Tagged With "Iowa"
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When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
There have been lots of threads about whether to talk to the coach, when to talk to the coach, etc. We have never talked to a coach about position or playing time, but think it may be needed this weekend. Seeking input. Son is sophomore playing on a not very good spring team (remember, Iowa has summer baseball).Son is a pitcher/catcher/third base. Coach is a dad who we don't really consider a coach so much as the guy who keeps enough order that the kids can have a team. He's not a baseball...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
So do you want to be proactive or reactive? Which one will get the best results? Honestly you and your husband shouldn't have this conversation with the coach because how does this help your son grow up? This needs to be a conversation your son has with the coach. He needs to explain to him how his legs feel after the all day catching session. Your son needs to ask him how he plans on using him if he's pitching first and catching second or vice versa or even pitching at all. Once the coach...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
ditto. It's time for your son to inquire & then speak up.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
A parent's role is to prep the player on how to handle the situation with the coach.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
My son is also a catcher and a pitcher. I think the answer you got from Coach2709 is pretty much what my son has done. Based on a suggestion my son got to a question at an excellent college camp, he presented it in a way like this to his coach: I enjoy catching and pitching, but I know I will not be at my best if I try to do both on the same day or on back to back days. Where do you see my highest need to the team? The coach told him the team had more of a need at catcher, so my son said he...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Concur with above... The coach might not realize the risk he's exposing your son to... Not all coach's are dialed into arm care and they sometimes need a careful reminder. Empower your son with the tools for a conversation with the coach. IF the Coach completely disregards what your son says, that's an entirely different matter. Then, an off-field proactive conversation with the coach about arm care and knee rest would be appropriate.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Duh. I keep forgetting my baby is a fairly articulate young man who can stick up for himself. He will speak up if he hurts or doesn't feel up to a specific task, but otherwise, he feels it's the coaches job to put him where he needs him, and his job to do his best in that spot. I'll remind him he needs to have that conversation and be smart about what he does. Thanks for the reality check.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Your son has the right attitude. Let him be his own man, however, you can have a conversation with him if you feel his health is in jeopardy. Sometimes we have to remind them they cant do it all, especially if the coach is not as educated in arm care.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
As FYI. My son is and in HS was a very articulate young man. He was also a young man willing to do whatever coach asked. Believed in himself and willing to put everything on line for the win. We interceded (beforehand and privately) with coach. As parents I still feel like we have to protect kids health as much as possible. In our case it was a very positive experience. But we knew that coach from older sons who had played for him ( neither of them pitched so not an issue). We watched him...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
That's why you have the discussion with son and only intervene when you have to. I understand, we had that situation but only spoke up when son knew he needed us to help. And yes, sometimes you have to speak up when your sons future is at stake. But give them the chance first, because they have to learn on their own to take care of business.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
I don't know if I've ever seen so many "likes" on a post so it is obviously excellent advice from coach2709. And as I was reading through Coach's post, I found myself nodding in total agreement all the way through before I saw the likes. HOWEVER... as I think longer on this one, I actually disagree with the player handling this. I'm going to go against the grain with some of the folks who I respect the absolute most here on HSBBW. I TOTALLY agree that dad stepping in on game day is the worst...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Agree with CABBAGEDAD. Perfect wording. This particular issue is when the player might need an advocate. If the player felt comfortable with handling the issue, that would be my first choice, but I wonder how many coaches would hear those words in the intended way from a player.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Player needs to understand the risks of health to his arm and knees. Given the disregard by the coach, this is a bit dicey. Player needs to have an immediate conversation with the Coach. Empower your son with the tools. BUT,... Because of the immediate health concerns and If the player is slow to act, or the coach is slow to respond to the player, parent can feel comfortable about stepping in. Safety (arm care or knees) & "checkbook" items open the door for parents to have an off the...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Is it really that hard for a player to talk to the coach? I mean as much time as they spend together ? Just last week 2018 was pitching in a scrimmage and the head coach yelled at him to speed up the game. After his allotted threes innings he was in the bullpen doing post pitching work and 2018 asked the pitching coach if the head coach was yelling at him to speed up the game or the umpire. The pitching coach said he wanted you to speed up the game. 2018 went to the head coach and said that...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
