| Author |
 Topic  |
|
gamefanatic
40 Posts |
 Posted - 07/17/2011 : 21:46:37
|
| have organized tryouts! Just got home from a tryout. Two age groups. In just under an hour all they had done was time from home to first and home to second. Lots of standing around. Lots of arms cooling off. Nine coaches, about 60 kids standing around. Very disappointing when it could have been so good. Don't have two different age groups with two different field sizes trying out at the same time. Coaches please - put some thought into this. Parents are trying out teams and coaches as well. Very noticed by most parents. Sad thing is, I still can't tell you which of the nine men would have been my son's potential coach. |
|
|
With-a-stick
33 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 02:14:26
|
Yes sir, same experience today. I never comment on such things as it's pretty obvious to all involved and concerned but oh my this was way out there.
It must have been the same try out... So many things to go wrong and they hit every one of them.
No introductions to parents or players. We had arrived 30 minutes early so my son could warm up, out of respect for coaches valuable time we do that. Asked a gentleman inside the fence wearing the club's hat if we were in the right place, team and age as it just didn't look right. Well, it never got better, from the sarcastic answer from the adult wearing the club's hat to when we finally said we'd seen enough 3 hours later.
There were a maximum of 2 players (SS & 1st and C & BP) active on the field at any one time for nearly 3 hours, all players stood around doing absolutely nothing. Had to be 50 players idled by the 9 coaches/adults. There were no water breaks, not even a suggestion from what we could tell.
Here is how – not – to run a try out:
Mixed ages, this is the strangest thing. I might mix a few select ages together, well only in rec ball maybe, but in this case ( 13 u and 14u ) they will be playing on two different size fields. 54/80 vs 60/90. Through a few years of travel ball and various ages sometimes playing up and at the natural age, here we have a first for me, how is this going to work?
Base running -
Base path timing home to 1st through all the players then through again home to 2nd base was nearly an hour to get through. Was this to 80ft or 90ft? Only one set of bases, made me wonder? All the other players standing around, getting cold from the earlier warmup.
Outfield -
A fair number of players went to the outfield, the rest came back to the home plate area. I overheard they were the outfielders in the field. Non outfielders stood around and watched 12-15 players in the outfield take 3 fly balls and throw in to a coach on 3rd base. No change to the depth of the hits according to age? Why the 13u players would catch a fly ball 50+ ft beyond the fence of their respective field and throw it to 3rd base? Well, they bounced it in best they could. Three of those couldn't hurt too bad, right? Looked like they thought they had to fly it to the base like the player before them just did.
Infield -
Shortstops in the field, lined up awaiting their names to be called, 3 balls hit, 3 balls thrown to 1st base where there was a resemblance of a tryout because they did have a prospect 1st basemen handle the bag. Would be Ok except for the mix of ages as SS and 1st base and experience certainly didn't match up but once in a while. Had to feel bad when the 13u sometimes 1st baseman got one of the 14u real deal SS's and the opposite. Pay attention here guys, it's dangerous standing around.
Catchers -
Catchers were told to gear up, then after 20-30 minutes of standing around they were asked to take their gear off. Shortly after that they were directed to suit up again. This time unfortunately they were asked to throw down to 2nd? They had just a couple of minutes to throw a ball to warm up and go. Three cold throws to 2nd base for each, crazy. The throws were to a coach standing I guess at 113 and 128 depending on what age the catcher was. I know they got the age wrong on at least two catchers, for a couple of throws each, that I witnessed. No blocking or receiving? We may have missed it during pitching honestly, we left when the 2 hour tryout was past it's 3rd hour.
Batting -
Off to batting where all 50 or so lined up at a single cage! There might have been a slight overlap of catching and batting but it again was a max of 2 players active! And only for a few minutes. 15-20 minutes into batting, with a long line still outside the cage waiting for their turn, one of the coaches/adults called for all the pitchers to warm up their arms. My son was still waiting at the cage at this point, oh well.
Pitching -
Gone, left, NA.
