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Home Fitness and Sports Baseball Why Coaching Character On The Baseball Field Leads To More Wins
Why Coaching Character On The Baseball Field Leads To More Wins PDF Print E-mail
Written by Dusty Mattingly, Batting Coach   
If I was a betting man, I would wager that you are expecting to read four great skill building drills that you could use in your next practice to better develop your players. In some way you would be right, but I am going to offer you four different coaching techniques that will build you a championship caliber baseball team without ever picking up a baseball. One of the mistakes I had made both as a player and a coach, was that practicing different drills would make me a better baseball player. Although to a certain extent that is true, the real power in getting better lies within your approach and how to persevere.
by DustyMattingly,BattingCoach


If I was a betting man, I would wager that you are expecting to read four great skill building drills that you could use in your next practice to better develop your players. In some way you would be right, but I am going to offer you four different coaching techniques that will build you a championship caliber baseball team without ever picking up a baseball. One of the mistakes I had made both as a player and a coach, was that practicing different drills would make me a better baseball player. Although to a certain extent that is true, the real power in getting better lies within your approach and how to persevere.

When I first started my coaching career, I made the mistake of teaching kids the technical side to the game. I was a walking instructional pamphlet and I failed to really connect with the players and really help them. Between directing drills, and designing practice plans, I had forgot that the game was about the players, not wins and losses. It wasn?t until I took a step back one day, and really took the time to look at the players around me. I had the distinct opportunity to make an impact on a young player?s life. I could help instill the same positive attributes that I had learned to help them rise above adversity, and give him the foundation to preserve. I changed my approach to coaching that same day.

The next time you begin a practice or a game, I want you to take a good look around. Players come from all backgrounds and situations. Some are poor, some are rich, great home, broken home, but they are all there to learn about something they enjoy. Unfortunately for many coaches, they forget that the primary reason players play the game is because it is fun and they want to get better. As a result, the average retirement age of baseball players is 12 years old. Player?s are left with such a bad experience, that they don?t want to continue playing a game they once loved.

The blame is not solely on the coaches in the community. Parents, rules, and regulations all play a part the baseball experience. I have even seen a player that was told he was too good to participate on a local sports team. Are you kidding me? It?s sad to say, but youth sports has become about politics instead of helping young kids establish positive attributes that can help them long after they are done playing the game. Don?t get me wrong, I am all for protecting kids, but not at the expense of compromising the integrity of the game.

The fact of the matter is, there simply are not enough educational programs out there to truly help facilitate the learning experience for young players and inexperienced coaches. They are left to fend on their own to figure out what is best for the team and how to keep the parents happy. The pressure comes from all angles and it can be difficult to take a step back and realize that the only thing that matters is the impact that coming to the ball park has everyday on the kids.

So if you are fortunate enough to be involved in with today?s players, I want you to always keep few things in the forefront of you mind to make your life easier. First, your number one baseball coaching goal is to make sure that all of the kids have fun regardless of the skill level. It is great to win, it really is. But just because you are on a winning team doesn?t mean you had a good experience. I have seen countless kids get shoved to the way side while others get all of the attention. Each player deserves just as much attention as the next. Make sure that happens and give just as much instruction based feedback to every player.

Two, help players to understand that learning to be successful on the baseball field can give you a strong foundation to be successful in life. It is sad to say, but we forget that many players learn many virtues while a part of a sports team. Take myself for instance, baseball instilled integrity, determination, perseverance, and the understanding of what it means to be a part of a team. If you keep these life skills in the forefront of you mind, you will be amazed at how your coaching approach changes from winning a baseball game, to helping the kids understand what it takes to be successful and learning to persevere.

The third baseball coaching tip, hold every player to the same standard. Whether it be you most skilled player, or the guy last of the bench, if they commit the same crime, they do the same time. Often time?s better players get preferential treatment. This is a sure fire way to create a feeling of resentment on the part of your players and tear your team apart. Not only will they not trust you, they won?t consider you a person they should confide in. Every player is equal regardless of the situation.

Four, players play the game, not the coach. Your role as a coach is to be a guide and a resource. Explain the reasons behind why situational baseball is important and what will put them in the best position to succeed on the diamond. Do not bunt a player out of situation because you don?t feel he is skilled enough to get a hit. Open the lines of communication and make sure that if something is misunderstood, you take the time to explain it further before moving on.

I hope these coaching tips have been helpful to you today. If you put these concepts into practice, I guarantee your approach to coaching will change. When you want the best for you players, regardless of who is watching on the outside, you will begin making an impact that will stay with your players for life. They will appreciate your commitment, and will work harder to maximize their potential. At the end of the day, winning baseball games comes down to the coach?s ability to inspire his players to reach new heights.

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