I have to agree with bacdor and GOV, and I understand this is not his HS coach a travel coach and my understanding he also is a dad coach. Sometimes I get a bit confused. Your son is a catcher, pitcher and 3rd basemen yet you have concerns that the coach might pitch him one game and have him catch the next? And you are upset that he caught to all the pitchers the other night and afraid his knees were weak? But you think maybe that you should have a talk with him, about what? Isn't this what...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Keep in mind, this isn't a varsity coach or even a "real" baseball coach. It's a dad who puts together a team each spring before our high school can start practice, just so the kids get a chance to play. As a family we respect and appreciate that, but also realize his lack of knowledge. Son has been raised to know there are two kinds of coaches--those you respect because they have the title and those you respect because they have the knowledgeable skill to make him better. This is a coach by...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
This is perfect. Son is going to talk to coach before practice about what he sees him doing this weekend and if there's a concern, he'll let me know and I'll reach out.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
My 2016 came within an eyelash of not playing HSBB after soph. year because of problems with HC.I have a problem right now with HC that I want to post on this thread but, do not want to high jack.I mean no disrespect when I say this.I would not let/put 2016 in a situation you describe with this coach.From what I've read you/son had/have problem with this guy going in before hand.I also am kinda scrathing my head on the sore knee thing.What is his off season rest period?what is his getting...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Good comments and questions. If a parent has a talented work ethic player they should be more involved with the regimen for required rest and fitness off season and during the season. Even if a program has a regimen, as a parent you've got to do your research about the program, its' coaches, frequency of training sessions. There has to be planned days of rest. Protect your kid. Life after baseball is much longer.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
It's important to realize how difficult it is for some young high school kids to step into this new role of semi-adult. For many, it's easy enough. For others, though, it's extremely difficult. It takes some preparation and some experience. Don't get me wrong, they are going to have to learn - and learn fast - to take care of themselves. It took a LOT of coaxing to get my kid to make his first recruiting call to a college coach. He did not want to do it. Over a short amount of time, though,...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
My son is son number 3 that has played baseball at this high school so I know the coach pretty well. We had a conversation before freshman year about my neurosis when it comes to arm care/injuries and he knows it comes from my oldest son tearing his labrum. We agreed on things like pitch count limits to start the season and a general guideline of what we were comfortable with when it came to how often he pitched. Then we stepped away and left it to my son to let him know if he is sore and to...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Example of a good move by the parent: pretty important to be dialed into how your son operates. When it comes to safety, too much at risk. Probably why I'm so proactive with my 2018; teaching health, rest, arm care etc. I learned a lot from my 2016 experiences.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
I am a mom so been there and done it. My opinion, don't burn him out before his season starts. Play for practice and don't sacrifice yourself because no one is there to do the job.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
I'll be honest I'm pretty proud of all the likes. Makes me feel like I'm not a big dummy lol. Just so everyone knows I have the utmost respect for Cabbagedad and believe if you read something he posts you will be better for it. I understand totally where he's coming from and he makes a very valid point about kids want to be out there and don't realize when the tune it down. I totally understand where he's coming from. But (there always is one) - when does this kid finally learn when to take...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Great question and I think this is where that middle ground of what myself and Cabbagedad are talking about. Give the kid the first shot (with parental guidance) but if it's not listened to then parents step in. Speaking as a coach I want my kids to have these conversations with me. Look I'll know my kids and I'll know which ones are holding back info wanting to play, I'll know which ones are being truthful and I'll know which ones are not pushing themselves enough. End of the day I'm going...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
There are MANY MANY MANY kids today that don't understand the distinction between standing up for yourself and just being rude and disrespectful to an adult. If you send your child into the lions den to talk with the coach make sure you gave him a shield. Every now and then my 8th grader still pops his head in the door to my office, says a statement and then says "Rude, or okay?" Usually I say it's okay, but there have been a few times where my response was "You had better be practicing what...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Great job parenting Caco3girl! Not many teens would have that conversation with their parents.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
My son has never had a problem talking to any adult, but he's so intimidated by his coach that he wouldn't initiate a conversation with him if they were the only two people stuck in an elevator. In his defense, the coach seems very unapproachable. I don't want to put words in his mouth, cause I can't remember the details, so I won't be specific, but he says things that make it clear that he doesn't want to talk to you...kid or parent. I'm fairly certain that most of the kids feel the same way.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
