how do you define a good coach bad coach?
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Playing time for my kid of course! 
Seriously, it is a lot like the definition of obscenity. There is no one type of coach that is a good coach but...I know one when I see one.
Generally speaking for a HS coach a track record of winning most years along with above average placement of deserving players in college programs.
Seriously, it is a lot like the definition of obscenity. There is no one type of coach that is a good coach but...I know one when I see one.
Generally speaking for a HS coach a track record of winning most years along with above average placement of deserving players in college programs.
Defining a good or bad coach is a function of what the purpose of the team is. Generally coaches should make kids better people and better players.
I have a list for bad coaches but it is too long.
- Good coaches are those that remember it is about the players and not about them.
Good coaches get to know individual kids and coach accordingly.
Good coaches are honest without being demeaning or cruel.
Good coaches are knowledgeable about the game.
Good coaches know when to respond to criticism and when to let it slide.
Good coaches really want to prepare the players to win but understand there are bad wins and good losses.
Good coaches know that every kid is not going to the next level but thats okay.
Good coaches encourage scholastic achievement and responsibilty at home.
Good coaches demand respect for themselves and the game.
Good coaches find a way to reward hard work and hustle.
I have a list for bad coaches but it is too long.
A good coach cares about the feelings of each player, explains to each player his role on the team, after all he picked the player to be on the team, he should explain what he expects from them. Teaches the game to each player, Disciplines each player the same. Leads by example rather than words to show his players to have respect for themselves, the coaches, his teammates, umpires and their opponents. Holds each player accountable for their school work. Prepares the team to win games.
I agree the definition of a good coach (for me anyway) is one that makes kids better players and better people.
I also agree that the answer will be different for many.
All coaches have different methods of achieving the above, and their approach may be treating each player differently depending on expectations. Most of those that turn boys into men, are pretty tough cookies. Be prepared.
I also agree that the answer will be different for many.
All coaches have different methods of achieving the above, and their approach may be treating each player differently depending on expectations. Most of those that turn boys into men, are pretty tough cookies. Be prepared.
quote:Originally posted by Tooldforthis:
YesReally,
I agree with almost every thing you said except for one:
A good coach commands respect not demands.
Agree! That is better!
I think the answer differs depending on the level of baseball. At HS and above, I judge coaches based on how well they develop the talent of their players, and how much production they get out of the talent they have.
quote:Originally posted by Rob Kremer:
I think the answer differs depending on the level of baseball. At HS and above, I judge coaches based on how well they develop the talent of their players, and how much production they get out of the talent they have.
excellent point.
A well coached team just seems different on the field.
Wish I had a good definition, but I know it when I see it.
They really define themselves all you have to do is watch.
An important quality of a "Good Coach" that is often overlooked is being a good communicator.
Examples such as;
* pulling a player a side & explaining why he isnt playing that day or why he is playing a different position or hitting in a different spot in the line up
* ability to provide constructive criticism vs. yelling at a player in the heat of the moment to allow the player to grow & improve;
* regularly provide positive input so the player recognizes good play & their efforts to improve is working
Examples such as;
* pulling a player a side & explaining why he isnt playing that day or why he is playing a different position or hitting in a different spot in the line up
* ability to provide constructive criticism vs. yelling at a player in the heat of the moment to allow the player to grow & improve;
* regularly provide positive input so the player recognizes good play & their efforts to improve is working
Wow. I’d assume most who posted in this thread are thinking about HS coaches and above when describing desirable (or not) attributes of a good coach. Looks like quite a list.
Guess my question would be…When does a HS Coach find all this time?
Just saying.
I’ve known, and had, some GREAT coaches. I’ve also had some not so great coaches. If I honestly think back, the Coaches I liked the best were ones who pushed me…motivated me. But did it in a way that worked FOR ME. Now I’d be willing to bet that some guys I played with might not have the same outlook of the same Coach that I thought was so great.
Again just making the point that perception is everything.
Guess my question would be…When does a HS Coach find all this time?
Just saying.
I’ve known, and had, some GREAT coaches. I’ve also had some not so great coaches. If I honestly think back, the Coaches I liked the best were ones who pushed me…motivated me. But did it in a way that worked FOR ME. Now I’d be willing to bet that some guys I played with might not have the same outlook of the same Coach that I thought was so great.
Again just making the point that perception is everything.
quote:Originally posted by ctandc:
I’ve known, and had, some GREAT coaches. I’ve also had some not so great coaches. If I honestly think back, the Coaches I liked the best were ones who pushed me…motivated me. But did it in a way that worked FOR ME. Now I’d be willing to bet that some guys I played with might not have the same outlook of the same Coach that I thought was so great.
