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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
 Posted - 01/21/2011 : 10:30:21
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I wanted to get some feed back of experiences others have had with coachs great or bad. I guess if you were looking for a team with a great coach, what does that really mean? Is it all experience, attitude, knowledge, etc., etc.
What do you watch out for in a BAD coach? What does that really mean?
I would like to hear others experiences on both or just an OK coach.
Not to dish on coachs I'm just more interested in hearing others experiences good or bad so I can learn from others. Thanks.
So, what do you look for in a GREAT coach and what do you watch out for in a BAD coach? |
Edited by - Gwinnett on 01/21/2011 10:42:19 |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2011 : 11:53:49
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Gwinnett, I won't get on here and bash any coaches but I will tell some of the great qualities of my 12 year old's current coach:
- Never displays negative emotions or reactions to situations on the field during game play
- Never puts additional pressure on the team or a individual player
- Things that are addressed with players are done in private, quietly with his arm around them
- Never yells at the players
- Never argues with umpires, parents, coaches, etc for the players to see
- He trains them hard during practices but lets them play during games
- He has as much fun as the kids do
- Never makes excuses for losing (umpires, baseballs, illegal bats, etc)
- Seeks the best competition possible for our team
Just a few things off the top of my head. I hope this guys writes a book about his coaching experiences one day. He is an amazing coach of young boys.
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2011 : 16:50:02
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We've been with the same Great Coach for 5 seasons now. Before we found him, 2 seasons was our prior longevity record. I hope he doesn't see this post, it would make him uncomfortable. Like yours Bandit_Hawk, he's very soft spoken and humble, but has a competitive fire burning inside.
Aside from the traits you mention, great Coaches are also highly organized, fair, communicate well, and makes sure the teams finances are well kept. They are very tuned in to each boys psychological needs. They set a tone of mutual respect.
I've found it easier to choose a Coach who's son is one of the better players on the team. It eliminates the Daddy ball junk.
When you find one, you'll know it, and when you do, stick with him. |
Edited by - bmoser on 01/21/2011 21:54:55 |
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Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2011 : 18:24:13
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| The best coach we have ever personally had wasn't quite like the one Bandit_Hawk describes, he was pretty loud and had no problem arguing with an umpire if it was necessary. But I don't think he was over the top, and he was the best coach we have ever had and it wasn't even close. Either coaching style can be successful, as a matter a fact the coach I am talking about knows Bandit's coach pretty well.... |
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baseball papa
123 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2011 : 23:06:11
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| And I thought me and Bandit Hawk had the same Coach. I must have been watching another game. Ha, Ha, Ha. Papa is only joking but I might add I think the greatest quality of any great Coach is the men that he surrounds himself with. Papa takes a lot of pressure off of a great Coach as all the bad things Bandit Hawk mentioned our Coach doesn't do, Papa does for him. |
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Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2011 : 00:30:27
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| LOL Papa, Coach Troy and our former coach JH have very different coaching styles and a tremendous amount of love and knowledge for our game....Our boys are both very lucky for knowing these men. It has been awesome the last couple years getting to know these coaches and dads with the teams we have played on. Especially you Papa, you get funnier everytime I see you around the ball park!! |
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AA17Dad
211 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2011 : 08:38:11
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I could go on and on about this topic. I may have to revisit it when I have more time.
1. The biggest problem I have identified with less than desirable coaches is what I call the
" Dreaded Ego Disease " A coach that needs alot of attention during the game is in it for the wrong reason.
2. If the Head Coach our Asst. Coaches kids are in the lower half of overall teams talent it will likley become a problem for the team. There are a few exceptions but very few.
( Side Note ) a very attractive mother with a belowe avg. athlete will cause similar issues but may be more tolerable. just sayin.
3. Don't confuse a coaches playing career as an indicator for their ability to coach. Just because a guy played H/S or colledge or even pros does not translate into being a good coach.
