Post by Admin on Dec 13, 2012 20:38:56 GMT -5
I'm a long-time travel coach who's made a lot of mistakes along the way. Those mistakes however, were simply learning experiences that helped me understand better how the game is played and to understand that the game continues to evolve, and requires a lot of continuing education. When you're out on the field against a great coach and a great team, chances are you're going to be taught a thing or two. Consequently, you may have done the same to a weaker team just starting out. You may be embarrased to be out-coached, but you're in the classroom.
Pay attention!
Here's some things you as coaches may want to consider doing during this so-called "down period" that may pay dividends down the road:
a) Compare your practice plans with your actual execution during the fall season, and consider adjustments. Do you work off written practice plans? If not, how do you track what you cover from practice to practice? Do you need to spend more time on conditioning and agility? Do you have some drills that sounded good in theory but haven't led to improvement on the field? Are your players ready for next-level instruction and are you prepared to to deliver?
Thanks to multiple coaching clinics, the internet and fellow coaches, you have a wealth of resources from which to utilize.
b) What is the mental state of your team, and what can you do to keep it at optimal level? This is a great time to consider the effect the season's grind has on your team, and for that matter, the parents. Think about ways you can keep your team fresh and your parents positive. Team-building exercises are a great way to pull girls together. Volunteer as a group to clean up a park; ring bells for the local Salvation Army chapter; host a softball clinic for under-privileged kids or maybe tee-ballers. Also, while you're at it, consider your relationship with your assistant coaches. Do you communicate well? Do you seek their advice on important issues? Now's a perfect time to take them out for a burger and a brew and pick their brains.
c) Have you drafted a team-player contract that spells out what your and their expectations should be? Now's a great time to start putting one in writing, and have it ready for the next round of tryouts. These documents can be molded to fit your specific team and should cover expected costs, refund policy, team rules and discipline, dress code, etc.
d) Have one-on-one meetings with your players and their parents to share your evaluation of their ability and attitude and make helpful suggestions for their improvement. This is a great time to get players plugged in to private hitting, pitching and agility instruction. I would recommend doing this immediately upon the conclusion of the fall, or early if needed. If parents know you care about their children, they'll be a lot more sympathetic on the other side of the fence.
***
These are just a few pointers to consider while you're resting up from a long spring/summer/fall campaign.
Please share your ideas on how to best utilize this so-called "down time", we'll benefit from your input!
Pay attention!
Here's some things you as coaches may want to consider doing during this so-called "down period" that may pay dividends down the road:
a) Compare your practice plans with your actual execution during the fall season, and consider adjustments. Do you work off written practice plans? If not, how do you track what you cover from practice to practice? Do you need to spend more time on conditioning and agility? Do you have some drills that sounded good in theory but haven't led to improvement on the field? Are your players ready for next-level instruction and are you prepared to to deliver?
Thanks to multiple coaching clinics, the internet and fellow coaches, you have a wealth of resources from which to utilize.
b) What is the mental state of your team, and what can you do to keep it at optimal level? This is a great time to consider the effect the season's grind has on your team, and for that matter, the parents. Think about ways you can keep your team fresh and your parents positive. Team-building exercises are a great way to pull girls together. Volunteer as a group to clean up a park; ring bells for the local Salvation Army chapter; host a softball clinic for under-privileged kids or maybe tee-ballers. Also, while you're at it, consider your relationship with your assistant coaches. Do you communicate well? Do you seek their advice on important issues? Now's a perfect time to take them out for a burger and a brew and pick their brains.
c) Have you drafted a team-player contract that spells out what your and their expectations should be? Now's a great time to start putting one in writing, and have it ready for the next round of tryouts. These documents can be molded to fit your specific team and should cover expected costs, refund policy, team rules and discipline, dress code, etc.
d) Have one-on-one meetings with your players and their parents to share your evaluation of their ability and attitude and make helpful suggestions for their improvement. This is a great time to get players plugged in to private hitting, pitching and agility instruction. I would recommend doing this immediately upon the conclusion of the fall, or early if needed. If parents know you care about their children, they'll be a lot more sympathetic on the other side of the fence.
***
These are just a few pointers to consider while you're resting up from a long spring/summer/fall campaign.
Please share your ideas on how to best utilize this so-called "down time", we'll benefit from your input!