What Does a coach look for in a baseball player?
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Killer Instinct, a competitor, a winner.
Agree with the above post regarding the intangibles.
As far as the player himself, a lot depends upon the position. Size and arm strength are always important, but each position has specific skills which should be above average (ie speed for outfield, lateral movement for middle infield, solid glove for 1st base, etc).
It also depends upon the age of the player. A younger player needs to have future potential and solid grades to advance to the college field.
All this said, there are always players who surprise everyone and perform beyond their apparant ability. That brings us right back to those intangibles!
As far as the player himself, a lot depends upon the position. Size and arm strength are always important, but each position has specific skills which should be above average (ie speed for outfield, lateral movement for middle infield, solid glove for 1st base, etc).
It also depends upon the age of the player. A younger player needs to have future potential and solid grades to advance to the college field.
All this said, there are always players who surprise everyone and perform beyond their apparant ability. That brings us right back to those intangibles!
At the HS level physical tools. As the level of play increases and the competition balances out, heart, work ethic, and as SIBullets says killer instict factor into the equation.
This is a "list" from our pre-tryout meeting. Hope it makes sense!
1. What I am looking for:
a. Brains
b. Heart
c. Guts
d. Athletic Ability
e. (Teammates not individuals, leaders, people who know how to compete (not some whinny prima donna),
2. Commitment to program, improvement and winning.
3. Kids that will give up being “cool” for a common cause.
4. Identity – What do you stand for? Stand for something or you’ll fall for everything.
5. People that can accept roles on our team. Roles on the team – Seniors, underclassmen (treatment by upperclassmen I won’t tolerate any misbehavior.)(Position – ss may be outfielder etc.)
6. People that want to contribute to OUR Legacy!
7. Before go any further, “I ain’t hip! What I see in the hallways…You will act at all times like a Champion. (Refer to Champions and Chumps handout!)
8. Loyalty
9. People that walk the walk. We won’t talk the talk!
1. What I am looking for:
a. Brains
b. Heart
c. Guts
d. Athletic Ability
e. (Teammates not individuals, leaders, people who know how to compete (not some whinny prima donna),
2. Commitment to program, improvement and winning.
3. Kids that will give up being “cool” for a common cause.
4. Identity – What do you stand for? Stand for something or you’ll fall for everything.
5. People that can accept roles on our team. Roles on the team – Seniors, underclassmen (treatment by upperclassmen I won’t tolerate any misbehavior.)(Position – ss may be outfielder etc.)
6. People that want to contribute to OUR Legacy!
7. Before go any further, “I ain’t hip! What I see in the hallways…You will act at all times like a Champion. (Refer to Champions and Chumps handout!)
8. Loyalty
9. People that walk the walk. We won’t talk the talk!
CoachB25...another one of your posts worth saving.
A players MAKEUP is a key factor.....Self Confidence,Mental Toughness,Aggresiveness,Work Habits, Personal Habits,Aptitude,Poise, And good Baseball Instincts.
I think a lot of a coach's opinion of a player depends on the demeanor of the player. hustle in and out of the dugout and dont act like an idiot. Bottom line, you never know when a college scout is watching you so hustle everywhere and dont goof off.
kbsbll30:
All of the above post are right on the mark. Did any one mention size? I didn't think so!
These are the real 'tools' that you need to have to be a baseball player.
Without these 'tools' the other tools become rather meaningless.
Which set of tools do you possess?
All of the above post are right on the mark. Did any one mention size? I didn't think so!
These are the real 'tools' that you need to have to be a baseball player.
Without these 'tools' the other tools become rather meaningless.
Which set of tools do you possess?
well im a decent size im a 17 year old kid 6'1" 190lbs
ksbsbll30:
You may have missed my point. The other posts on this thread listed things like playing with heart, determination, using your head, self confidence,work habits, character and so on (size was not mentioned directly). These are all very good points for you to consider and develop.
Since you mentioned your size I would say that you have a good frame to work with. But with that being said if you don't possess the things that the others have mentioned then you won't have much success even with your suitable frame.
Try to understand the importance of these traits and then incorporate as many of them as you can into yourself and your baseball routine.
If you can accomplish all of that then you will be respected and sought after by the coaches.
Much success to you and keep us posted.
You may have missed my point. The other posts on this thread listed things like playing with heart, determination, using your head, self confidence,work habits, character and so on (size was not mentioned directly). These are all very good points for you to consider and develop.
Since you mentioned your size I would say that you have a good frame to work with. But with that being said if you don't possess the things that the others have mentioned then you won't have much success even with your suitable frame.
Try to understand the importance of these traits and then incorporate as many of them as you can into yourself and your baseball routine.
If you can accomplish all of that then you will be respected and sought after by the coaches.
Much success to you and keep us posted.