Once my son finished batting (4-5 pitches) I had a chance to stop him to ask if he needed water and he commented he didn't see this as a good use of anyone's time. I paraphrase but the kid was spot on. He didn't want to continue, didn't think it was a worthwhile evaluation of any of the players. He and I knew a bunch of the players and parents from prior years from different clubs/teams. Some very good players, some in the middle with hustle and heart. He said none of them were taking it serious after the first hour of standing around. He just wanted to get through it and not hurt his arm or legs for this unknown crazy team. He's not one to quit anything, he was genuinely concerned he'd have to pitch without adequate warm up, the coaches/adults had demanded it up to this point and pitching cold was I guess his limit. Having been through 2 months of down time from a throwing injury due to overuse I trust his judgment. More than I trust this bunch. Apparently none of the players knew who the head coach was so we had nobody to check out with? Said good bye to all our friends, see you at the next tryout uh, Tuesday and we were done, packed up and left.
At no time did any coach/adult ever address the parents. 3 hours of standing around. We left very disappointed. For my player and for all the players and parents who invested their afternoon today. My past experience – A well run tryout/practice doesn't guarantee a well run team but I'm pretty sure a poorly run tryout/practice guarantees a poorly run team.
So as not to sound like a parent who points out all the faults without offering solutions here you go:
A better tryout suggestion - we've been to a bunch over the years.
You will need help from trusted friendly coaches here unless it's less than a team showing up. 5 players to 1 coach would be a good number. 50 players you'll need 10 qualified trusted coaches!
Sign in and number players if you have more than a teams worth, if you carry 12 players then number them in some way if more than 12 are trying out. I've seen sharpies and pin on numbers for example. You know who is going to be there right, you asked for some sort of registration? This way you'll know what number to expect.
Assistant coach(s)
1. Introduce yourself, associates to the prospects. Take the assembled boys out to the field to do an organized warm up, big muscle work. Lead by a current or trusted prospect maybe?
2. Warm up the arms until the head coach can introduce himself.
Head coach:
1. Introduce yourself to parents. Tell us about your background and some of the goals you would like the team to accomplish. You can be quite general or if you've got some real specific targets speak them now.
2. Introduce your assistant or position coaches that are not on the field. It would be a good time to lay out your plans for development, particularly in the case of the fall season.
3. Lay out the schedule for the try out. Regular fielding and batting for the first hour. Base running for all – 30 minutes. Pitching and catching only for the balance, an hour?
4. Explain the process of selection and if you will contact all or just the players for comeback or offer etc....
5. Go out and meet your prospective players.
6. Hover, watch, note on your clipboard of prospects what you are looking for or guarding against etc...
7. After BP all but the pitchers and catchers can be released. Be sure to thank the player and the parents for coming out.
Run this like a well organized team practice, split duties with the assistant coaches. Simultaneous infield and outfield work. Head coach hovers between the two. All players will be either OF or IF and some will be both. Rotate them through more than once if coaches need to see more. There should not be more than a couple of players at each station. If you have more players you need more coaches and more rotation.
Batting should be spread out, pulling from OF and IF players so no more than a couple are waiting. Soft toss, then pitched BP run through quickly. You'll need a couple of coaches for this and it is one that the Head Coach needs to see, hitting coach if you have one also. Ok, now everyone but pitchers and catchers can be released. A thank you from the Head Coach would be good at this time. Here we are, nearly done.
Pitchers need catchers and catchers need pitchers, perfect. Catchers can catch bullpen while you watch pitchers show their stuff. Catchers can impress you with their ability to block and work with a variety of pitchers. Pitching coaches and catching coaches can watch and observe, be as involved as the Head Coach allows. We've seen pitchers coached, taught a different grip or corrected to save injury. Little stuff, no big changes. See what they can do before they're indoctrinated into your system. Catchers the same, no major changes. Ask questions now about prior pitching or catching coaches. Make your notes about each, even combinations of pitcher and catcher that works well. Once done, same routine. Thanks from the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches/ Position coaches for coming out.
Wow, we're done. Meet with all your coaches immediately and share notes on each player through their station. Meet the following day or so and compare notes again. Decide prospects in a manner you see fit and pin it down quickly.
