What are you going to say/do?

League game? Time for your pep talk

While your out there it's probably time to pull out some of those trick plays that you've been working on coach.

Justin Stringer
www.doitrightbaseball.com
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quote:

Originally posted by LTBB47:
League game? Time for your pep talk

While your out there it's probably time to pull out some of those trick plays that you've been working on coach.

LOL! So true! We do have about 5 plays for this scenerio. Well, this happened and I wanted to see how others would approach it. Guess no one other than you thought it interesting. I almost messed up. I went out there with the butt chewing. I was about to leave and then realized I hadn't coach this young man at all. BAD MISTAKE! I got my head out of that place where the sun doesn't shine and made a suggestion to him along with possible "plays" to be mentally prepared for. The point I intended to make after a couple of responses is that they are young men. They do need kicks in the butt but you'd better remember to coach them. JMHO!

Chew him out for what? Did you think he intentionally threw eight balls in a row? I haven't met a pitcher yet who has done that.

I would have found out if something was wrong (arm hurt, etc.). Then some encouragement. And then a suggestion to be agressive, try to make the batter hit the ball & let the defense do their job. Remind him that if he could get the batter to hit a ground ball or fly ball, then he had done all I expected of him. Maybe a little humor & go back to the dugout.

Texan, typically, my "butt chewings" with this regard are how hard that they have worked, how much they have improved to be in a varsity game, how much we believe in them... It never is the type of "you suck" butt chewing. Yes, you are right that they don't intend to throw balls. We've identified flaws each of our pitchers have. We've reinforced a "check-off" system for each so that they can "fix" their mechanics during a game. Example, we might have a kid that traditionally breaks his hands late. Even though we've worked on it, they might fall back on that during a game. So, they know that they have to break their hands earlier. With this young man, I referred him back to his checkoff system and he threw a complete game while also walking one more batter the entire game. The purpose of this post is to point out how I almost messed up. I agree that humor ... often will work a lot better than some of the alternatives.

For me I send my pitching coach out to whisper in his ear and tell him he is now starting the game--- forget the first two batters--they were warmups--trick plays--no way-- if they dont work your are worse off than first and second and no outs--

This is where my pitching coach shows his stuff and this is why I have him with me

Sorry that I misunderstood, B.

I have known coaches who go out to the mound in those situations and truly chew them out.

Humor can work great. I once worked with a coach that went out to fire up a kid and told him it was time for him to "Grab the bull by the b@lls." The pitcher looked and said "um, you mean horns, Coach?" They both laughed, he settled in and did great. Sometimes the kids try to get too fine and want to make the perfect pitch instead of just trusting themselves and letting it go.

quote:

Originally posted by CoachB25:
Sophomore on the mound. Critical game because you just lost a heartbreaker the night before. You are now in your 6 game in 6 days. Sophomore is your#5 and rest of staff is done. (Can throw #1 but need him for next conference game.) Game starts 8 straight balls. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW? Hope this is enough information but you can add info if you want.

First, you've got to hope that he's just settling down.

Second, I would remind him to focus on the glove and just let it rip.

Third, I would look at the location of the balls. If they are all over the place, then he's probably just nervous. If he's consistently missing outside, then he's looking at the batter. If he's always mising high, then he's rushing.

Coach

Good to chat again! I most likely would have ran out there after the 6th ball. Your a patient guy!lol...

I pretty much have a good feel for my pitchers, and which ones , say get focused after a motivational talking to on the mound. Other times I just try to get there minds off of everything, ( make a joke) Some need a pat on the rear and a here we go kiddo. To me it depends on the kid..
Don't feel bad coach, half the time I leave the mound, my pitcher hates me. But 9 out of ten times, the next pitch is a strike.lol..
I am usually pretty quiet when I get my point across... Don't beleive in showing a kid up.

ducedoc, I'd love to see you work. We are now in that time where I'm so tired. I almost let that effect how I dealt with that young man. We are coaches. We need to coach and not berate. I want to be their biggest supporter. Yes, you are right, ofen they are not happy with the old man when he leaves the mound. However, I always hope that I've coached them some before I leave. BTW, everytime I tell the youngsters a joke, I have to explain it. LOL!

Coach,

Sometimes it happens and emotions take over the moment. You can truely tell a good player from a poor player in the way that they are always looking to better their play. Making adjustments, and learning from their mistakes. Your a good coach because your doing the same thing right now. Its no different. Don't be so hard on yourself. Your heart is in the right place and as far as I am concerned there needs to be more guys in the game like you. I am far far from being a good coach and not much to watch for that matter.
My 17u pitching staff was brought in to ND last Sunday to take in a beautiful day and a game. In the 6th or 7th one of the Irish pitchers wasn'nt helping himself with a walk or two and an error. Coach Rooney went out to the hill and was'nt talking about the family. lol..
So it happens at all levels.
Good luck in the Tourny next week.

Confidence is a big factor in any sport. But perhaps nowhere is it as crucial as in pitching. As coaches we need to remember that in all that we do.