coachtrev writes "Winning is important in youth baseball but it is really about having some serious fun learning how to play winning baseball. I constantly focus on the how a player plays the game. We all want to win but losing in youth baseball is going to happen. As coaches we can make sure our young players are at least doing the right things and learning from any mistakes.
1.Practice- We are a team and work together. The team cannot do that if players are not at practice. Being on time means being here5 to 10 minutes before the stated time, so practice can begin at the stated time. The 5 to 10 minutes can be used for warming up and then we can go right into practice. If you are not on time you will have to run through the proper warm up before joining the rest of the team.
2. Game Time - Being on time to a game means 30 minutes early in uniform and ready to play. A team cannot warm up properly without everyone there. There is also the issue of setting the players and the lineup and communicating that to scorekeepers and the opposing team. For these reasons , any player showing up later than 20 minutes before game time will not start.
3. Play with Honor - Always hustle (it's the one thing that can always be done right). Run after every ground ball and pop up. Always carry yourself with pride and dignity. Do not in frustration throw equipment. Do not ridicule oppsing team's or players. We do not taunt or distract opposing player with low level antics(chatter). We never criticize or ridicule our teammates. Everyone on the team needs encouragement the most after they have made a mistake. Show the world how much you love the game of baseball and simply give your best effort every time.
4. Mistakes - I will make them, you will make them. As long as we are learning from our mistakes, I don't worry about it for even a minute and you shouldn't either. You must understand it is ok to fail as long as you are focused, paying attention, and giving your best effort. Being on a team is a safe place to fail because you have teammates that have your back and support.
5. Listen - Listening is very important. Promise to listen to the coaches and umpires. They will in return listen to you.
6. Coach-able - Coach-able players are always trying to learn more. The best players are the best learners. Are you coach-able? If so you you are a winner no matter what the scoreboard says.
7 - Positive - Try and keep a positive attitude at all times. Its more fun and makes it easier to learn. Focus on what is going on right now, not what just happened. Where are the baswe runners? If the ball is hiot to me , what do I do? If you are on the bench,how can you help the team be successful?
