Team Cuts?, how do you it?

Probably one of the worst parts of coaching, but hopefully there's good proven systems out there. This thead intended for HS and middle sch.

please comment on:
- does your program normally require cuts according to desired team #'s?
- how many days of try-outs?
- in general, what do typical try-outs consist of? Is there lots of running to "weed-out"?
- let's say you are lucky and have the right #'s without any cuts, but there's a kid or two that are just not skilled enough to help the team. how do you handle?
- as kids get older, do you see them weeding themselves out, so to speak, by just dropping out for various reasons?
- how do you notify those that are actually cut?

 

- does your program normally require cuts according to desired team #'s?

When I coached the middle school team tryouts were strictly up to me. I usually kept 15 - 18, and had 40 - 50 try out.

- how many days of try-outs?

Depending on the weather, # of kids, and how close to first game, but usually three days.

- in general, what do typical try-outs consist of? Is there lots of running to "weed-out"?

After properly stretching would send infielders to be timed in the 30 and 60 while OF warmed their arms, then worked outfielders (rotating a few to take the throws). When they finished switched- Infielders warmed their arms while OF ran then worked infielders. Worked pitchers and catchers last. Second day is more position work and letting them move around to have every opportunity to impress where-ever they choose. Invariably, one or two always misses the first day with an excusable reason so you get a look at them on day two as well.

- let's say you are lucky and have the right #'s without any cuts, but there's a kid or two that are just not skilled enough to help the team. how do you handle?

Can't comment because never been in that situation. I would never cut kids needlessly, unless they were head-cases, but would explain their probable role beforehand.

- as kids get older, do you see them weeding themselves out, so to speak, by just dropping out for various reasons?

You start seeing it around 13 -14, at least I do. Sometimes they just can't handle the transition to a full size field, they also start noticing the young ladies around that age.

- how do you notify those that are actually cut?

I usually cut down to 25 or so after the first day. That way I can get a real good look at the remainder, and work them thoroughly. The first cut, because of the time involved, is posted on the school bulletin board. Anyone cut after that I talk to one on one, and try to keep it as positive as possible. I believe that from middle school up they are no longer just kids, but young men, and it's a life lesson that needs to be delivered face to face. I'd be lying to you though if I told you I never got heavy-hearted or a lump in my throat. It weighs on me hard. Usually lose sleep for a few nights during tryouts.

Hope this helps you and good luck.

 

Coach Bagwell @ Ardrey Kell


"First of all, don't believe it when someone tells you that I have already picked my teams. Not true!! I am a very fair man and it makes no difference to me if I know you or don't know your father, mother, brother, sister, etc. We are in the business of picking the most talented players in order to be successful. As a matter of fact, you will have the same opportunity as anyone else who wishes to become a Sabres Baseball player. Prepare yourself to perform during tryouts. Come with the mindset that you will become a member of our program and make me keep you with your attitude, hustle and performance. Relax, I promise you'll play better. Believe me, I will notice you! If you make it, be prepared to represent the program positively around campus, in the classroom and around the community. Be respectful to the coaching staff and your teammates. Understand the role given to you and raise the intensity level and competition for your teammates in practice every single day. You must genuinely understand that the team is always more important than you and apply it through your actions. I will hold you accountable! Unfortunately, if you are dismissed, i will speak with you individually and will encourage your continued playing. I will guide you in the areas of your game which need improvement and show genuine compassion for you. I believe I owe that to the player and the game. I have never posted a "cut" list and never plan on it. I understand a young man may never play the game again if he is dismissed by me. He may love the game as much as any player, regardless of his abilities. I do not want a young man who has played and loved the game his whole life to have a bad taste in his mouth because he was dismissed by me. That's why the tryout period is the worst part of the season for me."

 

One of....

the toughest parts of the job! Written and documented forms are used. I do require alot of running to yes, find out excatly who is oin shape and has been (or at least working out preparing) unfortunately due to money and time the outcome(s) do not always appear fair. But quality coaches do a quality job during this process and they do so objectively, unlike many other coaches...

You could potentially write a short book on this topic you know... What s up Bag Man???
Coach Bill Horniak
Rising Sun HS., MD

 

great

definitely the written & documented forms would be a must! it's called CYA.

 

PLAYERS MAKING THIS YEARS TEAM WILL BE NOTIFIED BY A PIECE OF PAPER ON THE OFFICE DOOR OF THE COACH..
IF YOUR NAME IS MISSING IT IS NOT A MISTAKE.

UNDERCLASSMEN COME BACK AND TRY NEXT YEAR
SENIORS , YOUR SOFTBALL CAREER JUST STARTED.

 

Hey Coach, those sensitivity classes you've been taking are starting to pay off

 

tell it

tell it, brother!

 

Hopewell HS - Coach Billings typically had 3 days of tryouts and then post the Student ID numbers on his door of who made which team.

I like the idea of the student number vs. a name. Getting soft in my middle years I guess.

 

interesting the personal touch

so interesting not to post a cut list. so he speaks individually to all those that he cuts to break the news?