| Great Coaches are great coaches for a reason. | | | | keep your mouth quiet. Knowing what to say or |
| They love the game. They love the kids. They | | | | what not to say is crucial. Knowing how to get |
| love to instruct and teach. They love to mentor | | | | your message across without anger is important. |
| and minister to youngsters hoping that something | | | | 2. Everything a coach does and says is observed |
| they do will help that kid become a better person. | | | | by players, fans, umpires, parents and fans. Kids |
| Great coaches have an eye for detail and know | | | | look up to you. They will always remember your |
| how to correct players with with a positive | | | | actions and the example you set for them. Be a |
| approach. They know the game and love to talk | | | | positive force in their lives. Remember your |
| the game. Great coaches simply love to coach. | | | | behavior on and off the field affects the amount |
| Above all, great coaches know that there is a | | | | of respect that your players will have for you. |
| time and place for everything. They know and | | | | 3. Calmness under pressure is a skill that players |
| realize the impact of the words they speak. They | | | | learn from their coach. If you lose your temper |
| know that what they say can have a lasting life | | | | every time something goes wrong, how do you |
| long affect on a player.There is an old saying, If | | | | expect your players to perform under pressure |
| you cannot say something good, do not say | | | | and to have composure? |
| anything. That would be good advice for coaches | | | | 4. Sportsmanship starts with the coach. If you |
| to remember and live by in certain situations. I | | | | show sportsmanship, the team will show |
| have seen coaches go crazy when a player | | | | sportsmanship. You should preach sportsmanship. |
| misses a sign, fails to get the bunt down, or does | | | | If you unnecessarily question every call, then you |
| not get the job done. The coach attacks the | | | | are sending the wrong message. If you question a |
| players with little or no regard for his feelings or | | | | call, make sure that your actions have merit. |
| the impression he is making on his team or league. | | | | Show respect for the officials and do not try to |
| The feelings of the player are crushed, parents | | | | make a scene. |
| get mad, and other coaches cringe. What is | | | | 5. Do not have discussions with coaches or |
| wrong about this situation? There is nothing that | | | | parents regarding team or player issues with |
| that coach said that could not have been said in a | | | | players or other people present. If a discussion is |
| one on one privately. Simply pull the player aside | | | | needed, schedule it at a proper place and proper |
| and tell him what you what he needs to know. | | | | time. |
| Here are what I consider to be the 6 basic truths | | | | 6. Do not use profanity at any time under any |
| and principles that every youth coach in every | | | | circumstances. The duty is a baseball coach is to |
| sport, including baseball, should always remember: | | | | teach and help young kids learn the difference |
| 1. The people come to the games to see the kids | | | | between what is right and what is wrong. Good |
| play. People do not come to games to watch | | | | morals are reflected by what you say and how |
| coaches coach. Coaches should not try to put on | | | | you say it. Behave professionally with high moral |
| a show or theatrical performance. Say what you | | | | standards on and off the field. |
| should say. Say what is needed. Know when to | | | | I hope these basic truths are helpful to you. |