How much does a coaching change effect the on-field performance?

For those that don't know, I go to Liberty University. We had a coaching change after last season, and have a new coach this year. Obviously, there are some who support the old coach and are critical of the new coach. We've hit a rough patch and lost some games. The argument that the supporters of the old coach keep saying is "unlike other sports such as Football and Basketball, there really isn't that much different baseball strategy from coach to coach. You either play small ball or power ball and cater your game philosophy to the talent you have." From a pure baseball standpoint, I disagree with that. I know that the philosophies and approaches are different from coach to coach, and it takes a while to get used to that. For example, I'm sure the approach at the plate that we have at West Stokes is different from other coaches throughout the state. I'm sure that the way our coaches call pitches is different from other coaches. I feel that it takes players time to adjust from one coach to the other.

My question to you guys who are true baseball people is how much does a coaching change effect the on-field performance? Does the philosophical differences of the coaches have an impact on the players during a game? I'd like to see what you guys say.

 

My son has three during hs. It think a lot falls on a new coach. First is why was there a change was it lack of wins, personal, or something other. Players will rally around their coach if he is a leader. I have seen some coaches on other teams that stay on there players holler, screaming every inning and others just sit back and let things roll. Which is better? I put it to the players as to how they accept change. They must be taught that change is going to be part of the game. Keep an open mind. They have to decide for themselves. If they fill they cannot work with a coach then go play elsewhere. A player affects their performance. If a player is questioning and decision by the coach. He has already give up with out trying.

 

It has a tremendous affect on the players. It could be good or bad, but there will definitely be an effect of the player's performance.

Here is a problem I have been observing; and I have seen it in the college and high school ranks. Many new (inexperienced) head coaches believe they should distance themselves from the players....wow...what a terrible decision and it will get you fired. I don't know why they do that, but it happens too often. Coaching is in the human behavior business. If you don't know what your players are thinking; how they are feeling; what motivates them, what are the underlying concerns of the team and you don't understand "stacking" (problems that are not addressed, so they keep stacking on top of each other)... YOU WILL FAIL...and you need to go do something else.

The days of "Because I said so" are over. The days of a player asking to speak to the coach and his response is "I don't have time" are over. Everything is an investment. If a coach won't invest his time in his players, it's time for him to do something else.

If you look at consistently good programs, I know you will find a coach that has a personal relationship with his players; not a buddy, buddy, but as a father figure and one the players trust have their best interest...and that's the bottom line...developing trust.

Another thing I have noticed as compared to college. There are many fine college coaches, but the quality of HS coaching in NC has really improved. There are many HS coaches, that I believe, would be very successful in the college ranks.

 

Another thing I have noticed as compared to college. There are many fine college coaches, but the quality of HS coaching in NC has really improved. There are many HS coaches, that I believe, would be very successful in the college ranks.


This has been one of the great improvements in the last 5-6 years and continues to improve each year.

 

Maybe I worded my original question wrong. I'm talking about approaches at the plate and on the mound and things like that. How much does a different approach on-the-field by the coaches than what the player is accustomed to effect his performance? How much does the way a coach approaches a game change the way a player plays?

 

Yep, different question

 

It may just come down to the "pucker factor"... new coach, new approaches at the plate, on the mound or in the field, and the fact that the players now have to "re-prove" themselves to the new staff.
If a kid goes to the plate, or out to the mound, with a feeling in his gut that he can't make one mistake, then most likely he will.
Without any knowledge of the program you're in... and not being judgemental of that program, I would say that these issues should have been worked out during the fall. It would not be realistic to think that everyone on the team would be "happy campers" with a new system, but it should be mostly resolved by now.
If there is a rash of transfer requests at the end of the season, then, in MHO, the coach will need to look at the way he and his staff are managing the situation. Also, everyone involved needs to recognize that it takes time and commitment from all for there to be success.
Selfishly, I hope ya'll don't get this resolved until after April 6th! My son is at UNC-A!
Hang in there! It will work out. Remember, it's not where you are... it's about where you're going!

 

Our players love the guy and would rather play for him than the old coach. That's not the issue really. We just hit a rough patch in the season and on our message board there was some arguments and people said that a new coach should be able to come in right away and win with the old players because there aren't growing pains in baseball like in football and basketball.

 

There is always some bumps in the road.. you guys will be fine. Ignore talk outside the team, they can't help you or hurt you!

 

SuperJon. two thoughts:

- You do have a good coach, so anything negative said about him is meaningless
- Stay away from message boards during the season (with the exception of TBR). It's a place for some unknowledgeable people to rant and rave.

Any new coach will go through adjustments and the players go through one as well. The good thing is you have the right coach to lead you...and he will.