Coach & Player Synergy

Coaches,

Why is it that you have accepted the coaching position? Is it because you love the game of baseball or softball? Is it because you felt obligated? Is it because its possibly additional income? Or is it because you have a child on the team?

I challenge you to think about this question and get to the root of the true answer. The reason I've chosen this topic to write about is not to lecture, but to simply state observations I've made and quite honestly - can't stand to see. If you're coaching for the right reasons - because you love the game and enjoy molding the youth into young men and teaching them about life through the game of baseball - then I applaud you...

But if you're coaching for any of the wrong reasons, then continue reading... The reason I state this is because what if the player/coach synergy doesn't match one another? What if you have a player who truly wants to be the best he can be and have the opportunity to further their careers, is it fair to he or she to have a coach who doesn't have the same goals? NO!

I'm tired of seeing coaches just go through the motion and not teach our young athletes how to play the game right and to get their full potential out of them. You're doing the child a dis-service by not having the proper foundation of goals to work from. Just because YOU as the coach don't take things seriously or with pride, doesn't mean it should affect the players.

A coach is a mentor, a teacher, and a role model. Young athletes look to you for instruction, guidance, loyalty, support and so many other reasons. I challenge you to re-think the reason you've taken the coaching position and make sure it matches that of your players. Granted, not every kid wants to play college or pro ball, but thats not for you to decide... Treat every single player as if thats his/her goal and dont cheat them out of one minute of practice, one swing, one throw, etc.

As I heard my freshman year of high school baseball that lit the internal flame and used as motivation - "None of you will ever see the inside of a college or pro stadium unless you buy a ticket!" I will forever remember these words that my COACH said to our team.... don't be that guy....