Thanks for allowing me to vent. I hope it does no harm, hope it does some good. The kids deserve the best possible coaches/adults. |
 |
|
|
touchemall
145 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 07:42:41
|
| I think I would have told my son to keep running to the car after an hour. |
|
|
|
DecaturDad
619 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 10:41:54
|
Did they charge for this experience :-)
|
|
|
|
justletemplay
46 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 12:02:38
|
We have all seen this to some degree. It's sad. All clubs ,with multiple age groups, SHOULD ANNOUNCE (WELL IN ADVANCE) WHO WILL BE COACHING OUR KIDS. You want parents to pay for a "tryout", "clinic", "camp", "assesment" before we are fully informed? Perhaps I like your club, but not the coaches assigned to our age group. That's business. At least give us the option not to spend the money. When we wouldn't play for the man anyway. The kids don't have a concern. Kids just want to play ball, vow to get better, laugh, have fun, get quality instruction. It is not a meat market out there where your club benefits from our childrens's efforts and our checkbook. I suppose that is why there are so many one or two year clubs.
At the college and middle school camps they have available at registration (months in advance),and before you pay, the list of instructors, the entire days agenda broken down in time increments, the player limit (yes they can be sold out.)
The overnite camp my son is at, this week, has 150 participants and 20 adults (college students, coaches, players). There are 17 twenty minute stations, all on one field and one guy w/ a bull horn. There are 2 water/rest stations in that 17. It's a baseball symphony. All week for 450$ that includes three squares and housing. Prices vary, but even 550$ was a great deal 2 weeks ago. If the coaches truly have college experience then surely they have experience the efficiency of a team workout or camp. |
|
|
|
mrthnlck
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 12:47:09
|
| Was there too, agree with you With-a-stick. Great post. You are dead on with your evaluation. Hope other coaches read your post and learn something from it. |
|
|
|
justletemplay
46 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 13:06:41
|
| Maybe copy this thread to the "tryout" topics by age bracket? |
|
|
|
gamefanatic
40 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 13:46:41
|
Thankfully no charge for this pleasure - yet. I'm puzzled how they will figure out who's who (oh yeah - they announced names) to make teams. As withastick said, learn from this coaches - good post by the way and pretty much sums it up and more...  |
|
|
|
rippit
667 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 08:13:17
|
This thread deserves a bump...
We're not seeing that many well run tryouts either. After last night, we are more confused than ever.
To me, if a coach doesn't know how to organize a meaningful tryout, he probably can't organize a meaningful practice.
I'd say let's just all show up on Saturday and play ball, but kids need reps, not just pitching and hitting lessons inside a warehouse with no pressure to do well.
One other thing: if you are having a tryout and have your current players there to participate, they should probably try to do their best. Otherwise, you may turn off some potential players. My son saw some sloppiness last night that he is afraid might jinx him down the road. Don't know if it was lack of skill or laziness we saw last night, but either isn't anything we want to be around. |
|
|
|
bbmom2
119 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 08:47:25
|
Rippit - it's interesting that coaches do not "prep" their returning players for a tryout. We watch those players to see how they interact, how they treat the coach, how they treat the "new" players. We had a workout last night with a team and the returning players were great - introduced themselves to the new kids, made them feel welcome and then went out and was very serious about the workout. These players went out of their way to let the new kids "shine" and not steal their thunder or show them up. Class act and hope an offer comes from them for consideration.
A couple of years ago, we went to a private workout and the coaches son just sat on the bleachers - didn't even come out on the field. My son was so turned off by that - we immediately ruled that team out.
What coaches and teams must realize, there is an abundance of travel teams to choose from. My son is an experienced 14U player, having played "up" this past year so is a tried and true experienced player on the big field. It is not a question for us of how is he going to do - we know. So we are in a position to be a little "picky" about where we go - to some extent. Coaches - put your best foot forward and realize your charming personality is not just always going to cut it - nor the fact that your players do nothing to make the "evaluatee" feel welcome. Think about what you are doing or it's an immediate turnoff to players and parents. |
|
|
|
dmb350
135 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 09:03:20
|
I've got to agree with rippit regarding the returning players.