Agree with most of above --but would add--Putting players in a position to be successful. Preparing them for games---Pitchers throwing bullpens---taking batting practice---when they dont--dont be surprized or mad when they arent sharp or dont hit. Also giving all kids an equal oppertunity .
What can the coach control? What can he not control? Don't judge a HS coach on what is out of his control. Judge him on what he can.
Build a program, not a team from year to year. Set clear expectations of your players. Never demand anything from a player that your not already giving and willing to continue to give. Invest in your players not only as players but as young men. Teach them to invest in something so they can be rewarded for that investment. I could go on and on but there are tell tale signs of a well coached team.
They wear the uniform with respect.
They carry themselves like ball players.
They get on and off the field with a purpose.
They do all the things that does not take anymore talent than they already have to achieve and they do them very well.
They know how to run the bases. Primary leads. Secondary leads. Dirt balls. Etc etc
They know the cut game and how to execute it.
They know the bunt game and how to execute it.
They know how to hold runners and execute it.
They know the first and third game and how to execute it.
They are fundementally sound in their fielding attempts.
They have an approach at the plate and have a fundemental swing process.
They HUSTLE , they PLAY HARD, they COMPETE with PASSION.
They run everything out.
They back up every play and are looking for ways to make a play.
They are looking to steal outs in every situation that allows.
They play the game with respect for the game, respect for the opponent, respect for the umpires, respect for their team mates.
Players get better from year to year in the program.
Players that have the work ethic and desire to play at the next level play at the next level.
It takes absolutely no more talent than a player already has to do any of this. And it many times is the difference in winning and losing. Many times. A good coach is easy to spot. He coaches the team that your watching. It is a reflection of him.
Build a program, not a team from year to year. Set clear expectations of your players. Never demand anything from a player that your not already giving and willing to continue to give. Invest in your players not only as players but as young men. Teach them to invest in something so they can be rewarded for that investment. I could go on and on but there are tell tale signs of a well coached team.
They wear the uniform with respect.
They carry themselves like ball players.
They get on and off the field with a purpose.
They do all the things that does not take anymore talent than they already have to achieve and they do them very well.
They know how to run the bases. Primary leads. Secondary leads. Dirt balls. Etc etc
They know the cut game and how to execute it.
They know the bunt game and how to execute it.
They know how to hold runners and execute it.
They know the first and third game and how to execute it.
They are fundementally sound in their fielding attempts.
They have an approach at the plate and have a fundemental swing process.
They HUSTLE , they PLAY HARD, they COMPETE with PASSION.
They run everything out.
They back up every play and are looking for ways to make a play.
They are looking to steal outs in every situation that allows.
They play the game with respect for the game, respect for the opponent, respect for the umpires, respect for their team mates.
Players get better from year to year in the program.
Players that have the work ethic and desire to play at the next level play at the next level.
It takes absolutely no more talent than a player already has to do any of this. And it many times is the difference in winning and losing. Many times. A good coach is easy to spot. He coaches the team that your watching. It is a reflection of him.
Is it possible for a high school coach to be so disciplined the team plays tight? Or would that be because the coach is such a poor communicator the discipline combined with players never knowing where they stand makes them tight?
I had a great Legion coach. He was great for our team. He knew we had tremendous talent. All he had to do is keep us in line (it was challenging at times) and roll out the lineup. He would suggest eight hours of sleep on Saturday night wouldn't kill us. He would tell us what we're doing at 2am could be done at 10pm.
A good coach relentlessly insists that his team shows up on time, goes about their business in a respectable way, and out-works every team they ever face.
From day one, he makes sure his players know they owe that to the TEAM.
But in return a good coach owes the following to the TEAM: When they keep up their end of the bargain (which they will, because he'll make sure of it), he will in return be relentlessly positive regardless of the outcome of any inning, game, or season; he won't play head games; he'll stay out of their heads; he'll stuff a pair of socks in his mouth whenever the selfish urge arises to go negative on his players, or micromanage their fielding, hitting, and throwing mechanics.
From day one, he makes sure his players know they owe that to the TEAM.
But in return a good coach owes the following to the TEAM: When they keep up their end of the bargain (which they will, because he'll make sure of it), he will in return be relentlessly positive regardless of the outcome of any inning, game, or season; he won't play head games; he'll stay out of their heads; he'll stuff a pair of socks in his mouth whenever the selfish urge arises to go negative on his players, or micromanage their fielding, hitting, and throwing mechanics.
Coach May - That is a great list. I may just have to give that to our AD. I really wish my son could play for a coach with just 3/4 of what is on that list.