As a youth coach, say on the small diamond, what do you see as your coaching responsibilities?
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to teach
What is your response to my assertion that there is no such thing as teaching, there is only learning?
Don't take the bait...Its a loaded question.
Are you trying to teach us there's no such thing as teaching or what?
Brian: Don't be so paranoid. The question is to provoke thought, not other posters. It is more effective than giving my opinion on a topic and then have other posters give their preconceived responses.
cball: I sm merely providing a discussion point. But your conclusion is essentially correct. However the idea is to let posters learn, debate without arguing, and disagree without being disagreeable, while not being taught. And in these few posts that has begun.
Ideally, a web board provides a place where baseball people can learn from each other.
cball: I sm merely providing a discussion point. But your conclusion is essentially correct. However the idea is to let posters learn, debate without arguing, and disagree without being disagreeable, while not being taught. And in these few posts that has begun.
Ideally, a web board provides a place where baseball people can learn from each other.
Confusious say - you cannot learn without being taught.
Let the battle begin.
Let the battle begin.
OK, for the faint of heart I shall begin. If indeed Confucious said that he was wrong. A good teacher stimulates the student to think, to reason, and to ask. A good teacher provides opportunities for the student to learn. He is not threatened when the student disagrees, or asks, "why" because he knows the answers. A wise student takes advantage of the opportunities presented. An unwise student does not and suffers the consequences of his foolish behavior.
Now let us apply those principals to baseball.
Now let us apply those principals to baseball.
quote:What is your response to my assertion that there is no such thing as teaching, there is only learning?
Nobody learns everything
quote:As a youth coach, say on the small diamond, what do you see as your coaching responsibilities?
quote:Daque
Daque I agree 100% with you small diamond and a hill of beans amount to the same thing.
Coaches have a responsibility to provide a fun environment, and create opportunities for those willing to learn.
On the small diamond If you not playing ball and having fun, you got nothing, and don't know it.
showme: Touche'
How do you go about creating opportunities to learn and contrast that with teaching.
How do you go about creating opportunities to learn and contrast that with teaching.
My Favorite: "I taught him everthing I know and he's still stupid!"
Well..... you can't teach, until willing to learn has been demonstrated.
I think this step is by passed way to much. If your looking, these kids are the ones worth the time, the others just haven't got to step one yet.
I think this step is by passed way to much. If your looking, these kids are the ones worth the time, the others just haven't got to step one yet.
quote:Well..... you can't teach, until willing to learn has been demonstrated.
The neat thing is at that point you don't need to teach, just assist them to take advantage of their opportunities as they learn.
Here is an example. A kid has established himself as a willing and eager learner due in large part to your guidance. As the head coach, you are running a travel team. You play three days a week, occasionally four on weekend tournaments. The other days of the week, now that the playing part of the season has started the boys have free.
For this kid, you have provided him opportunities to play against good quaity competition and to measure himself against them. But at the same time, you have deprived him of the opportunities of practicing and improving. You have deprived him of the balance between playing and practicing necessary to develop his talents. While he is learning, you did not provide an optimum balance between playing and practicing. As a result, under your watch, his development has been stunted.
We could talk about such things as over-coaching, unproductive practices, a lack of fun, and development of the mental side of the game but I think you get the drift.
Under the scenario below you are not a coach. You are a manager.
A youth coach's primary responsibility should be to keep kids in baseball. The way you do that is teaching skills that allow them to have success on the field. Making it fun is a big part of your job. It's easier to teach them if they're having fun while learning. But the kid has to achieve some sort of success in games. Just having fun in practice will not keep him in baseball. If the kid ain't having success during games he'll soon move on to lacrosse.
A youth coach's primary responsibility should be to keep kids in baseball. The way you do that is teaching skills that allow them to have success on the field. Making it fun is a big part of your job. It's easier to teach them if they're having fun while learning. But the kid has to achieve some sort of success in games. Just having fun in practice will not keep him in baseball. If the kid ain't having success during games he'll soon move on to lacrosse.
quote:Originally posted by Daque:
The neat thing is at that point you don't need to teach, just assist them to take advantage of their opportunities as they learn.
Here is an example. A kid has established himself as a willing and eager learner due in large part to your guidance. As the head coach, you are running a travel team. You play three days a week, occasionally four on weekend tournaments. The other days of the week, now that the playing part of the season has started the boys have free.
For this kid, you have provided him opportunities to play against good quaity competition and to measure himself against them. But at the same time, you have deprived him of the opportunities of practicing and improving. You have deprived him of the balance between playing and practicing necessary to develop his talents. While he is learning, you did not provide an optimum balance between playing and practicing. As a result, under your watch, his development has been stunted.
