Parents Pryor To Showcase Years

Parents Prior To Showcase Years

I think there is a confusion about showcase ball that us veterans need to make ourselves available to these young parents to educate them about why things are done differently at this age level. Men like Rodney Threat, Ray Chandler, Rick McHome,and others should do an interview on what's the purpose of showcasing to clear up the confusion. Parents who have younger children seem to be focused on winning is the only reason to play, and I think this will hinder the recruiting process as these young girls reach the 18U level.

Guru

 

Advice welcomed for upcoming high schooler

Guru,
Thanks for starting this thread! My DD is an eighth grader with her freshmen year of high school right around the corner. She plays TB, alot. What should we be focusing on at this point? Right now its all about good grades, having fun on the field and just being a kid!


Any advice from the group of folks that have been there, done that, is appreciated.

 

12 yr old

My DD asked the other day if her 12 u team would ever win another tourney championship, otherwise win another trophy. I paused for a few minutes and responded this way. What if you never win another trophy but become one of the best SB players in NC. She said .... "I guess I'll be wearing Carolina Blue". I told her it's not about winning trophies all the time, but working hard on the things that will make you a better player and person. Well, she looked at me with some funny look and said OK. She's still learning

 

Information Might Just Help You In Pryor Years !!

1) As early as possible teach kids that attitude is the utmost importance if you are going to play college ball. A coach wants a kid that listens to his or her instructions, and is self motivated in lending a hand when needed. Coaches will watch you as you enter the park ,how you handle yourself,equipment,and especially how you talk to your parents or other individuals in authority. Don't think you are geting away by acting disrespectful , trust me somebody is watching you if you are a possible recruit.

2) Appearance even though you teenagers hate it you should come to the field fully dressed with cleats on and tied, and shirt tails inside your pants. Remember appearance sometimes shows what type of person you really are...neat or sloppy, coaches want players that care about their appearance,and this shows a respectable person inside that shell.

3) Once on the field don't be silly properly get loose,and warm-up , remember this may be the only time the coach really gets to study your form and how you throw the ball. So always even in warm-ups try to focus on doing good. I didn't say you couldn't have a good time, but don't throw the ball underhanded if you aren't a pitcher. Coaches like to study their possible recruits mechanics.


4) During the game don't be lazy, strive to get to everything hit your way. At the plate if you strike out,jog back to the dugout,and properly put your helmet back in place and your bat back on the rack. Remember if you have an attitude about striking out this might just tell a coach you can't handle the pressure in a game. Same with defense if you make an error keep your head in the game,and remember the coach is looking at this part of your game also. Keep the offense in the dugout when you go to the defense and vise-versa. Encourage your team mates and pat them on the back and tell them nice try if they mess up. Coaches love comradery done with lots of spirit towards each other.

5) After the game clean up your trash big plus with most coaches, offer to carry the buckets of ball or any other gear that your coaches need to take to another field or back to their cars. Leave the field excited to know that you are coming back later to play another game. When you get in the car relax you have just clocked out,and go and get some water / food to regenerate yourself for the next game.


Love ya Guru

 

Well said Guru!!! I have a daughter playing 18u showcase one playing 12u and one playing 10u travel who I coach.I try to implement these things about attitude, appearance and respect on and off the field to our ten year olds.I think it is never to early to teach them these things it will make it easier when they become the showcase team.Alot of them look at my like a deer in the head lights but once they see the older girls play or experience it they seem to understand the logic behind what we are teaching.The parents are very understanding and we have talked about these very things that players must do at the showcase level.Thanks for the info I would love to hear what Rick or Rodney have to say!!

 

Good post Guru. Spot on information from everyone I have ever been involved with.

 

guru

Guru... you must have been hanging with my coaching friend from the Knockouts.....

 

1111

 

Are you at Burlington? They've done that for a while there. I asked Kama Tucker why they did that and she said the college coaches liked the idea of "situation play".

I understand it but the players that I have talked to hate it. It definitely saps the spirit of competition; it makes it feel more like a practice. But since it's a showcase (more important than actual competition) I guess it makes sense.

If I was playing I would let someone know I had practiced enough and I want to compete. Practices are tedious enough without having to pay for them. There are simply too many showcases.

 

....wow, "carolina blue" ?????....oh well I guess theres no slander in a kids way of thinking. but can you StanMan buy your DD a NCSU shirt for Christmas! lol

Just wait til basketball seaso...........uuuhhh nevermind.
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