posted - 04/20/2015 : 12:53:16
A good coach, to me, is a teacher of the game... One who actually provides instruction and a 'learning' environment. Also, this coach makes the 'tough' decisions that are based on what's best for the team-- which may not be his son in the starting lineup or his buddy's son, or the person who forked over the most money. This coach, is not only a good instructor, but he motivates and gets the most out of each player on every play, in every inning, in every game. The boys respect him enough to lay it all on the line every time. This coach is also a great 'game day coordinator'. He's aware of what's going on, he's planning, he almost always seems to make the right 'in-game' decisions at the right time. |
| bkball |
Posted - 04/20/2015 : 11:57:29
Footballforsanity has some great ones.
I would say a good coach makes it about the kids not himself. He doesn't care about the scoreboard or wins and loses as long as the players respect the game and play hard and hustle.
Good coaches let physical mistakes slide but really don't like mental mistakes or lack of effort. They stick with the roster they were dealt with, keep studying the game and learning about it.
Earn the respect of the players. I think in the example above player forgets his jersey. Not knowing all the circumstances hard to say, but maybe grandma misplaced it or took it out of his bag to wash and he didnt know, maybe dad was suppose to grab it because parents are divorced. who knows. At 12 I tried to play everyone in some capacity, I say a good coach would find a way to get that kid in the game by maybe talking to the other coach or umpire and seeing if they would agree he could wear something similar who knows.
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| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 04/09/2015 : 08:32:12
quote:
Originally posted by BaseKnock
I was an assistant to a "bad" coach for part of one season. This coach would seek out and bring on stronger players and bench the ones he didn't think were as good. In no uncertain terms he told me he'd stop playing a particular kid when Johnny Stud came onboard and hoped the parents would take their kid and leave. These were really good kids and supportive parents he was doing this to. By the end of the year he maxed out his USSSA 25 man roster limit.
Word to the wise, look at a coaches roster from previous years. If they have a lot of kids who have come and gone let it be a red flag.
Wow, very good point! |
| BaseKnock |
Posted - 04/08/2015 : 16:33:57
I was an assistant to a "bad" coach for part of one season. This coach would seek out and bring on stronger players and bench the ones he didn't think were as good. In no uncertain terms he told me he'd stop playing a particular kid when Johnny Stud came onboard and hoped the parents would take their kid and leave. These were really good kids and supportive parents he was doing this to. By the end of the year he maxed out his USSSA 25 man roster limit.
Word to the wise, look at a coaches roster from previous years. If they have a lot of kids who have come and gone let it be a red flag. |
| SuperStar |
Posted - 04/07/2015 : 22:33:07
quote:
Originally posted by bballman
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
For example, if my *12+ age* kid forgets his jersey...even if it is the championship game of a well respected tournament...even if my kid is best pitcher that coach has EVER seen....my child will be sat that game to teach him the lesson that ONLY he is responsible for his belongings and by not taking the time to check he had everything he has let himself and his team down...i.e. a valuable life lesson that will stick with him for years, if not his life.
A "bad" coach would take the jersey off someone else's back and change my kids number for that game just so he could play.
Don't have time to get into all the good/bad stuff right now, but a comment on this. I have seen several times one of my son's college teammates forget a jersey. He wore a teammates jersey for the game.
Good lesson to learn for the young kids, but it's not the end of the world. Don't forget, if the kid isn't playing and he is a contributor, coach is punishing all the kids on the team for a mistake made by a young kid. And maybe it was the parent who "forgot" to bring the correct jersey to start. Just sayin'.
I agree with this as well.
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| SuperStar |
Posted - 04/07/2015 : 22:28:27
quote:
Originally posted by Footballforsanity
This is the easiest question of them all. A GOOD COACH, values and respects the player. Meaning, a good Coach believes the player brings value to the team and should be respected for the effort being made. The good Coach knows the player personally and takes an interest in the player's well being and success and is of service to further that success. A BAD COACH, does not value the player and does not respect the effort being made. The bad coach really doesn't know the player nor does the bad coach care to. The bad coach has zero interest in the player's success, it's all about him/her (the bad coach). The hard part is making sure you find the first scenario for your athlete, and if you spot the second to get the heck away from that coach ASAP...
I agree! |
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