Playing "loose" and with confidence

I would take them to a college game nearby. Doesn't have to be D1, better seats lots of time for free at small college games (if you call and ask)

Tell them to look out there and find a stud to watch and emulate his confidence and demeanor.

I don't know if it would help any but I would give it a try.
Best wishes. (we are young too and I have no idea how it's going to unfold)

Put pressure on them in practice. If you do x then you get x or have to do x if you do not. For instance, Lat round of ground balls every day we will pick a situation and everyone has to perform it or everyone has to do 10 push ups per failure. When we hit for every 1 execution they get down they get cuts at the end of the day. Everyday I pick 1 execution out and the last execution of that round if they don't execute they will lose their free swings at the end of the round. Another example would be this...you say that you botched a run down. Do a run down drill with the OF in the middle and keep track of successful rundowns, for us it is an out in 2 or less throws. So you will keep track with positive being successful rundowns and negatives being unsuccessful rundowns. Which ever group loses has 10 sprint poles, or pick up, or whatever.

I am not saying that this is the answer for all but this is how we do things and I have seen a lot of success from it.

I was going to put almost exactly the same thing as IESBL. Find a way to put pressure on them in practice and even implement a punishment / reward system. Everytime they mess up then they have to run extra / push ups / whatever and everytime they do something good then reward them with something. Maybe even tell them if they do well for the week then you can order pizza at the end of practice.

I like idea of the rundown competition between teams. If you do this (or some other aspect of the game) then mix the teams up to work on team dynamics.

Yes, increase the % of situational practice. Basic, defensive player at every position, group of runners, call out the number of outs (never two), coach hits fungos from home. Considering that they are young and struggling with this currently, offer more positive reward than negative punishment. Set goals for # of plays executed properly without anyone making mistakes. That may take some of the "error due to fear" away. Rotate players regularly. Have the runners push the limits on tweener plays to force more defensive action.
This is not the most efficient use of practice time but more necessary with a group such as the one you describe.
I know, not rocket science but hope it helps.

Intersquads are another option. These, too, are necessary on occasion but even a less efficient use of time.
One way we'll keep intersquads more efficient is to keep the same P and C for a set pitch count, have three teams rotate (an infield, an outfield and a hitting team)every six outs (clearing the bases after three) and keep score.

Separate thought...
Coach mentality with this group has to encourage a "go for it" attitude. Instead of counting or discussing errors, discuss how many times a player was tentative, regardless of result. As long as they are "going for it" every time, they should be commended, regardless of result. Eventually, this will result in less errors.

Good posts guys.

Great advice as always guys.

Been thinking about it all day. I agree I need to reward more than punish and stay positive with this group.

And i was JUST composing a list of all the positives of last night's game. I will go over it first thing. The mistakes, we will simply cover in practice more without discussion of past failure.

Also know i have to show confidence in every step i take. Kids can read the coach so good. I can't show any lack of faith in them. Gonna work hard this week and be ready for the weekend.

Thanks again.

1. Young team
2. Virtually error-less fielding during practices
3. But 16 errors in first two scrimmages
4. Their coach blames the game-errors on fear of failure

coachjo,
I've got to agree with your blaming fear of failure.

I disagree with advice to dial up the pressure during practices.

This young group (with a "great attitude") will perceive it as: We've got to pressure you in practice to get better results in games". Regardless how you package it.

Keep the faith. Accentuate the positive. NEVER discuss errors post-game (except if they're because of lack of hustle/hard work).

In other words, ignore results, focus on the process.

If you're consistently process-oriented, and the team truly believes and buys into it, they'll eventually stop choking and field up to their ability. Possibly, beyond their ability.

quote:

I disagree with advice to dial up the pressure during practices

Why do you disagree with this?

quote:

Originally posted by IEBSBL:

quote:

I disagree with advice to dial up the pressure during practices

Why do you disagree with this?

Because what coachjo described is an extreme case. Sixteen errors in 14 innings by physically competent infieders?..mama mia, that's not your typical early season jitters.

Freddy...You bring up a good point. Although I still believe if you put pressure on them in practice you will find success I will not argue against your point of view.

At least the errors are coming during a scrimmage. Mix in a FUN day for practice, get them to loosen up by relaxing....see how they respond

THanks for all the ideas guys. I was so worried and this team is 4-0!! They've really turned it up a notch. Thanks again.

quote:

HOWEVER we've played 2 scrimmage games and made 16 errors!!!

Pitching and defense will win a lot of games. look at it this way 16 errors means you gave the other team in more outs more bases etc etc kind of hard to win that way. You said 'in the field we expect mistakes" ? dont take this the wrong way if you expect mistakes dont be surprised when you get them. As a coach expect your players to make the plays. Demand it.

gotcha will. thanks.

please read last message. We are playing well.

quote:

As a coach expect your players to make the plays. Demand it.

If it were this simple, I'd lose my advantage.

there is a fine line when dealing with kids and keeping their confidence. Praise them when they do well but you have to find a way to correct them without losing them. However one thing I believe you should not do is tell them not to worry about it. because chances are they wont and do it again and then it is on you because he did exctly what you told him

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
However one thing I believe you should not do is tell them not to worry about it.

If "it" is a lazy error (or errors), then I totally agree with you. I don't tolerate laziness. I'd bench him.

If "it" is a fielding slump by a hard-working player,
then I disagree.

I'll tell that player, Don't worry about it, keep working hard.

quote:

hard-working player,

If hard working players are not playing well they need to worry that they are not working hard enough. Just a thought

What I have explained to my players based on some information I've found is that we need to keep the total walks plus errors to less than 6 to have a chance to win.

Couple that with 15 "quality at bats" and working to "win" 3 innings minimum, we should win more than lose.