Coaches,
If you are carrying players over they NEED to be at the tryouts AND they had better be bringing it because the talent you want WILL NOT sign-on if they don't see other talent there. The best want to play with the best so show what you have to offer too. The player/parents are evaluating the coaches and team also during tryouts. |
|
|
|
ramman999
241 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 14:36:39
|
Agree 100% - but there should be no carry over mindset - making the boys "try out" or "earn their spot" reduces or eliminates the complacency that will typically set in, regardless of age. It will undermine the message you are trying to send to the potential new players/families. Sure reality is they are not going anywhere, but you got to keep them hungry..
I've been to tryouts where they were looking for 2 or 3 kids and the returning players were just mailing it in, cutting up and not taking it serious, and turned me off completely - that reflects on the team, the organization, and the coach. I've also been to tryouts where the entire team was working hard, which in turn motivated my son to know he better step up his game. THAT is what I'd like out of a tryout!
|
|
|
|
itsaboutbb
164 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 15:23:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by bbmom2
Rippit - it's interesting that coaches do not "prep" their returning players for a tryout. We watch those players to see how they interact, how they treat the coach, how they treat the "new" players. We had a workout last night with a team and the returning players were great - introduced themselves to the new kids, made them feel welcome and then went out and was very serious about the workout. These players went out of their way to let the new kids "shine" and not steal their thunder or show them up. Class act and hope an offer comes from them for consideration.
A couple of years ago, we went to a private workout and the coaches son just sat on the bleachers - didn't even come out on the field. My son was so turned off by that - we immediately ruled that team out.
What coaches and teams must realize, there is an abundance of travel teams to choose from. My son is an experienced 14U player, having played "up" this past year so is a tried and true experienced player on the big field. It is not a question for us of how is he going to do - we know. So we are in a position to be a little "picky" about where we go - to some extent. Coaches - put your best foot forward and realize your charming personality is not just always going to cut it - nor the fact that your players do nothing to make the "evaluatee" feel welcome. Think about what you are doing or it's an immediate turnoff to players and parents.
Ok bbmom what was the team were they made you feel welcome? I want to take my kid there |
|
|
|
aj94
182 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 15:40:31
|
| How about those tryouts that charge a fee for the chance to workout with "professional" coaches when the team seems to already be in place before hand. |
|
|
|
Strategizer
86 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 15:54:53
|
| Great Post and comments! I hope coaches read ALL of the comments that were made. |
|
|
|
justletemplay
46 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 20:13:43
|
This is a really good positive thread. Maybe the clubs and coaches will get the message that the majority of us want organized, efficient tryouts and practices, quality instruction, repititions, performance feedback, for these kids to get accelerated mental maturity. It takes time to teach from a learning moment. You almost need one person doing that, like score keeping, during the game. No highlight videos to review anyway :)
I for one don't expect them to do it all either. But trhe games are a "test". |
|
|
|
mrthnlck
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 08:07:51
|
Regarding the tryout that started the thread. Have a buddy who got asked via email to commit to that team already. Only attended the one workout. Still no verbal communication or additional look.
He said no thank you.
Coaches/Parents look carefully at EACHOTHER. Travel season in Georgia is a long season. If you haven't gotten a solid sense of who a player or coach is before it even starts - you are leaving a lot to chance. |
|
|
|
gamefanatic
40 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 09:08:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by mrthnlck
Regarding the tryout that started the thread. Have a buddy who got asked via email to commit to that team already. Only attended the one workout. Still no verbal communication or additional look.
He said no thank you.
Coaches/Parents look carefully at EACHOTHER. Travel season in Georgia is a long season. If you haven't gotten a solid sense of who a player or coach is before it even starts - you are leaving a lot to chance.
