Had a ball game last night. We had a great team, the kids were raring to go. We put them out in the field with the coaches at each base helping everyone.
The kids let most of the balls go right past them, they haven't got the concept to step in front of the ball yet....it will come, you can warn them the ball is headed their way but for the most part....they aren't fast enough or have the skills yet.
They are always running after the ball.
So I over hear a comment "All of those coaches in the field and they aren't saying anything". Really they aren't saying anything? We talk til we are blue in the face, do they listen? Hell no. Coaches don't say anything, all I do is talk, all they do is talk, constantly helping the kids, preparing them for the ball. Even when they do stop the ball they stand there with it and don't throw it to first base. Cripes what more can ya do.
Maybe you could practice with your kid when they aren't on the field?
Better yet...why don't you come out onto the field and see what you can do? Heaven forbid the kids figure some shit out on their own......they are young, thats what we are doing, creating an environment for them to learn in, thrive in. They all have their own strengths and abilities.
As coaches I believe we can only do so much before the child has to meet us half way. Another year behind their belt and they'll be that much better. Its called a progression.
So don't go dissin' the only people who are willing to do give it their all for your children.....there would be nothing if there wasn't ball for the last 3 years thanks to us coaches!!!
grrrr! I work dang hard at making this team what it is, I stress over it, we coaches strategize as to who needs what skills, we work on everything, summers are dedicated to those kids so at the end of the year we see they have improved and they have...as coaches so have we.
4 comments:
People have absolutely NO idea how difficult it is to coach children until they take a stab at it. I didn't it twice at soccer a few years ago and that was enough for me. I'm thankful that people like you have the committment to stick with it.
Thank you. It has consumed me as it always does but I enjoy it so much that it makes it totally worth it. To see them succeed is the best feeling ever.....
Hours have been spent calling other teams, ordering medals, pictures (1378 of them) creating the movie....and to hear comments like that makes me want to say "your kid sucks anyway, why don't you all stay home".....
So many people expect perfection at first try. Like anything, it takes practice to become good at something. And especially when you're coaching very young children. It's not like you're coaching a team of seasoned players ... they're kids who are learning all these lessons for the first time. Perhaps you can try asking the parents to take turns at assissting next year? Maybe if the parents each take a turn or two at trying to coach the kids with you, they will see first hand what it's like and be more appreciative of the coaches. Kind of like a rotation for the season? Just a thought.
oh Jay my head would spin right off my shoulders if that were the case.....honestly most think our kids should just be able to hit and run and stop the ball and throw it. The problem is I am over safe and cautious and want nobody hurt as well, they would not take that into account either. Someone said to me last night - "smart you brought the first aid kit". Um yeah to every game we have it home or away! geesh!
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