Meeting Parent's Expectations on Pitching Their Child

I have had several parents ask me about our expectations as coaches on children that are willing and able to pitch during games. Our roles as coaches are to put each player in positions on the field to succeed individually so the team will have success. It is also our role to ensure the players continue to progress on their baseball skills and get "game ready" for their current level as well as the bigger jump to more advanced League play.


Over the course of the preseason and during the initial phase of the regular season, we have been placing significant emphasis on pitching and would like to get as many players on the mound as possible by the end of the season and prior to playoffs. In order to progress, the players must demonstrate proper form (so as to reduce the risk of injury), mental preparation, and the ability to throw from the mound to the plate with consistency and control to get into a game. I place less emphasis on speed at this age. Speed will come with greater practice and experience. If your son has not pitched yet, please be patient. We continue to work with all the players and ensure their progression.

Repetition is Key to Player Development

Rep-e-ti-tion
–noun


1. the act of repeating; repeated action, performance, production, or presentation.
2. repeated utterance; reiteration.
3. something made by or resulting from repeating.
4. a reproduction, copy, or replica.
 
Like most sports, baseball skill development comes through repetition. Good competition is part of baseball growth but the most important thing is for a player to get lots and lots of time at the position they like to play. It doesn't matter if it's rec ball, travel ball or sand lot ball... the more innings they have playing a position the more comfortable and confident they will be playing it.

Coaching the "Challenging" or Difficult Child in Baseball

Every coach knows that some children are harder to handle and manage than others. Sometimes problems occur because of personality differences between a coach and a child, but there are children with whom any coach, adult or parent would have trouble. The truly difficult child is strong-willed, with powerful needs and unyielding determination, and often intensely curious about every aspect of his surroundings. I don't profess to call myself a behavioral therapist but I have learned some important lessons along the way during my own therapy as a parent that have helped me manage difficult children in youth baseball.

Coaching is not always easy at the best of times but when it comes to dealing with a difficult child the challenges can often seem overwhelming. Whatever the reason for a child's bad behavior, the solution is rarely simple and will involves a great deal of time and hard work.  It is important nonetheless to address it because it can become more out of control and have an effect on the other ball players (and parents).  In fact, several parents have already approached me about the 'spillover' effect and the need to address one player's behavioral actions or words.


The signs of a difficult child are clear to coaches and might manifest themselves as a refusal to accept limits or do what he is told, a very short temper or perhaps even physical violence towards his fellow ball players or even towards you.  Thankfully, the two latter events have not occurred in my role as manager or coach.  My experience has seen more of an oppositional defiant type of behavior.

Regardless of the cause for the behavior such as Asperger's Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, insecurities, lack of self-esteem, or poor behavioral mechanics, getting to the root of the problem quickly is important, but not always easy. If there is no obvious reason for the child to behave as he does then the first port of call should be the parents, as well as sitting your player down and having a thoughtful discussion.

You will quickly realize is that you are almost certain to feel both angry and frustrated at your player's behavior and that these feelings can very easily and quickly make an already difficult situation worse. Solving the problem is going to be a process of trial and error and that this may take time and will inevitably meet with both success and failure. Indeed, it is likely to be a slow uphill climb taking two steps backwards for every three steps you take forward.You may need to try various different approaches to teach the player the right way to behave and to show him that his own behavior is wrong and that it adversely affects the players and parents around him.

The way I approach these situations follows the way I have been taught as a parent.  Be patient.  Do not yell.  Show that you are in control.  Provide structure.  Setting boundaries and teaching by example will be extremely important, as will punishing bad behavior. Punishment however is often a problem when it comes to a difficult child as the negativeness only increases the defiance.  Lastly, partner with the child's parents and brainstorm ideas as to how we all can get the player's behavior under control.  After all, there are 11 other children that need to be managed by the coach, not just one.

Attitude, Mental Preparation and Toughness Are Everything

Sports psychologists will agree that attitude, preparation and mental toughness are critical to the development as a player. The game of baseball is not perfect and neither are you.  Accept this fact and remain positive.

Recall what the great Yogi Berra once said, "Ninety percent of baseball is mental, the other half is physical." Now Yogi may have meant many things, but one thing's certain: Attitude and mental preparation are keys to baseball success.
 
A very good baseball player will get three to four hits in every ten bats over their playing career. That means that they will not reach base and make an out seven times in every ten at-bats.  A very good baseball player will strike out against good and sometimes, not so good, pitching. Umpires can make bad calls that will put a batter behind in the count giving the pitcher an advantage or even call you out on a third strike on a bad pitch. Umpires are human and make mistakes. They are a part of the game. A very good baseball player will go to the plate with the attitude that he will get a hit. A batter has three strikes to put the ball in play. A very good baseball player will try to get three good swings at the plate and try to hit the ball hard somewhere. A very good baseball player will strike out getting three good cuts on occasion. It's a part of the game.