Amazing!! I guess since my son didn't stay, no phone will be ringing at our house! Oh no! Would run, run far if this team came a calling. I'm not sure I would want to be a part of a team that took that for their try out. No way you could tell what you were getting player wise. As a parent - again, no way. |
|
|
|
bbmom2
119 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2011 : 10:17:03
|
I think we have to remember that as parents - we have just as much of a "say" in the selection process and I think some coaches forget that. It has to be a match for the family as much as it is a match for the player. In the "baseball moms" group some talk about a sales pitch from coaches. It's really interesting for us this year as our "pretty good" player last year has grown 4 inches, gained 30 pounds and all of a sudden is more of a "hot prospect." Last year we felt at the mercy of the coaches - this year it's more even. Getting the sales pitches but can really sit down and have good conversations with the coaches. Still take it with a little grain of salt and doing a lot of homework but actually turning into a fun experience - more more or than less - with good workouts and picking up tidbits from every coach. Still hate the cattle calls but it does show us as parents how the practices are run so there are benefits.
Coaches - read and absorb here and you will get good players... I guess "build it and they will come" can apply to good tryouts!
|
|
|
|
With-a-stick
33 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 13:19:15
|
One week later. Our player has been to four more tryouts. Some may think this is crazy but I feel it is important for him to see a lot of coaches/players and tell you the truth we’d be going through baseball withdrawal since the season end a couple of weeks ago. Sure we can knock the ball around ourselves but there is nothing like having several players together on a field. Besides, I believe it’s good to gain experience in tryouts so the ones that matter to you are not your first. As good practice makes the difficult play routine, have your player go out for a few that are lower on your list. Makes it easier to perform under the magnifying glass of the coach or team they really want.
Three of the tryouts were small groups of 4-5 prospects, well planned and covered the basics the coach thought important. A few worked on specific position as it was called for. Good job done by the coaches for preparing, they did bring existing players who showed well at the tryout as well.
The big tryout was 40 to 45 players, in our age group as scheduled for a couple of hours. A manager/coach manned a table and numbered the prospects, introduced himself to parents and pointed out coaches on the field. Good start in my book. It was held at a proper venue and was organized and pretty well scheduled. They stayed on target with time by dispersing the various position players to show themselves in several different corners. There was a bit of down time but it was pretty hot on the field during this midday tryout. I know our player availed himself of the downtime to hydrate and cool off. At the end, the boys rejoined the parents and the manager/coach had a few words about call backs and the like. Then he offered time for a Q&A session. Interesting questions from parents, qualified answers from the spokesperson and we were done. Overall a real good tryout. Multiple ages did overlap but allowed for in the schedule and was used for a good warm-up and a coach led organized stretch.
Good week for tryouts. Our players team list and our list is short and ranked exactly the same. Interesting couple of weeks ahead. How did your tryouts go? Hope coaches are reading and taking this to heart, it’s for the good of the boys and baseball. I hope our players improve and expect coaches to improve and learn as well. |
|
|
|
justletemplay
46 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 21:07:41
|
We attended several tryouts this weekend. My player has been to 4, this summer, but many over the years. His team from last year is a team that does not guarantee positions, or on the roster. They do have 5 core players, that are not coaches kids, that have been with the program from early on. They are good, above average players. They have to earn their spot each season and they do. They are leaders, consistent, solid ball players. I'd say they are the "prospects" and the rest of us are the "suspects." Our old team tryout are not until next month, n o guarantees so we are going thru the "hiring" process.
2 of the tryouts we have been to this year were unimpressive and more or less like rec ball tryouts where the kids all get a few reps at 2nd/ss, 10 or 15 pitches, timed home to 2nd, some pop ups, some demonstration of arm strength. I'd say they were nothing special. We were not at the disaster tryout that started this thread, but I have heard about it from every parent that was at the tryouts we have been too.
THE TRYOUT WE WERE AT TODAY WAS THE BEST, HANDS DOWN, I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN TO:
WHAT IMPRESSED ME:
1. There were only 35 boys
2. The team requested pre registration. They have had multiple tryouts with no more than 35 players. You could attend all 3.
3. All 3 coaches were there. All 3 were dressed professionally, in team uniforms.
4. There were 5 team players there. Also dressed to the nines.
5. The coaches all introduced themselves and handed out their resumes to all families. This included their baseball and personal information.