We could talk about such things as over-coaching, unproductive practices, a lack of fun, and development of the mental side of the game but I think you get the drift.
quote:Daque
Auhg this is where we seperate.
1. Getting a field these days to practice is like pulling hens teeth. The ones that do, have made there own fields at here houses on acreage.
2.Lots of times it cheaper to play a game, than to rent a field, if you can get one.
And I'll show you players all day long making plays in practice, and those same players booting 7 out of 10 in a game. More kids are given more opportunities for game plays.
Yes practice is good, but today, a higher balance toward playing is being forced because of field availability, cost, and time.
And I'm not sure that's all bad since these games don't mean anything anyway. :]
Here the best players gravitate to the teams that teach. The guys who aren't willing to learn have been cut along with the guys who don't seem to have the talent required to play at the level at that point in time. I don't think the bid field/small field has any significance.
Our elite teams practiced 4 hours 2-3 times a week during the playing season. They also taught during the games. They also had classes during the winter where they lectured on BB theory etc and gave out booklets on these things as well as conditioning, mechanics etc..
Quality diamonds in or area were no problem
Our elite teams practiced 4 hours 2-3 times a week during the playing season. They also taught during the games. They also had classes during the winter where they lectured on BB theory etc and gave out booklets on these things as well as conditioning, mechanics etc..
Quality diamonds in or area were no problem
Daque, first of all Confusious didn't say that as far as I know. Just kidding.
Second, you say you can't teach, people can only learn. Then you go on to say the following:
Maybe what you are talking about is what kind of teacher you are or what style do you use to teach. Do you lecture students/players on game theory, strategy etc.. or do you provide them with an environment to learn from their own experience and mistakes? Either way, you are teaching and therefore your initial argument is flawed.
Even in a situation where the leader or teacher provides an environment for the student/player to learn, they are still a teacher - just using a different style of teaching.
Second, you say you can't teach, people can only learn. Then you go on to say the following:
quote:OK, for the faint of heart I shall begin. If indeed Confucious said that he was wrong. A good teacher stimulates the student to think, to reason, and to ask. A good teacher provides opportunities for the student to learn. He is not threatened when the student disagrees, or asks, "why" because he knows the answers. A wise student takes advantage of the opportunities presented. An unwise student does not and suffers the consequences of his foolish behavior.
Maybe what you are talking about is what kind of teacher you are or what style do you use to teach. Do you lecture students/players on game theory, strategy etc.. or do you provide them with an environment to learn from their own experience and mistakes? Either way, you are teaching and therefore your initial argument is flawed.
Even in a situation where the leader or teacher provides an environment for the student/player to learn, they are still a teacher - just using a different style of teaching.
1. Provide a solid male role model
In today's world, many boys need a role model and some do not get this role model at home. This role model will help to mold these boys into men.
2. Give affirmation
Growing boys need affirmation from men. This builds self-esteem which helps these boys succeed in the world.
3. Teach & Improve Skill
nuff said
4. Provide a competitive athletic environment.
Many youth coaches only take into consideration the aspect of the game instead of looking at the big picture. The game really takes a back seat to personal development. With that said when the umpire issues the "play ball" command, then the competitive aspects should move to the fore-front. But the game is such a small aspect to the whole boy-to-man development process that youth coaches fill for many of these boys.
In today's world, many boys need a role model and some do not get this role model at home. This role model will help to mold these boys into men.
2. Give affirmation
Growing boys need affirmation from men. This builds self-esteem which helps these boys succeed in the world.
3. Teach & Improve Skill
nuff said
4. Provide a competitive athletic environment.
Many youth coaches only take into consideration the aspect of the game instead of looking at the big picture. The game really takes a back seat to personal development. With that said when the umpire issues the "play ball" command, then the competitive aspects should move to the fore-front. But the game is such a small aspect to the whole boy-to-man development process that youth coaches fill for many of these boys.
quote:Either way, you are teaching and therefore your initial argument is flawed.
The term teacher is commonly used. It means one who teaches, sure enough. However it is the approach that is different. Here in Mexico I am called maestro or professor. What I am called does not change how I go about assisting a player to learn.
I know that is confusing and sounds like double speak. When I review with a catcher the difference between the primary receiving position and the seconday, I make sure he understands the why part of the equation and I answer his questions if he has any.
I will concede that I do inform the player and when he asks questions then he is learning. I do nothing that smacks of indoctrination or, :because I said so." What I try to do at all times is to encourage the player to inquire. He is then free to accept or reject the advice as he sees fit.
