OVER COACHING - LET THE KIDS PLAY

Baseball ain't easy. It requires a lot of practice to master the mechanics and fundamentals. Pitching, hitting, fielding, base running and more.

Base runners need to understand defensive positioning, angles, accurate or wild throws.

Hitters need to learn pitchers tendencies.

Pitchers and catchers need to recognize hitters' strengths and weaknesses. Not to mention probable in game situational approaches.

Even with years of practice and training, the game remains challenging.

Today, kids have been playing organized baseball from such young ages that they don't think for themselves anymore.

Whatever happened to pick-up games?  Sandlot games? Street ball? Even whiffle ball!

Organized baseball at the amateur levels is just the way it is nowadays.

You know what the number one complaint of many, if not most, professional baseball people (coaches and scouts) when talking about amateur baseball?

It's talked about privately, not publicly.

OVER COACHING!

Kids are not allowed to just 'play the game' themselves.

Don't throw a pitch unless the coach tells you to. Don't try and take the extra base without checking with the coach. Don't bunt, steal or hit-n-run unless you get the sign.

Players play safe. They've been coached and trained that way... for years.
 
How do you learn to be an aggressive base runner if you're not willing to risk being picked off?

I have a great deal of admiration and respect for all amateur coaches. They willingly give up their time.  Make financial sacrifices.  And, unfortunately, are unfairly criticized far too often.

But, it's about the kids. Not the coaches.

It's about player development. Not just winning. What the player learns on their own (whether good or bad) develops self confidence.

And anyone who has ever played this game knows that self confidence in baseball is a critical characteristic in every good player.

Coaches need to let the kids play!

Allow the players, at all levels, to learn on their own. Make their own decisions. Develop baseball instincts.

To have FUN!

Players are people. Not robots.

It's time to let go of the reigns. A least a little bit.

It's amazing, thrilling and rewarding to watch players develop on their own.

And... a lot more fun!

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