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Collective experience

Discussion in 'Softball Forum' started by Coach Roger, Feb 25, 2008.

  1. Feb 25, 2008 at 9:03 PM #1
    Coach Roger

    Coach Roger Full Access Member

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    I need some insight from the vast experience that makes this board such a resource. I am in my first year of coaching middle school ball. Through years of coaching travel ball I have never been faced with the challenge I have before me. As you know, the vast majority of girls coming out for TB bring experience and typically a decent understanding of the game. That is not the case in my current role. To try to make a long story shorter, due to having to travel to practice, our field time is very limited. I have a group of girls that consists of a very experienced travel ball player (my DD), two girls that have played limited rec ball and the rest have no idea, bless their hearts. As for basic how to's and learning the mechanics, I can handle that. What I'm struggling with is how to most efficiently teach the game knowledge basics. Most of our players do not know what a lead runner is, much less have a grasp on rotational assignments. About the only time I have opportunity for this as a group is when we get the gym (only the locker room because the varsity gets the gym floor) during practice day rain outs. Any and all ideas, lessons learned, are welcome and appreciated.
     
  2. Feb 25, 2008 at 9:24 PM #2
    cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    coach, this sounds like my jv team at hs. dont know what to tell ya, but this is what i've done for last two or three weeks. after warmups and before infield, i take the group and walk position by position and describe responsibility of position, area of responsibility and who leads who on cut offs and who's in control of infield defense. we then go base by base and talk about base running situations, FLY BALLS, stealing, leading off, when to return and when to advance on a base, what a double play is and what a force out is. I DO THIS EVERY DAY FOR THREE WEEKS until eveyone can answer my questions about different situations. it works, and if its raining, we go to the erasure board and talk about the same things.

    now after two or three weeks, everybody knows the basics of softball, responsibilities of postions and what to do if the ball is hit in the air and they're on base (7 girls didnt have a clue)....
     
  3. Feb 25, 2008 at 10:45 PM #3
    WndMillR

    WndMillR Full Access Member

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    Excellent approach...........

    Never assume they understand a statement or direction if you have not taken the time to explain it thoroughly... not even the slightest thing...
     
  4. Feb 25, 2008 at 11:01 PM #4
    marlinfan1

    marlinfan1 Full Access Member

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    GO CHEEZE!.....

    ....without a doubt, SITUATION DRILLS and what to do with the ball if it comes to you, or what you, as the other 8 players on the field that the ball didn't come your way, have a place to be and a role to play on every pitch. Props to Ed for a great post.
     
  5. Feb 25, 2008 at 11:17 PM #5
    deacdiddy

    deacdiddy Junior Member

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    Bless you

    :N1yeeaah:Small steps my friend.....lots of praise for the smallest accomplishment..Rome was not built in a day and you will have to find your rewards in seeing them come together as a team through the season maybe not even winning a game. Maybe even taking some steps back before progressing....oh...did i mention lots of praise?
     
  6. Feb 26, 2008 at 6:35 AM #6
    cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    you know, that was one of the most important things i left out - praise and encouragement. i dont think you can do it enough for a young lady trying to learn something new. lots of smiles, lots of knuckles and high fives, lots of putting your arm on their shoulder and walking privately to talk about what when wrong and how to not do it again. you should always be determined that their hs experience will be something that stays in their hearts for the rest of their lives......its all about them isnt it??
     
  7. Feb 26, 2008 at 7:02 AM #7
    Softball Guru

    Softball Guru Banned From TBR

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    Drill After Drill !!!

    I agree with marlin, use drills and more drills, it takes approximately (5) weeks of doing something over and over again before it becomes a habit, that is why so many people fail in exercise programs. If a kid has any coordination at all she can learn the propers of how to do a drill. We use deflated basketballs to teach the kids how to swing through the ball with resistance,this drill also strengthens their arms. We teach pull hand drills,bat speed drills, proper running,and sliding drills. Middle school ball to me is not so much the kids inabilities,but dealing with the parents wanting to know why little Susie didn't start today, or the backbiting on the hill because the coach doesn't know what he or she is doing.The big obstacles is not the inabilities of the kids, because most of them are there for the fun,but it's " Know It All Parents ", that are the real challenge !! Middle school ball can be a tool of learning for those that are wanting to one day be on the Varsity High School program.


    Guru -------------- :MEPsychologist02HL:-------------- After Dealing With Middle School Parents
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2008
  8. Feb 26, 2008 at 10:09 PM #8
    3bagger15

    3bagger15 Full Access Member

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    been in your shoes, my friend and.......

    Patience, patience, patience.. Situation drills, definitely. Sound like you are on the right track........ Best of luck!!!
     

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