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batman501
10 Posts |
 Posted - 06/06/2011 : 10:35:20
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Three questions about coaching 10 year old kids baseball.
1. In 10 year old baseball do most coaches put all of their kids in their batting order?
2. What's the opinion about coaches that do not let all of their kids bat through out the game?
3. What do you think about a coach that does not let a kid play at all during a game and I am not talking about a discipline or severe lack of ability problem?
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MariettaBaseball
12 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2011 : 13:39:43
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1. I keep the scorebook for our team and in most cases I see teams batting all players. In my estimation, I see a third or less using substitutions.
2. As a parent (I'm not a coach), I believe the issue begins with the stated objectives of the team at its formation and as it takes on new players. If it is communicated to the parents that the team will bat the bench, then bat the bench. If it's communicated that the top 9 will bat, then bat the top 9 and try to work the others in. The key in this approach is in how the "top 9" are determined. It must be shared with all the parents/players so that the bottom X players understand where they need to improve. Coaches kids should have NO preferential treatment!
3. I believe that at this age all players should play offense and defense in each game--they're a member of the team. Discipline and ability issues should limit time to as little as 1 inning. There must be ramifications for discipline and recurring stupid errors of the players. Don't give them a "pass" because he hits big, coaches kid, or "star" pitcher. No one kid makes a 10 y/o team or any team.
Any coach who doesn't play a kid during a game should reassess why they kid is on the team. If the kid is a "warm body" to fill in only if _______, then the coach should be honest with the parents and suggest that they more to another team. If the coach isn't honest with the parents and player, then he's a terrible coach! |
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christheump
351 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2011 : 14:23:34
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| Batman, it depends on what kind of team you want to be on and what you are looking for your kid to get out of it. If it is trophies and winning, then you field the best 9. If it is development, bat em all and rotate positions. |
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BHC3
21 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2011 : 15:00:47
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I like batting everyone. Also, we have only 10 players and no fall tryouts with 30 or more players. We have never lost more than 2 players a year and have filled the spot with another player from the community. In three years, we have only had one instance where a player was hurt and could not return, which meant an automatic out when his turn to bat was up because we did not have sub. We rotate players in defensively to their best positions. Some rotate more than others strictly on ability and what is best for the TEAM. I have had this conversation with parents in the past about "how come my son does not play (so and so position) in the game?" All I can say is that each game may produce 3-5 balls to that position. Everyone may not get to play a certain position in the game, but we practice all positions. This player will receive usually a minimum of 20 groundballs in a practice, 2 to 3 times a week. A centerfielder on our team may be a short stop on another team or vice versa. It is all how the pieces work together for your team.
I feel that we have a good balance between playing to be successful (which is also fun) and developing at practice and in games when possible. Try to put kids in a position to succeed. |
Edited by - BHC3 on 06/07/2011 19:00:28 |
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ramman999
241 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2011 : 09:50:32
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quote:
Originally posted by batman501
Three questions about coaching 10 year old kids baseball.
1. In 10 year old baseball do most coaches put all of their kids in their batting order?
Not most, but developmentally based ones will. During Championship games they might shorten the bench, or only bat 9, but sub.
quote:
Originally posted by batman501
2. What's the opinion about coaches that do not let all of their kids bat through out the game?
3. What do you think about a coach that does not let a kid play at all during a game and I am not talking about a discipline or severe lack of ability problem?
My opinion is that if everyone pays equally, they deserve equal consideration, but that also depends on the expectations set - did you know up front that this was not pay for play and that the players playing/batting earned this in practice? Does the kid sitting each weekend rotate depending on their practice performance, etc.?
- now if a player is on the roster strictly as a fill in, or otherwise, then that is a little different - we've filled in with other teams with the expectation of not playing and ended up playing all weekend.
Now as a parent - unless the expectation was previously set, if I am paying the same as everyone else and my kid is sitting all weekend, I am probably looking for another program. I've got better things to do with my weekends than watch my son sit the bench at 10u.
We play 11, bat 11 and rotate positions - we set that expectation early on and have few if any complaints - we also set the expectation that during championship games we might only bat 9, but thus far we haven't, but this way, no one can complain.
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