My son is pretty careful about coaches he does't know well, like his spring coach. But his high school varsity coach is a whole different thing--son texts him all the time with questions, looking for input on recruiting, weights, workouts etc., and he usually gets answers. Our school was looking for a pitching coach. Son texted varsity coach and suggested a guy everyone knew, who had played minor league and given lessons to about every player on the team, but no one had thought about him...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Invest in knee savers? The big league guys catch 7 days a week. Pitching and catching as a starter is too much. But if he catches and relief pitches the same game, that seems fine.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Don't start with the knee savers discussion....ugh....that's another thread for another time. I have always heard it is the worst case scenario to go from catching and THEN pitch. Something about legs being week/fatigued being a huge cause for pitcher fatigue which leads to bad mechanics.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
IF you're going to catch and pitch it should be as a starter. Pitch 4-6 innings and take the rest of the game off. Hopefully you'll have an off day before you're back behind the plate.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Do not let your son pitch and catch without proper rest. My did it as a HS Freshman and has had two elbow surgeries since and still isn't the same as before. His HS coach did abuse him with high pitch counts and then would have him catch the next day. We (his parents) stayed out of it but I sure regret not getting involved back then. Who know if the results would have been different but I think they would have. My kid never wanted to come out of a game and would never say no to playing. I...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Brutal story there, hope your son is good now. Parents have to be involved, but in a different way - education/awareness. It's the only way to help prevent injuries, it's also a way to know to stay away - coach is all over it. Kids will be done with baseball one day, they'd probably like the chance to play catch with their own kid one day.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
(emphasis mine) Have mentioned this before on these boards, but again . . . I was glad I learned my lesson early when my son was on a 13U travel team and played an early morning double header. First game he pitched the whole game and the very next game right afterwards the coach had him catch the whole game. Seemed like son's arm was indestructible and I didn't give it much thought . . . until after these games walking back to the car son mentioned his arm was a "little" sore (I kinda think...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
So what is considered proper rest in this case? Are there published guidelines like with pitch count? I'm guessing there isn't anything official, just wondering how people make this determination. This in no way applies to my son as I haven't seen a lefty behind the plate in many moons, but it might be helpful information for others to think about.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Before we get off the original question from the OP and on to what sort of mix of pitching and catching is appropriate - I've recently posted on another thread about communication with our HS baseball coaches. All communication needs to flow through the player, all the way down through middle school, dictated by the varsity coach who runs the program from top down. I don't believe any of the catchers have pitched since 2016 started playing in 7th grade so I'm not sure how our coach would...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Yeah, I've never seen anything official for "proper rest" for players other than for pitchers. Obviously, that's probably because there's such variation between positions and the amount of throwing done and how often they might throw hard at those positions. So, it's mostly a judgement call and one that should error on the side of caution. I think for a parent, the best thing to do is to be able to communicate with your child and simply ask how the are feels after a game. If there's any...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
If arm injuries are a concern, don't pitch and catch.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Yup. Some people DO make that decision over such concerns.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
"So what is considered proper rest in this case? Are there published guidelines like with pitch count? I'm guessing there isn't anything official, just wondering how people make this determination. This in no way applies to my son as I haven't seen a lefty behind the plate in many moons, but it might be helpful information for others to think about." There are little league guidelines about pitching in catching in the same game and in double headers. I did not look to see if those guidelines...
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Here's NFHS website...for HS rules... https://www.nfhs.org/activities-sports/baseball/
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
When son was in middle school the catcher got hurt. Son volunteered to cover for him. We made it clear that he couldn't pitch while catching. He wasn't happy, they think they can do it all. A sad thing that I have realized over the years is that some folks feel the same. They want their players to be involved as much as possible. They won't realize until years later that might have been a mistake. Be smart people be the bad guys. And you don't need guidelines to defend common sense.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
No, you don't need guidelines, but there is a lot of ambiguity when people talk about things like proper rest. And there is hardly ever agreement on this board. That is one of the beauties of these discussions. If someone comes along with these questions, it's good for them to hear the good and the bad to educate themselves and make informed decisions. That is how we learn from one another. Heck, if everyone had common sense, we wouldn't need these discussions at all.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
My 14u informed me this would be his last year of catching, he wants to focus on pitching and feels he can't do that while in the catching rotation because coaches keep making the comment "I'd love to pitch you but I may need you to catch and you can't do both". Personally, I LOVE watching him catch but it's his decision.
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Re: When is it finally time to talk to the coach?
Proper rest for pitching is a completely different problem than pitching/catching same game or same day. Or even in same season for young players. There has to be someone watching the chicken coop regardless of who is the coach. JMO