6. All the players were required to introduce themselves, their age, positions, and to announce themselves we are not guaranteed a position. We have to earn it.
7. The team had available for review, last years itemized, estimated budget that was handed out last season (under 1200$/pp). They gave out this years itemized, estimated budget (under 1400$/pp). There were 2 add'l tourny's this year. Neither included the cost of an end of year capstone event, but did include everything else,that is typical, and 4 complete uniforms and 2 practice attire apparel.
8. The tryout was free
9. It's a 4th year team, AA,AAA,AAA, this year major
10. The team had available for review by spreadsheet, last years estimated budget and actual budget. They were within 200$ of each other.
11. They had their team record, by game, and opponent.
12. They had last seasons players (anonymously) stats, from last season, and their batting order by game. You could see where players moved around in the order by stats, and onto the bench.........You could also see that a player that was struggling offensively had like 6 errors all season and 40 SB's, 40 bunts, 13 sac flys, and so he was playing not b/c of his stick, but b/c he was doing his job on D.
13. They gave out the "ground rules", which weekends they would be off, player and parent contracts.
14 They will carry 14 players.
15. They answered every parent question.
16. The workout was AMAZING, efficient, and run like a clinic more than a tryout. Plenty of reps at every position that every kid was interested in.
17. The returning players were amazing and most definitely the top 5 athletes there and set the standard for the other 30 boys. My kid was middle of the pack of the 30.
18. No coaches had kids on the team.
19. "You'll get a call whether we invite you back for a final closed tryout, or not" if we do not select your player we will send you an evaluation and our observation....if you wish.
20. This was the 3rd of 3 workouts, 5 hours long.
21. The coaches were hustling more than most of the kids, except for the 5 returning players.
22. The entire workout was fast paced, mechanically and fundamentals based at each drill. No players were standing around. Plenty of hydration and rest breaks.
23. No negative or disparaging comments. All upbeat and positive reinforcement.
24. A short concluding statement and a thank you to all of us.
It was a great experience for me and for my son to see and to experience. We both learned much.
|
|
|
|
With-a-stick
33 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 22:21:38
|
I had that same dream justletemplay!
Honestly I can't figure where you were though. Hope your player get's a spot. If they can pull off a tryout like this they will likely field a well run team, might win some too. |
|
|
|
justletemplay
46 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 23:19:25
|
If he even got invited back I would be in shock. They have had 2 other tryouts that we did not attend due to conflicts with other tryouts or personal conflicts. I can't imagine what talent they have seen. They certainly deserve to be selective.
My son and I walked away saying now that was a beautiful thing. When you go back to your team for your tryouts, or to any other tryouts bring that experience with you and then and only then will you stand out as a 1 percenter. |
|
|
|
HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2011 : 13:16:00
|
Was there a charge for the tryout?
Curious what was their record this year? |
Edited by - HITANDRUN on 07/25/2011 14:56:28 |
|
|
|
justletemplay
46 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2011 : 10:26:16
|
It was free.
Not that it mattered what their record was, because I was so impressed with their professionalism, but it was over 500 ball and they beat and were beat by. Ssome very good teams. They were in some bigger and smaller tournaments. |
|
|
|
bbmom2
119 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2011 : 21:43:11
|
| Just returned home from one of the best tryouts we've ever been to. About 40 players from all over Metro area and a couple from out of state. Can understand why these out of staters would drive all the way to come try out for this coach. Divided into 4 groups of ten, rotated through positions with coaches and Scouts watching the kids. The coach walked among the players, going from group to group. Coach greeted players upon arrival, explained what they were going to do and what he was looking for. Got the players going. Walked over to the parents and talked to them. Players went through the paces. Just over 2 hours all released but pitchers and catchers. Coach talked to each group, very encouraging, thanked them for coming and he would let them know very soon. Pitchers and catchers worked for about another hour. Again, coach talked to them and the parents. Impressive. Also, as a parent, I feel like whether my son makes it or not, he will have a terrific team. Awesome job Coach. All the best to you and your team. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Note to coaches - please-
