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ecbpappi
244 Posts |
 Posted - 03/29/2011 : 08:40:06
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Last week I watched a team where most players were in different positions every inning and what I mean by this is 1 kid started at SS, then went to CF, then went to 3B and then back to SS and then somewhere else. Coaching philosophy for this team as is with most teams is to develop kids while trying to be competitive.
Question I have, is it better to focus on 2 positions rather then trying to learn 4 different ones? In the long run, it is probably better to play as many different positions but in the short term, can an 11 yr old kid really learn to play well in that many spots? To me, you can't get enough reps at each position to be able to learn and understand where you need to be at all times. On the other hand, it can make you a better all around player.
Thoughts?? |
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Mets69
70 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2011 : 10:06:40
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| I tend to agree that the boys, especially at the younger ages, should be focusing on 2 positions (one infield and one outfield) rather than scattering around the field every inning. A philosophy that I use is to interchange 3B with LF, interchange SS/2B with CF, and interchange 1B with RF. You could probably extend that to a triangle, such that 3B,SS, and LF rotate amongst themselves ... SS, 2B, and CF rotate amongst themselves ... and 2B, 1B, and RF rotate amongst themselves. In the course of a game though, I would try to keep each kid at a single position for a few innings before swapping them to another one. In that way, they will at least get to experience a number of different situations unique to that position. |
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coachtony
236 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2011 : 10:54:38
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I am all for the boys learning as many different positions as they can handle....but I would caution that they need to be learning them well and not just going through the motions. Most of the players that play at this level could "fill in" for any position but to ask them to know where to go on every single play for all those positions would be difficult, at best. I cant speak for other teams, but we teach our players 12 different defenses based on who is on base, how many outs, etc. In each of these 12 defenses each player has a role and they need to know that role. In my opinion, it would be tough to teach a kid 12 different defenses from more than 2 or 3 positions. Our rule is that each kid must master 2 positions (one OF and one IF) in addition to Pitcher.
Of course, this is just my $.02.
--T |
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sgates
48 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2011 : 12:45:12
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I want my players in the next 3-5 years to be able to tell their respective High School coach, "Yes Ive played Left Field before", or "Yes sir, Ive played 3rd before", Rather than , "no sir, Im a Short Stop"(just ask my dad, he'll tell you Im a very good SS), then the Coach responds, Well Johnny, "we've got a junior SS that is all county and all state, 2 good 10th graders that have battled for 2 years for the spot for when the junior graduates and then there are 5 other soph/fresh that are just waiting in the wings for "SS", so good luck making the team as a SS.(I used SS just bc its the most common "cool" spot in youth ball according to some).
To me, thats reality, because I see it everyday in my profession, may it be football, basketball, or baseball, it sure is nice to know that a kid has multiple positions he can play rather than be limited or where the parents "think" they need to play.
On the Stars, Every player has at least 3 positions(lefties) while most everybody else can play 4+ positions.
Gates |
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2011 : 13:10:27
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I second that! Our team does the same and it seems to work very well. I think it also helps keep the players fresh at each position. Most of these players are true athletes (smart ones too) and can effectively play multiple positions. I guess it all depends on the player and what level they play at?
quote:
Originally posted by sgates
I want my players in the next 3-5 years to be able to tell their respective High School coach, "Yes Ive played Left Field before", or "Yes sir, Ive played 3rd before", Rather than , "no sir, Im a Short Stop"(just ask my dad, he'll tell you Im a very good SS), then the Coach responds, Well Johnny, "we've got a junior SS that is all county and all state, 2 good 10th graders that have battled for 2 years for the spot for when the junior graduates and then there are 5 other soph/fresh that are just waiting in the wings for "SS", so good luck making the team as a SS.(I used SS just bc its the most common "cool" spot in youth ball according to some).
To me, thats reality, because I see it everyday in my profession, may it be football, basketball, or baseball, it sure is nice to know that a kid has multiple positions he can play rather than be limited or where the parents "think" they need to play.
On the Stars, Every player has at least 3 positions(lefties) while most everybody else can play 4+ positions.
Gates
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Scott0923
49 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2011 : 13:53:27
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Athletes have no problems adjusting to a different position. I'm not saying he'll play it perfectly but he'll be consistent after getting reps in practice or other workout.
Kids don't have a problem playing multiple positions...the parents do...as mentioned if your kid is an athlete he'll be fine. |
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SHoward
29 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2011 : 00:16:40
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| In high school if you can hit, the coach will find you a spot to play defense, PERIOD! |
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