As time goes on and pitching gets better, it will happen more often than it does now. A very good baseball player will minimize his strikeouts. A very good baseball player will make mistakes. A very good baseball player will learn from his mistakes and try to not repeat them. The point of this message is that every player will make outs. Every player will make mistakes. Remember, baseball is a game. Have fun! 

Secondly, have a presence of mind.  Work on situational awareness.  Be prepared to play and engage throughout the practice and game.  Be aware of situations.  Where should the ball go?  How many outs?  Anticipate the ball and know where it should go or be thrown.  I always said to myself when I was playing, "I want the ball.  Hit it to me."

Lastly, as you excel in your physical skills, gaining mental toughness becomes a higher priority for your continued improvement.  A very good baseball player will not show his emotions on the field. He will show class and maturity. A very good baseball player will encourage other players when they're not having a good day. A very good baseball player will try to find any way to help his team win. A very good baseball player will never give up!

Pursuing and improving mental toughness and attitude will greatly enhance your performance as a player. It is the one limitless aspect of the game over which you may exert total control. There are four defining attitudes that I like to preach to ball players:

1. Make a committment to be mentally tough


First and foremost you make a definite commitment to becoming mentally tough. By making this decision, you fuel your motivation to develop all your talents.


2. Take responsibility for your actions and thoughts.
Accept your actions, good and bad, and gain control of your thoughts. Take charge!


3.  Thrive on challenges and stay positive.


Adversity is everywhere. Instead of spending your energy trying to avoid the inescapable, thrive on it, be inspired by it, let it challenge you to be your best. Work adversity to your advantage.

4. Make baseball fun.

Learn to enjoy the battle, the struggle, and the journey. Baseball invites you to many great adventures. By enjoying the process, you will grow to be a great competitor.

Politics in Youth Baseball...Time for Reform

I have been affiliated with baseball for many, many years and have seen the damage as a result of 'politics' and 'gaming the system', especially at the youth level. Why can't we remind ourselves that little league baseball was made for kids.  Grown-ups only screw it up. There are numerous examples that occur on a daily basis.  Winning and losing is more important to coaches and parents than the children. Coaches often play their child or friends' children in certain positions (e.g., pitcher) and are much more tolerant of their mistakes than those of other kids. Selection of an "all-star" team which excludes some kids with excellent statistics and playing abilities in favor of some kids whose parents knew the coaches, were relatives, etc.  It seems to be all about "who you know". On of my personal favorites is the Little League Board member and coach of a team having "special privileges" on dates, times, playing field locations and having an imbalance on homes versus away schedules.  When does it stop?  For what purpose does it serve? It only serves to give Little League baseball and organized youth sports a black eye and a caustic reputation.  No wonder certain parents and their talented children flee from the game and seek refuge with less team-oriented sports like running or tennis.  At least they have greater control of their destiny.

It seems to be human nature that we, as parents, just cannot help ourselves.  In my opinion, true reform will only happen when a League makes changes at the Board level.  This is where it starts and where it must be modified.

The local league Board of Directors, elected from and by the adult members of the league, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the league within the rules, regulations and policies of Little League. This board is not suppose to have the authority to alter, suspend or change any of the rules, regulations or policies of Little League. However, wide latitude is given to this board in many areas of operation so that the "local needs" (whatever that means) of the community may be met. I would like to see a Board composed of independent membership that have no ties to the league. Only in this manner will decisions be made without consideration to a Board member's child and the affect it will have on their playing time or future.


What are some other ways this can be stopped?

When will you allow my son to pitch in a game?

I am in the early part of the regular season with my Little league team and am already facing the challenging questions by parents.  One challenging area, in particular, surrounds pitching and parent's expectations to see their child pitch in a game. 

I realize that every kid that loves baseball has fantasized about being a great pro pitcher and throwing a perfect game. It’s one of those universal American dreams of little boys everywhere. While dreams like these should never be quashed, its important for responsible parents and coaches to teach kids how to pitch a baseball with the correct form and control. Without such guidance, overly enthusiastic children run a real risk of doing damage to their arms, elbows, and shoulder joints when throwing baseballs. They will also end up frustrated and not developing an interest for the game.

I like to give every ball player on the team a chance to develop their pitching skills and test them during games and practices including scrimmages against opponents. The first thing every player needs to learn before he takes the mound to pitch in a baseball game is the correct form. Not only will this give his pitches more power and control, it will also put less strain on the important and vulnerable parts of the body.

