Everyone should play- Playing time in Youth Baseball
coachtrev writes "How long should everyone play? Everyone hates seeing their child on the bench..How can I get my child more playing time in youth baseball?
I had a parent tell me several years ago.."You son is so good, he makes the team. I wish my son could do that. How can I get him better?"
I first thought..no my son does not make the team..more on that later. Everyone has to contribute. And I do mean everyone. I coached a 9 year old one time that had never played baseball before.Arghh! The head coach said he wasn't going to waste his time with him. So I had 2 Goals for this child..field a ball, get a hit(not a walk).
Goals - The first thing you need to do with your child is to have some goals for them to get out of the season. Have an idea..simple and maybe a few more complex ones, but ask your son what does he want to get out of the season. Now together you have an idea of what to work on at home( mention the goals to the coach also..he might want to implement them too or have some drills for you to work on).
These are very basic goals..Adjust them to your child's playing ability. Ex. A new Pitch, more patience at the plate, hitting inside, hitting outside..etc.
Play catch. That was my first response to the parent mentioned earlier.
Ready position..field some ground balls.. a few high ones.
After a few after work catching sessions, and he has learned ready position, and how to field a ground ball..got a few lucky semi- fly balls in the glove..you then show him the proper way to catch a fly ball, tell him why, and keep playing catch.
Stay Positive. Dont get angry or discouraged. When they are on the field they look for you. Be sure and give a thumbs up. Tell him when he does something good, even if it is just hustling. Tell the other kids on the team. It will help the entire teams attitude and show your own child you are sincere.
If something bad does happen..be sure he knows that play is over. The team is on to the next play or batter. Dont stop the game for this. This could be something to talk to your son about after the game.
Show up - Sometimes you cant..but try to everytime including practice.
Throw a few extra balls after practicesometimes..always be early for games and warmup.
These simple things will help your child develop basic skills and have a great fun attitude about baseball. Even the coach will notice. By the way, I have coached and we do notice who is late, on time, early, and ask for something extra. End result will be in more playing time. Everyone should play..baseball is a game and is meant to be played and have fun.
I almost forgot..the 9 year old that have never played..He never did catch a fly ball off a bat but quickly learned to play catch and was essential in his hustling and getting the ball in to the infield to stop baserunning. Yes he did hit. The last few games he actually hit a few balls and got on base. First time we ever won division..city championship..2nd in state.
Baseball is a team sport. Everyone has to contribute to the best of their ability and it makes a difference. Dont give up on any child that wants to play youth baseball
