Ex-Players Guide to Coaching Softball

Coaching is a highly visible position that carries with it many misconceptions. The most basic erroneous belief is that coaching is easy—easy from the point of view that any former ballplayer will make a good coach.

As with most things, such a generalization can lead to false assumptions and unrealized expectations. For example, just because you took a math class in school does not qualify you to teach math. Or, an even more absurd example is that because you once had a medical operation you are now qualified to perform one.

"I've Played Softball (Baseball), So Coaching Will Be A Breeze"

Yet, in coaching we often make the mistake of assuming that because we once played the game we are now qualified to coach. Having played may give you a leg up on some things, but if you want to be a good coach you will realize there is so much to learn.

Whether you have ever played softball will have no bearing on how qualified you are to coach, or on how good a coach you are capable of becoming. The only advantage that playing softball may give you is a better understanding of the rules and strategies of the game, and a better feel for the game itself.

However, the rules and strategy of the game, and a feel for the game can all be learned, just as a player has to learn how to play the game.

"What About Me, I've Never Played Softball"

Actually, knowing the game from a player's point of view is totally opposite from a coach's point of view. So, those of you who have never played softball, or possibly any other sport, take heart. If you really care about your players and if you are willing to learn and work at it, you can become a good coach.

The key to your success will be the willingness to learn all you can. The more you learn, the more you can help your team improve. And that in essence, is what coaching is all about - helping your team improve and learn the game of softball.

"But I Told You, No Sweat, I've Played Ball"

Back to those of you who have played softball or baseball, and as a result think coaching will be a breeze. To put it gently, obviously you have never coached a youth sport.

As mentioned above, coaching requires a totally different perspective on the game than playing. The biggest problem most former players face when they start coaching is realizing they have a lot to learn.

Having played softball or baseball will certainly give you general knowledge of the game, but it does not mean it will help you in your new role as "coach." Time is precious.

Doing the Homework

Let's say you just moved your family from a warm climate to the northern portion of the United States. Your 12-year-old daughter has just come home and announced that she is going out for luge after school and she wants you to be her coach.

She does not believe you when you tell her that you can't coach luge because you do not know anything about it. She starts crying, saying you raised her to believe she could do anything she puts her mind to, and she has put her mind to luge. You can't break your little girl's heart. So you go to the library as fast as you can and read every book ever written on the luge.

You'd call the National Luge Association and ask them to send you everything they have on the luge, and the names of anyone in your area who could help. You learn the rules, the skills, the equipment, the object of luge, any special luge words and language, how to hold luge practice, and what to do at a luge game (if they are even called games).

In a nutshell, you had a lot to learn about coaching the luge, and you were the first to admit it. If you do not know anything at all about the sport you are being asked to coach, you are probably willing to learn everything you can about coaching it.

If you take the same approach with softball you will have a successful and enjoyable season. Call on your playing experience when appropriate, but learn everything you can about softball for your players. If you were in their shoes, it is the least you would ask of your coach.

The Training Coaches Haven't Had

We have tried to impress on you that when it comes to coaching it really does not matter if you are a former player. What matters is that you are open to learning, and that you understand that you don't know it all.

When it comes to the actual training of coaches in an educational environment, training opportunities are limited. Some colleges now offer degrees in coaching, but these programs are fairly new and limited in the number of coaches they can train.

The majority of people coaching youth sports today are volunteers with little or no coaching education and training. Most likely, you became a coach because you didn't say "no" fast enough.

As a coach, you are one of the most important people in your players' lives. That is a pretty awesome responsibility for someone who basically has no training, and admittedly limited knowledge about what they are doing.

Coaching is like being a parent–you will never have less training and more responsibility for something. Both positions permanently shape the lives of our children.

Assess Your Team

Before the season starts, it is always a good idea to assess your team so you know what you have to work with:

• Their age
• Their skill level
• Their softball playing experience
• How much support you will get from the parents

In addition, take time to evaluate where you are as a coach, and why you are coaching a youth softball team. Establish your own coaching philosophy, and what it is you want to get out of the season. More than anything, as a coach you will want to "walk the talk."

Beyond the Basics

Coaching on any level, from a first year volunteer softball coach to a veteran Olympic track and field coach, involves more than just knowing the sport.

Most coaches focus only on skills and strategies in an effort to win one more game. However, the great coaches, and thus the really successful ones, realize a coach must know much more than just the skills and strategies of the game.

We do not expect you to become an expert in any one area. We simply want to make you aware of your responsibilities and duties as a coach. Thank you for coaching a youth softball team, and best of luck.