There are two big keys for baseball pitchers. First, it must be taught to youngsters that effective and safe pitching is powered mainly by the legs, not the arm. Secondly, the proper form is to train the elbow to lead the hand. The elbow should stay ahead of hand until just before release of the baseball. This takes some practice, but once a child learns to do it without forcing it, he is on the path to better control, more power, and (most importantly) a safe baseball throwing motion.

A good idea is to impress upon the young pitcher that speed is not the top priority in good baseball pitching.  Control is priority. This serves two purposes. First, it will help you slow him down in order to ingrain the proper and safe movements outlined above. Second, its generally easier to build up speed after control is learned when throwing a baseball than it is to learn control after speed.

Lastly, once form and control are learned, repetitions must occur regularly.  Practice makes perfect.  Get out and work with the children on a daily basis. Time spent prior to and after practices and games is just as important as during them.  Coaches can work on their form and control and offer them live experience but we, as parents, need to also work with them on their off time.

A Coach's Philosophy

There are several key elements to a coach's philosophy in achieving the goals for youth sports.  I like to be reminded of these elements often and try to see them through the eyes of the children.

• Be Positive

Players need a patient, supportive coach that can teach and motivate in a positive way. Knowing how to be positive and having the ability to communicate with your players is more important to a successful season than knowing many aspects of the game.

• Show Them You Care

Each player needs to know that you care for him as an individual and that you believe he is an important part of the team. Take time to talk to all players individually. Try to take interest in what is going on in their life outside of baseball.  Many of my current ball players have complexities in their life and it doesn't hurt to ask simple questions.  You will be amazed as to how little time or energy you need to expend in order to get them talking about the various activities at school or home.

• Have Fun

Fun is essential for children of all ages. Develop practices that let them do the things they enjoy. It's also important for you to have fun. Create an environment that is structured and varied enough for you to enjoy what your doing. If you're having fun, chances are your players will be having fun also.

• Emphasize Improvement

Players want to improve and gain new skills. Make sure that you challenge all your players at an appropriate level to foster improvement. This may require that players focus on different skills than other players during practice.

• Effort versus Results

Don't make the mistake of emphasizing results instead of effort. I've seen and heard coaches who try to motivate players by offering rewards. This could be money or candy for getting a hit or getting on base. This focus on results puts additional pressure on the player to perform. This can be especially difficult for the less skilled player.

• Organization And Discipline

Children quickly pick up on a coach that is unorganized and doesn't communicate his expectations. If you don't establish certain rules and don't follow up with an appropriate punishment if the rules are broken, you will quickly lose control of your team. I always have a rule about talking when I'm talking during practice. I expect when I'm explaining something that the players will have their eyes on me and pay attention. For example, I recall the first practice I held this year.  One of the 11 year olds started to speak over me and attempted to assert himself and explain why he did or didn't need to follow what I was saying.  His legs were then given a workout!  After this day, the same player and his teammates are remarkably quiet when I speak.

• Players Learn By Doing

Remember this simple phrase: 'You hear, you forget. You see, you remember. You do, you understand."  This is the same methodology used for Medical School and Residency.  "See one. Do one. Teach one." Often coaches try to teach players a skill by talking about it. The younger the player the less effective it will be. Give a quick explanation while you show them the skill you want them to perform. Then have them do it.

• Attitude And Effort

Coaches that believe winning is the everything have only one direction to take the team...down. Everyone wants to win, but when the main goal is winning, a really good season can be lost. If on the other hand you emphasize attitude and effort, a successful season can be had without a league championship. Winning games really will take care of itself if you prepare the team to play hard and always give their best effort.

• Sportsmanship

The idea of sportsmanship seems to be lost on many youth players. The fact is, sportsmanship must be taught. If children watch professional sports then their idea of sportsmanship may be to trash talk, spike the ball in the opponents face, or to mimic some other visual statement that demonstrates their superiority. As a coach, it's important that you teach the value of sportsmanship. I want my team to show joy when they make an exciting play, but not at the expense of the player on the opposing team. I want my players to always show the other team respect. Your leadership is the best way to get this across to your players. Interact with the players on the other team. Compliment them when they make a good play. Show your players that you appreciate the other team and the opportunity to play against them.

• Dealing With Parents

Dealing with parents might be the most difficult part of being a coach. Research suggests that it's the single biggest reason that coaches quit. It's a common problem, but one that can be difficult to solve. In my experience as both a coach and a parent I have found some common mistakes that coaches make that can bring on the wrath of a parent along with some ways to deal with a parent that is causing you grief.  For example, conducting a parent meeting can alleviate many problems encountered in the future.  Expectations are set.  Another way is to get parents involved.  Make them feel accountable.If a parent makes it to practices, have them help by working with some of the children. They may soon find out that coaching is more difficult than it looks from the bleachers.

• Be Consistent

Stating your philosophy is one thing; implementing it consistently is another. Make sure you make rules for your team that you can follow up with.