4. Coaches that punish kids for mistakes are just plain idiots. and fall into the Ego Disease category as well as the " I don't know how to actually coach so I am going to get mad, scream, holler, jump up and down and pretend I know what I'm doing" Category. They will usually justify this behavior with the phrase. " I am getting them ready for the Next Level "
just a few off the top of my head........... |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2011 : 09:19:42
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quote:
Originally posted by baseball papa
And I thought me and Bandit Hawk had the same Coach. I must have been watching another game. Ha, Ha, Ha. Papa is only joking but I might add I think the greatest quality of any great Coach is the men that he surrounds himself with. Papa takes a lot of pressure off of a great Coach as all the bad things Bandit Hawk mentioned our Coach doesn't do, Papa does for him.
Papa, there is no doubt that you are one of the most passionate baseball family members I have ever met. We are luck to know you. |
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2011 : 11:10:14
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| AA17Dad, I'll take problem #2--Side Note, any day of the week!...lol |
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loveforthegame25
448 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2011 : 18:24:54
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| Great coach, EVERY kid on his team is better than he was on day 1. As ready as possible for the next season. |
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 09:20:03
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Thanks for all the input so far, looks like some players are blessed with some GREAT Coachs. Your posts have helped me look from a better angle. I especially like the post on making sure coachs son is one of the best players, to help eliminate DADDY ball.
Bandit Hawk & bmoser, on your teams are most decisions from the coach performance driven? Meaning if the boys work harder and it shows in gametime are they REWARDED? ie.--better average=higher in batting line-up, no errors=staying at postion, great pitching=more starts. On the flip side if players slump are they entitled or do they have to work there way back up? ie.--dropping batting average=dropping in batting order, erroring up=moving position or sitting out. Thanks for your input. |
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Stinger44
49 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 10:34:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Gwinnett
I wanted to get some feed back of experiences others have had with coachs great or bad. I guess if you were looking for a team with a great coach, what does that really mean? Is it all experience, attitude, knowledge, etc., etc.
What do you watch out for in a BAD coach? What does that really mean?
I would like to hear others experiences on both or just an OK coach.
Not to dish on coachs I'm just more interested in hearing others experiences good or bad so I can learn from others. Thanks.
So, what do you look for in a GREAT coach and what do you watch out for in a BAD coach?
Great topic.
Having three boys I put my time in at the Rec because everyone should. I don’t pretend to know much about coaching, but at the Rec level I see the main job of a coach to be a positive influence.
That said, we are talking competitive baseball here. To be successful at this level, I think a coach needs:
Vision long term goals are a must and a reactionary coaching style is doomed to failure.
Authority wishy-washy decision making produces wishy-washy results; at best.
Confidence Pessimist need not apply.
Players A great cook can salvage a poor to fair avocado and make a good guacamole dip, but a poor cook can ruin a perfect avocado.
Even Keel I think a smart coach is never rash, lets assistants do as much as possible and never singles out players for poor play and rarely for good, as good play is expected. Poor play should be addressed and remedied on the practice field.
Finally, I think the best foods are simmered or baked. I have been thinking of my Mom’s chicken cacciatore lately. When I was young, my mom would start the dish early in the day in a great big pot and it would simmer and simmer and simmer all the day long. Oh man… talk about good! I think a good coach ‘simmers’ a good squad of players, small adjustment here, minor addition there, until the steady purposed hands brings them to a point a perfection.
I wish our team had a coach like that!
LOL…kidding of course, I think we do.
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 10:43:34
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| Gwinnett, yes he does position our players to put the team's best foot forward. It's a funny thing with Coach Troy - he coaches a lot of wins but never talks about winning as a focus. Instead, he talks about performances at the plate, on the mound and in the field. "know your job and do your job" is the gist of it. He also focuses a lot on the "team" - after all, it is a team game. |
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prestont
197 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 12:01:51
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Hi All -
I agree with Bandit and will not bash coaches - not my style, and I truly appreciate their commitment to youth baseball!
