| All successful Little League Baseball Coaches have | | | | how to make complicated explanations of a skill |
| common characteristics that make them a "cut | | | | or drill sound simple and easy. He does not talk |
| above" average youth baseball coaches. These | | | | down to his players. He also has a good rapport |
| character traits enable the successful baseball | | | | with the parents of his players. He knows how |
| coach to have top quality practices and to get | | | | important it is to openly communicate his goals |
| great game performances from his team. | | | | and visions for the team to the parents. |
| Successful coaches are able to compete season | | | | 5. He is enthusiastic about both practices and |
| after season. They often coach their teams to | | | | games. - He never dreads going to practice. He |
| championships. This article outlines what I consider | | | | always gets excited about the next game. He has |
| to be the 7 character traits of successful Little | | | | a high level of enthusiasm and his enthusiasm |
| League Coaches. | | | | shows. |
| The 7 character traits of the successful Little | | | | 6. He has the ability to discipline without getting |
| League Coach are: | | | | personal. He does not get personal when he |
| 1. He has a true passion and love for the game. | | | | corrects or disciplines a player. He makes sure |
| He truly loves spending time at the baseball field. | | | | that the kids know he loves them. He does not |
| He loves to practice. He loves to participate in | | | | make smart comments that are said to |
| games. The bigger the game; the more pressure; | | | | embarrass or humiliate a player. He makes sure |
| the more he likes it. He studies the game to | | | | that when problems occur, he handles them |
| increase his knowledge. He watches as many high | | | | swiftly and fairly. The kids know that he cares for |
| school, college, and Major League Baseball games | | | | them enough to want each of them to act right. |
| as he possible each season. | | | | 7. He has a positive attitude that is contagious. - |
| 2. He has a sincere concern for each of his | | | | He always displays a positive attitude and spirit. |
| player's welfare. He takes care of his players. He | | | | He knows that his attitude is emulated by the |
| listens to their concerns. He is concerned for their | | | | players. If he reacts in the wrong way to |
| physical safety and mental well being. He wants | | | | pressure, then his team will also. He must display |
| each and every player to achieve to their highest | | | | patience and perseverance. He must keep his |
| potential. | | | | head up regardless of the score or the situation. |
| 3. He has great organizational skills. He carefully | | | | Above all, successful coaches know and |
| plans and organizes every practice. He carefully | | | | remember the following two quotes. When it |
| plans pregame and warm-up activities. He leaves | | | | comes to players, "They do not care what you |
| nothing to chance. Everything his team does has a | | | | know...until they know how much you care!" and |
| time, a place and a purpose. | | | | "Winning is not everything....Expecting to Win is. |
| 4. He has great communication skills. - He knows | | | | |