As to my system and terms being flawed, we will leave that observation where it lays.
Enjoy your day.
quote:He is then free to accept or reject the advice as he sees fit.
Isn't that always the case?
I don't care what label you use you are teaching. Whether the student learns or agrees is inconsequential.
Perhaps this topic is not so explainable in words but rather than in deeds. What I do or do not do or is defined as doing is not the issue. How it is reeived is the issue.
I can see that we are not going to be going anywhere, most likely do my inability to put it into words.
See you guys around sometime.
I can see that we are not going to be going anywhere, most likely do my inability to put it into words.
See you guys around sometime.
Daque Yes it hard to type what your thinking and doing. I think you have spent a lot of year doing good things with kids on a baseball field, and i would be glad for mine to play for you.
But...
"He is then free to accept or reject the advice as he sees fit."
at some point your not his friend, teacher, or buddy, your his manager. If you instruct or correct the player, they need to attempt to implement or make a compelling case why not to...or the choice find another team. the see fit thing puts an "I"in team.
But...
"He is then free to accept or reject the advice as he sees fit."
at some point your not his friend, teacher, or buddy, your his manager. If you instruct or correct the player, they need to attempt to implement or make a compelling case why not to...or the choice find another team. the see fit thing puts an "I"in team.
Every player I instruct is free to accept or reject my advice and instructions. But there are consequeences. Cause and effect.
quote:But there are consequences. Cause and effect.
That seems contradictory. It is either free or not. Consequences resulting from not obeying is the price they pay.
Who said anything about something being free?
The objective of adjusting or changing technique is to correct deficiencies. I offer opportunities and methods to correct deficiencies which the player can use if he wishes. If he does not wish and if the deficiencies are not corrected, he is at risk for reduced playing time.
Example: A player has a problem with anger control. I offer him ways to identify and manage it and he rejects or, more politiely, refuses to take the steps necessary. His temper tantrums continue with throwing his helmet after a strike out.
The behavior is not acceptable and the player is benched. Consequences. Cause and effect.
Same goes for flaws in fielding, pitching, or batting. Correct the flaws as I suggest or by some other method but get them corrected or suffer the consequences.
Have you ever seen coaches arguing with players who do not want to change? Why? Offer opportunites to correct deficiencies and let it go. Move on with those capable and willing to learn.
The objective of adjusting or changing technique is to correct deficiencies. I offer opportunities and methods to correct deficiencies which the player can use if he wishes. If he does not wish and if the deficiencies are not corrected, he is at risk for reduced playing time.
Example: A player has a problem with anger control. I offer him ways to identify and manage it and he rejects or, more politiely, refuses to take the steps necessary. His temper tantrums continue with throwing his helmet after a strike out.
The behavior is not acceptable and the player is benched. Consequences. Cause and effect.
Same goes for flaws in fielding, pitching, or batting. Correct the flaws as I suggest or by some other method but get them corrected or suffer the consequences.
Have you ever seen coaches arguing with players who do not want to change? Why? Offer opportunites to correct deficiencies and let it go. Move on with those capable and willing to learn.
quote:Every player I instruct is free to accept or reject my advice and instructions. But there are consequeences. Cause and effect.
Seeing fit, finds the bench. ;]
My goal has always been that each player I coach on the small diamond wants to play again next season first and foremost. If that happens then I have been successful. If it keeps happening and they move to the big diamond then I have accomplished all I needed to as a coach on the small one.
I can teach and instruct until their hair catches on fire. If they don't end each season wanting more I have failed.
Tim
I can teach and instruct until their hair catches on fire. If they don't end each season wanting more I have failed.
Tim
Keep them playing.
Deacon that is definetly a huge part of coaching, i have seen coaches scream and yell throw things etc. All that teaches the kids is they don't want to be around this idiot And more likely than not don't want to play this game any more.
The really good coaches i have seen teach according to the learning style of the player. Some players have to hear what you are telling them, and can then go out and execute. Some have to see it, to execute, some have to do it, and receive confirmation from the coach.
Know which players have which learning style and responding to that style, makes it much easier to teach and much easier for the players to learn.
Deacon that is definetly a huge part of coaching, i have seen coaches scream and yell throw things etc. All that teaches the kids is they don't want to be around this idiot And more likely than not don't want to play this game any more.
The really good coaches i have seen teach according to the learning style of the player. Some players have to hear what you are telling them, and can then go out and execute. Some have to see it, to execute, some have to do it, and receive confirmation from the coach.
Know which players have which learning style and responding to that style, makes it much easier to teach and much easier for the players to learn.