How to plan an unofficial visit? On the visit I would like to see the team practice.
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Call or email the coach and set it up--to see them practice you will probably need to go during the week
What might be even better is to go see them play a game but get there early to see them work out before the game. I think that during a game you can get a better feel regarding the team and the coaching staff
What might be even better is to go see them play a game but get there early to see them work out before the game. I think that during a game you can get a better feel regarding the team and the coaching staff
If it's a off day they usually can let you hook up with a player and he shows you around and lets you follow him through his day. As TR said call ahead. Official visits are usually structured for you ahead of time.
when calling or emailing the coach. what should you say. like i would like to unoffical visit your school?
Thunder -
You don't have to tell him its an "unofficial" visit. Anyone who they don't pay for is unofficial. Just tell them you are planning to come, and ask to meet the staff and watch a practice or whatever you plan to do.
Their response will range from nothing to red carpet, depending on what they know about your kid.
You don't have to tell him its an "unofficial" visit. Anyone who they don't pay for is unofficial. Just tell them you are planning to come, and ask to meet the staff and watch a practice or whatever you plan to do.
Their response will range from nothing to red carpet, depending on what they know about your kid.
i'm the player. haa but thanks
Take the advice and run with it ...call the coach and let him know how interested you are in playing for their program. Easter break is a good time to visit a few schools at a time.
T11,
You are getting good advice above. I will add, do some homework about the team. Look at how they recruited last year, especially in your position. Check out how many junior college transfer vs high school guys they bring in. That will tell you a lot as well.
Go often if you really like the first trip. I have said before, I believe the coaches like to know you really WANT to go there. Ask about winter/summer camps they have or attend. Then go if you stay interested in the school. Pursue them as much as you want them to pursue you, but don't over-do it; like making weekly contact. Once they start to know you and they come over to talk to you when you show up early and unannounced to watch a game and they stop over to talk, you can begin to get a feeling about how interested they are in YOU.
Be realistic about your abilities and potential to play at the school. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Make a list of schools you believe you can play for and don't limit your list to one type, such as D1. be open to D2/3, JC's and NAIA. Understand the academic requirements and make good grades now!
Good luck
You are getting good advice above. I will add, do some homework about the team. Look at how they recruited last year, especially in your position. Check out how many junior college transfer vs high school guys they bring in. That will tell you a lot as well.
Go often if you really like the first trip. I have said before, I believe the coaches like to know you really WANT to go there. Ask about winter/summer camps they have or attend. Then go if you stay interested in the school. Pursue them as much as you want them to pursue you, but don't over-do it; like making weekly contact. Once they start to know you and they come over to talk to you when you show up early and unannounced to watch a game and they stop over to talk, you can begin to get a feeling about how interested they are in YOU.
Be realistic about your abilities and potential to play at the school. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Make a list of schools you believe you can play for and don't limit your list to one type, such as D1. be open to D2/3, JC's and NAIA. Understand the academic requirements and make good grades now!
Good luck
Nice comments above and I believe helfpul.
Son has been getting invites to watch the teams play and that seems like a great way to see how they function as a team. Some of these campuses we have already visited "unofficially" (he is a Jr) and are starting to get a feel for what he wants in a school, not just in a BB program.
Coaches have invited him to come to practices and now some game, watch, meet the players and we plan to take them up on the offer.
Gives son a chance to meet coaches in their venue....the playing field. Also, interact a bit with players, scope out who is currently in his hoped for position and see how they look LIVE.
Son has been getting invites to watch the teams play and that seems like a great way to see how they function as a team. Some of these campuses we have already visited "unofficially" (he is a Jr) and are starting to get a feel for what he wants in a school, not just in a BB program.
Coaches have invited him to come to practices and now some game, watch, meet the players and we plan to take them up on the offer.
Gives son a chance to meet coaches in their venue....the playing field. Also, interact a bit with players, scope out who is currently in his hoped for position and see how they look LIVE.
Good stuff. If you can only go on the weekends though and they play games all those days what else can you do besides watch them play the game. I would like to also see like the locker room and campus area. Would they get a tour person to take you around?
Yes they will. Game prep for a Sunday 1 pm game may start @ 9:30 or so, and it is good to know what all goes into game prep, especially for your position.
Ask a coach if someone could show you around about 9 AM.
Ask a coach if someone could show you around about 9 AM.
Interestingly, we are in the Northeast and the coaches are inviting him to their games when they travel here. 2 southern schools playing here in the NE.
We are off to 2 different games today to meet 3 coaches and teams. Depending on the feel, will then go to the campuses to see them more intently. The other visits have been already to see different facilities and campuses.
We are off to 2 different games today to meet 3 coaches and teams. Depending on the feel, will then go to the campuses to see them more intently. The other visits have been already to see different facilities and campuses.
Particularly if your son is a pitcher, they will often have the previous night's starter do the tour (since he really doesn't have much to do).
when do you think is a good time to start visiting schools. freshman, sophmore..?
If it's local schools anytime is a good time. Even if it's just to eliminate them from consideration. Remember your looking at the school, not the baseball program. You have to love the school first. Junior year is the big year to see all those schools you narrowed it down to.