Here are a couple attributes we look for;
* Instruction - ability to teach our kids to learn the game, both Physically and Mentally
* Opportunity - to both succeed and fail, and help the player(s) to understand what they are doing well, and what they need to improve on to help themselves and the team
* Feeds competition - finds creative ways to challenge the kids individually, in groups, and as a team
* Reinforces - the good work that the kids do individually, as well as doing their job to help the team toward its goals
* Challenges the kids to improve off, as well as on, the field
Ultimately a coach that challenges my son to be a better player on the field, and person off the field.
Papa preaches about parents being part of the recipe for success, and we have to do our part to help our kids understand the team goals too ;-) |
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kaytrishjr
45 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 13:33:58
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This is a great topic!
We're going through this now because my son is on a new team this year and it's interesting. I couldn't put my finger on my exact concerns with this team, but reading this is giving me something to evaluate and I'll say this, the grass isn't always greener on the other side! |
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 15:13:25
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Gwinnett:
Yes, our Coaches "manage by numbers".
Most other teams my son's been on, there was favoritism (not always the Head Coaches son) and the stats meant zip.
I just kept team hopping until the madness stopped. I took a lot of flack for being a team hopper, but I couldn't care less what others thought. The kids know what's going on, and if you go along, it hurts your own credibility with your son. I don't recommend leaving mid-season though, because that too sends the wrong message. |
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Jacked-up
59 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 20:39:08
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Vision might cover this, but I would add EXPECTATIONS. The coach needs to set them up front to the players and parents as to how the team will be coached/run. Use pick-up players, or not; if can't pay dues, unexcused misses, etc...This keeps all focused and hopefully eliminate issues during the season. Failure to do so will negatively impact the team at some point.
Good topic... |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 21:44:14
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All the above attributes are great. I will add one that ties them all together and makes them work. Without it, the other attributes will mean nothing. The coach needs the ability to relate to the kids. He needs to be able to get his message across And have the kids buy into what he is trying to do. If the kids don't get along with and respect the coach, what he wants to do will never be accomplished.
Most of the stories have been about the positives. I will give a quick story about a coach we had that illustrates what I am talking about. Son had a coach one year that I have described as the hardest working, probably the most well intentioned coach we have ever had. However, he just couldn't relate to the kids. He didn't really know how to talk to them or explain why he was teaching what he did. Truth be told, he wasn't very good with the parent group either. By the end of the season, there was a ton of turmoil and no one wanted to come back. The team wound up with 3 kids coming back (one was his son). He filled another team the next year and that team basically revolted and had him removed as the coach.
He taught the right things, had a lot of baseball knowledge and was a good administrator. He just was not good at communicating and relating to the kids. I just think to be truly effective, you need all the things mentioned as well as the ability to relate to the kids and get everyone to buy into what you are doing. JMHO. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 23:10:50
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quote:
Originally posted by bballman
All the above attributes are great. I will add one that ties them all together and makes them work. Without it, the other attributes will mean nothing. The coach needs the ability to relate to the kids. He needs to be able to get his message across And have the kids buy into what he is trying to do. If the kids don't get along with and respect the coach, what he wants to do will never be accomplished.
Most of the stories have been about the positives. I will give a quick story about a coach we had that illustrates what I am talking about. Son had a coach one year that I have described as the hardest working, probably the most well intentioned coach we have ever had. However, he just couldn't relate to the kids. He didn't really know how to talk to them or explain why he was teaching what he did. Truth be told, he wasn't very good with the parent group either. By the end of the season, there was a ton of turmoil and no one wanted to come back. The team wound up with 3 kids coming back (one was his son). He filled another team the next year and that team basically revolted and had him removed as the coach.
