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Leading The Team
Top Ten List on Running the Show Plus One Extra Comment
• COMMUNICATION Let players and parents know what's going on. I have used this web site; you can use weekly newsletters to inform players and parents about league activities, changes in practice dates and locations, etc. More is better than less when it comes to communications. Also, have a parent help you handle phone calls.
• ORGANIZATION Players and parents respect order. They do. They can tell when someone is prepared to spend time at practice, or at a game.
• EXPECTATIONS I have but few rules and they get enforced. They include: don't hustle on and off the field, expect limited playing time. There is no excuse for an athlete not to hustle. Unsportsman-like conduct, expect no playing time. Poise and respect are key success factors on the field and in life. Once players see you bend the rules you're in trouble for the rest of the season. With this said, I do believe in a second chance policy based upon demonstrated sustained change in behavior.
• DISCIPLINE By disciple, I mean being direct and firm in the instruction of players. Expect quality performance and improvement. When the fundamentals are not displayed, stop the activity and reinforce what it is you're after: hitting, throwing, fielding etc. Be disciplined in your coaching and instruction.
• POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Find something about each player that you can recognize at every practice and every game and reinforce the technique, the skill, the teamwork, etc. of that individual.
• ENTHUSIASM Keep practices moving. Several 10 to 15 minute drills are better than 30 minute segments of IF, OF or hitting. Try to work players in small groups of three of four. Show your enthusiasm for the game by being an active instructor. Let the players know you're paying attention and care about their performance.
• HUMOR Find some event at each practice to have some fun and get the players to laugh.
• EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to CONTRIBUTE I believe in using every player in situations where their skills can help the team and help develop them into better ball players. It's important to tell players why they have been placed in certain positions and why they are being used in selected situations.
• STATISTICS Keep track of player game stats and share them on a regular basis with players and parents. This way, players and parents can see why some players may be playing more and others playing less.
• POST GAME SUMMARY It's important to review the team's performance immediately after the game. Briefly cover how the team did with the team goals: execute the routine play, first strike pitch, hit behind the runner, etc. Always identify a highlight of what the team did well and highlight an area that needs improvement. Make sure you then work on what needs improvement at the next practice. Sometimes, when a player was really outstanding, acknowledge the performance and ask the team to share in the recognition.
EXTRA
COMMENT! I've managed teams with talent and lost and I've had teams with less talent and won. The difference was team chemistry. This is such an important factor when dealing with young players - all with different personalities and at different stages of maturity. There are many approaches to take to blend 12 to 14 individuals into a team that plays together.
Copyright © 2000 Brookside Little League, Inc. All rights reserved
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