What do you think is the most important tool for a youth player to develop?
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I guess it depends on how young, but for those like 10U or 12U, how about strong, fundamentally correct throwing mechanics - along with footwork and body mechanics to range to the ball, and move smoothly and instinctually around the field defensively?
I am a big fan of teaching the mental side of the game just as much as the physical part. By mental I mean being able to separate the parts of the game by having a bad abat and not taking out to defense. Or the approach towards having a good abat without getting a hit (pitch selection, having a 9 pitch abat, hitting that ball hard to someone). Knowing situations so when it happens in a intense game the player won't cluster. Being able to stay up in a game when wining by a lot or losing by a lot. It easy to be happy and give high fives around when wining but its tuff when you are losing. Pretty much the little things that a lot of coaches sometimes forget or don't think about. There are many more and I am willing to go deeper into it if you want feel free to email me at rip00_18@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Knucklecurve,
A very good question and some very good answers by svd16u and like2rake. There are a lot of different ways to go with this. I think the most important tool a player can have is the ability to hit the baseball. If you can generate runs there will always be a spot on a team. But what if that player is a pitcher? The least important part of his game is the ability to generate runs. So in reality, we have to look at each situation differently. I think the best way to approach this is to properly evaluate a young player and determine his strengths. His strengths (or weaknesses) will normally guide him to a particular position. Once you have determined what position fits him best, hone those skills to make him the best you can. I’m not advocating to you to ignore any aspect of his game, but I also don’t think you should compromise his strong area(s), by devoting too much time on trying to correct his weaknesses. As he develops, things could change but you have to go with your instincts during the pre-high school years. Most players will have a weakness that will limit their effectiveness at a particular position later on in high school and college. The earlier you identify that weakness the better off your son will be. For my son it was foot speed. His weakness limited him to the corners of the infield, pitching, and/or catching.
Again I think hitting is the most important tool with arm strength running a close second. In order to improve either (or both) of those, the player has to have a good work ethic. In order to implement those tools in a game situation he has to have the proper mental approach to the game. Tall order but it can be done!
Best of luck,
Fungo
A very good question and some very good answers by svd16u and like2rake. There are a lot of different ways to go with this. I think the most important tool a player can have is the ability to hit the baseball. If you can generate runs there will always be a spot on a team. But what if that player is a pitcher? The least important part of his game is the ability to generate runs. So in reality, we have to look at each situation differently. I think the best way to approach this is to properly evaluate a young player and determine his strengths. His strengths (or weaknesses) will normally guide him to a particular position. Once you have determined what position fits him best, hone those skills to make him the best you can. I’m not advocating to you to ignore any aspect of his game, but I also don’t think you should compromise his strong area(s), by devoting too much time on trying to correct his weaknesses. As he develops, things could change but you have to go with your instincts during the pre-high school years. Most players will have a weakness that will limit their effectiveness at a particular position later on in high school and college. The earlier you identify that weakness the better off your son will be. For my son it was foot speed. His weakness limited him to the corners of the infield, pitching, and/or catching.
Again I think hitting is the most important tool with arm strength running a close second. In order to improve either (or both) of those, the player has to have a good work ethic. In order to implement those tools in a game situation he has to have the proper mental approach to the game. Tall order but it can be done!
Best of luck,
Fungo
I agree wholeheartedly with Fungo.
If a position player can't hit he can't play. And if a kid has a bigm he stands out. Speed is great, and everybody loves it and measures it..but they don't really recruit or draft it.
If a position player can't hit he can't play. And if a kid has a bigm he stands out. Speed is great, and everybody loves it and measures it..but they don't really recruit or draft it.
don't know if you can create it or its a natural trait but, the frame of mind to put out 100% effort all the time. they call it hustle! there has been many a kid kept from being cut due to his effort level and willingness to learn and listen.
Fungo...your feedback is great (as usual). I thought this would generate some great dialogue. Hopefully more people can jump in with their thoughts.
Kids 10 to 12
Things to develop and not necessarily in this order
01-- hitting
02-- proper throing techniques be it for infield, outfield, catching or pitching--once you get bad habits they are tough to break
03 -- how to run the bases and how to slide properly
04--the mental side of the game--knowing where you are going with ball before it gets hit to you--hustling all the time is also part of this.
05-- learn how to look like a ball player--dress properly-- we used to have a rule--NO SHORTS ON THE FIELD-- how to you slide in shorts?
A young player coming out of LL/Youth league should be sound in the basics of the game when he enters his freshman year in HS.
Just a few thoughts on my part !!!
Things to develop and not necessarily in this order
01-- hitting
02-- proper throing techniques be it for infield, outfield, catching or pitching--once you get bad habits they are tough to break
03 -- how to run the bases and how to slide properly
04--the mental side of the game--knowing where you are going with ball before it gets hit to you--hustling all the time is also part of this.
05-- learn how to look like a ball player--dress properly-- we used to have a rule--NO SHORTS ON THE FIELD-- how to you slide in shorts?
A young player coming out of LL/Youth league should be sound in the basics of the game when he enters his freshman year in HS.
Just a few thoughts on my part !!!