He taught the right things, had a lot of baseball knowledge and was a good administrator. He just was not good at communicating and relating to the kids. I just think to be truly effective, you need all the things mentioned as well as the ability to relate to the kids and get everyone to buy into what you are doing. JMHO.
A lot of truth to this for sure. |
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coachdan06
433 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2011 : 23:11:35
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moser you speak well about the kids knowing whats going on .
Nephew at ripe ol age of 14 years last year declined on a good ec team that wanted him because he knew of favoritism to a group of bully daddys sons - forget the stats
Ma n Pa were surprised but then downright impressed with his indipendent judgement
fact is anymore they arent near nieve kids like we were way back when you can chalk that one up to internet and tv !!
quote:
Originally posted by bmoser
Gwinnett:
Yes, our Coaches "manage by numbers".
Most other teams my son's been on, there was favoritism (not always the Head Coaches son) and the stats meant zip.
I just kept team hopping until the madness stopped. I took a lot of flack for being a team hopper, but I couldn't care less what others thought. The kids know what's going on, and if you go along, it hurts your own credibility with your son. I don't recommend leaving mid-season though, because that too sends the wrong message.
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AA17Dad
211 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2011 : 08:48:58
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quote:
Originally posted by bballman
All the above attributes are great. I will add one that ties them all together and makes them work. Without it, the other attributes will mean nothing. The coach needs the ability to relate to the kids. He needs to be able to get his message across And have the kids buy into what he is trying to do. If the kids don't get along with and respect the coach, what he wants to do will never be accomplished.
Most of the stories have been about the positives. I will give a quick story about a coach we had that illustrates what I am talking about. Son had a coach one year that I have described as the hardest working, probably the most well intentioned coach we have ever had. However, he just couldn't relate to the kids. He didn't really know how to talk to them or explain why he was teaching what he did. Truth be told, he wasn't very good with the parent group either. By the end of the season, there was a ton of turmoil and no one wanted to come back. The team wound up with 3 kids coming back (one was his son). He filled another team the next year and that team basically revolted and had him removed as the coach.
He taught the right things, had a lot of baseball knowledge and was a good administrator. He just was not good at communicating and relating to the kids. I just think to be truly effective, you need all the things mentioned as well as the ability to relate to the kids and get everyone to buy into what you are doing. JMHO.
VERY good point. If you find a knowledgeable coach with a high level of instructional skills and the ability to relate well with the boys.....and parents. You got a winner and better stick with him. |
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2011 : 22:45:08
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Now we're getting somewhere! I've read a lot of really good posts!
Thanks.
BIG QUESTION--Do great coachs that have been talked about so far post stats for the team? Just curious. |
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2011 : 12:19:56
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The Coach I bragged about has always posted stats.
quote:
Originally posted by Gwinnett
Now we're getting somewhere! I've read a lot of really good posts!
Thanks.
BIG QUESTION--Do great coachs that have been talked about so far post stats for the team? Just curious.
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2011 : 08:56:24
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| Bandit Hawk, what about your team--do they post stats? |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2011 : 10:15:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Gwinnett
Bandit Hawk, what about your team--do they post stats?
Gwinnett, I was trying to avoid this one because I didn't know our coach's reasoning. The answer is no, we do not post stats. Coach Troy and I talked about this last night so I hope he's OK with me sharing his philosophy about it.
Basically, he feels there are positives and negatives that will result from posting stats to the entire team. Each player's personality is different and will react to being in a particular position in a different way. Some will be inspired to work harder by knowing where they stand and others will be dejected. Overall, Coach Troy feels that it's just one more pressure that the players are likely to carry to the plate with them and he would rather they are focused on picking out a good pitch to hit.
On a side note, Troy did share with me our Team's batting average for last year - it was .490 overall. Not bad considering the competition our boys face every week. |
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HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2011 : 10:55:00
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One of the best coaches around the 12 age doesn't even keep stats let alone post them.
I think most coaches that do share them with their coaches only.
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GREAT Coach ---- BAD Coach
