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| Youth Leaguers do better in a structured environment. The more the manager and coaches anticipate details and attend to them before practice and/or games, the more time can be spent on teaching and playing the game. Line-up cards and field preparation are just a few items which often times if put off to the last minute, add to confusion. It's also extremely important for managers and coaches to present a "unified front" to the players so they don't get mixed messages! |
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Obviously, expectations of level of play will vary from T-Ball to upper levels. Attention span is often very short at the lower levels. Managers and Coaches become frustrated if they expect total attention and dedication and motivation to the game of baseball. It is important for all of us to remember that, of the millions of Youth Leaguers, most of them will not even progress to the level of playing high school baseball much less become professional baseball players!
In summary, Managers and Coaches should neither overestimate nor understimate the skills, emotions, and behaviors of a Youth League player. |
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| Spell it out. Many youth leaguers especially those at the lower levels, do not understand baseball jargon. Phrases like "step into the ball," "round first," and "hit the cutoff man" can be baffling to a youngster who tends to take things literally. When giving instructions, always ask the player to repeat what you said and to show you a visual example. Visual examples, walk-throughs and "what-if" quiz games can be very helpful in getting them to understand your expectations. |
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| It is important for Managers and Coachs to attend to specific achievements rather than to make general statements. "Good game" and "nice try" are less effective than "I like the way you stayed down on the ball" or "I like your level swing." When you praise specific behavior in a player, you have a better chance that the youngster will remember what you said, pay attention to it, and believe it! |
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| Another goal of the manager or coach is to get the Youth Leaguer to think "we" rather than "me." This is difficult at the lower levels because of the immaturity level of the player. However, from the beginning, there should be a clear message that criticism among players is not acceptable. Players should be encouraged and praised for cheering the other members of the team during the game. Although some players will be seen as "heroes" for some game winning feat, a manager and coach need to make sure that each team member gets recognition. |
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| It is essential that the manager and coach be role models for their players in all areas of sportsmanship including interaction with the umpires, with other teams, with players on the same team, and with parents. Players are looking to their manager and coach for leadership and will pickup quickly on temper tantrums, sarcasm, put-downs and hazing. In PTBA baseball, we ALWAYS cheer for our team, NEVER against the other team. This includes the manager and coaches. Comments by the manager meant to encourage his pitcher such as "this batter's an easy out" are never acceptable. |
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| Empathy is extremely important in a manager and coach. Seeing the Youth League experience through the eyes of the Youth Leaguer is essential. Some have had little or no experience. Some have little or no encouragement from their parents. Some are playing "for their parents sake." Some have very low self esteem. Some have a long habit of "temper tantrums." A manager or coach should not take reactions from players personally. Youth Leaguers, at any level, are still growing physically and emotionally are likely to have "good days" and "bad days." |
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| Repeat, repeat, repeat! Most Youth Leaguers are not one-time learners. They need to be told over and over and over. It may seem boring at times, but the manager or coach needs to repeat instructions several times. Obviously, as the player moves from level to level there is less need for repetition. Time spent on the earlier levels repeating basic instructions is well spent. |
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| When a player does something correctly, it is extremely important that the manager or coach respond with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. Often, we tend to be animated in our response to a mistake, and somewhat calm when giving praise. For the Youth Leaguer, the opposite needs to happen. That is, the manager and coach need to show lots of enthusiasm and animation when giving praise, and should try and remain calm and supportive when reacting to a mistake. |
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| It is really important as a manager or coach to realize there is "life beyond Youth League." We run the risk of taking ourselves too seriously. A sense of humor is essential, both in managers and coaches, and in players. Smiling and laughing adds to relaxation, which adds to productivity and enhancement of performance. |
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