Offseason Open Gyms

Just wondering what problems you see with open gyms for baseball? If the coaches are not instructing or organizing, what is the problem? I like that there is a place for players to go and long toss, get some extra ground balls and work on their swings. I'd rather see my son in a gym working on his game, than out getting into any trouble.

If schools are breaking the rules.... penalize them.

Sparty,
Can you be a little more specific in what you see as manipulation of the rules? Not asking you to name names, just an outline of the problems you see.

It wasn't that long ago that I was a player who wasn't involved in a winter sport, so I too took advantage my hs's open gyms. But with all the training facilities and weight room options available to todays athletes I find it troublesome that these 'optional' open gyms aren't so optional.

Also lets not be so blind to believe that every school in Illinois is simply putting out nets, balls, and turning on the lights.

I believe in addition to being a great time to train, open gyms provide an opportunity for leaders to step up and take the reigns. When a coach strays from the true open gym idea, it no longer rewards the hard working athlete who would show up and work hard on their own.

Am I missing soemthing here? Preseason work is going full blast, lot of running and lifting. Biggest problems have been keeping kids healthy with the bugs that have been around.

quote:

Originally posted by LWN Dad:
Am I missing soemthing here? Preseason work is going full blast, lot of running and lifting. Biggest problems have been keeping kids healthy with the bugs that have been around.

Same in the NIC-10. Lifting has been going on for quite some time, with running added more recently. Open gyms are now in full swing, but run by the captains.

As for not really being optional . . . I would say that any of the committed players who are not playing basketball are participating. If they aren't, then why not?! Coach knows all.

quote:

Originally posted by Rockford Baseball Mom:

quote:

Originally posted by LWN Dad:
Am I missing soemthing here? Preseason work is going full blast, lot of running and lifting. Biggest problems have been keeping kids healthy with the bugs that have been around.

Same in the NIC-10. Lifting has been going on for quite some time, with running added more recently. Open gyms are now in full swing, but run by the captains.

As for not really being optional . . . I would say that any of the committed players who are not playing basketball are participating. If they aren't, then why not?! Coach knows all.

Well they could be swimming or wrestling as that is also in season. They could also be"committed" and working out somewhere else on their game where they could get specific instruction on becoming a better hitter, fielder pitcher ect. Mst kids set up there lessons way before the open gym time gets published so I doubt they would cx a quality lesson over the open gym but who knows.

quote:

Originally posted by 2bagger:

quote:

Originally posted by Rockford Baseball Mom:

quote:

Originally posted by LWN Dad:
Am I missing soemthing here? Preseason work is going full blast, lot of running and lifting. Biggest problems have been keeping kids healthy with the bugs that have been around.

Same in the NIC-10. Lifting has been going on for quite some time, with running added more recently. Open gyms are now in full swing, but run by the captains.

As for not really being optional . . . I would say that any of the committed players who are not playing basketball are participating. If they aren't, then why not?! Coach knows all.

Well they could be swimming or wrestling as that is also in season. They could also be"committed" and working out somewhere else on their game where they could get specific instruction on becoming a better hitter, fielder pitcher ect. Mst kids set up there lessons way before the open gym time gets published so I doubt they would cx a quality lesson over the open gym but who knows.

Good points. We are fortunate in our area that the private coaches work around the open gym times, and often open gym is before school, workouts right after, private (paid) lessons in the evenings. Naturally, that all changes March 1.