Youth Baseball Instruction - word of caution

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,

I have a son who just turned 7.  He has graduated from 2 seasons of t-ball and is in the midst of a season of coach pitch.  He is doing pretty well, has a good feel for the game, knows most of the basics, and he's quite athletic.  
Out of the hundreds of choices, what instructional video(s) for him & I, and book(s) (for me to read to teach to him until he's old enough to read instructional books on his own), would you recommend at this time for his development, as well as beyond?  I'm thinking pitching could be his thing, since I was a pitcher as a youngster and he seems to have more of a thin lanky body type like me (as opposed to a big strong hitter, or a super speedy guy).  So I'm thinking instruction in the areas of pitching, hitting, and defense.
Also, as much as I hate it, it seems politics are rampant in baseball since it's not a pure sport like track or swimming - it's the coaches' sons, nephews and friends who often get the most playing time.  Therefore, in relation to the initial question, how best would I go about becoming a quality baseball coach on a fast track?  The competition to be a baseball coach seems pretty strong here in S. Florida - his current team for example has 5 coaches already, though I do find ways to help out.  Are there "courses" I should take?

Thanks!,
Jeff
ANSWER: Hi Jeff.

You post interesting questions that reflect the nature of sport here in N.America.  

For a 7 year-old, the best teachers are experience and his peers.  Children learn to compete by observing their friends and team mates then going out and practicing what they've observed.  You can plunk-down a child and have him watch videos but how much of that will he absorb?  At 7 years of age, not much.

I have some very strong opinions on coaching and parental involvement.  It's good that you encourage sport in your family.  It' also good that you want to be with your son and help him improve his skills.  Where you have to be careful is when your motivations become greater than your child's willingness to participate.  That's when the child no longer 'plays' baseball and it becomes an obligation.  Eventually, your son will drop the sport and/or you both will become discouraged and disappointed.

If you want to encourage the love of the sport, 'play' with your son whenever HE wants.  You can read up on how to improve baseball skills but please be aware of the physical development phase of 7 and 8 year olds.  I don't know of any baseball development books that you are requesting for such a young age.

If you've played ball before, you must know that pitchers arms are easily burnt out.  Some pitches can ruin a child's arm and wrist.  Curveballs below 13 years of age are brutal on young wrists.

Take the time between now and 12 to teach him about fair play, logic and co-ordination.  Being a part of a team is learning to get along with others.  If he lacks in a certain skill, practice with him to improve.  If you really want to know how to improve specific skills, there are many baseball technique websites that exist.  Just use google and you'll find them.

I went into coaching because there was a real shortage of coaches in our community.  I agree with you, that many teams are built upon nepotism.  If you feel you are above this and that you have something to offer ALL children, then you should write to your league and find out how they train and certify coaches.  

You have to be very careful here.  You mention that your son's team already has 5 coaches?  That's for 7 year olds!  Most high school and college teams don't have that many.

Encourage your son to do well but don't hold him to an example found in a book.  You can teach your son the rules of the game, show him how to hold a bat, proper stances, running bases, correct throwing, catching, tagging and sliding.

If competition is so strong, you should consider what most other parents do ... baseball camps.  Some are good but others are feeding on the needs of the parents and not the children.  They become army camps and drill the sport into the child (and force the love of the game out!).

This may not be the answer you were looking for.  I hope I can encourage you not to become one of those rabid parents who I've seen all too many times.  They disguise their needs by saying it's for the best of their child.  I know of a parent who still denies being so rabid - and his child is now 21!  Still, the parent pays out all the big bucks for training and camps and equipment and.... meanwhile, the 21 year old is plagued with injuries, back problems that will probably never go away.  I doubt the 21 year old even likes the sport.

I hope you understand where I am going with this.

Regards,

JohnMc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,

I pretty much knew and agree with everything you said, although I do think you emphasized the negative aspects a bit much.
I believe a child's greatest model is their parents, and they are most likely to follow their parents' examples in life.  So, for example, if I enjoy baseball and know a lot about it, my son would be much more likely to learn the game, enjoy it and do well at it.  I try to pass to my children the positive aspects of sports - there are too many to list.  
In addition to my son, I have 2 daughters, ages 17 & 18, who've been competitive swimmers since they were 5.  Both have accepted full athletic college scholarships in swimming.  When they were young, I swam WITH and worked with them.  As they got older, I found them a coach who, I
insisted, among other things, must be a swimmer himself.  My strategy seemed to work pretty well - they are incredibly healthy and fit, injury-free, and I haven't seen any signs of burnout - they still swim almost every day (for hours!).  They are amazing.
When my son says he doesn't want to play baseball, I usually just say OK, or sometimes I can persuade him, but I certainly don't force him.  The bottom line is, they has to be fun and enjoyable positive experiences.

Anyways, I liked your ideas:
1. write to your league and find out how they train and certify coaches
2. If you really want to know how to improve specific skills, there are many baseball technique websites that exist.  

BTW, I just re-realized yesterday what a great old game "pickle" is for practicing throwing,
catching, and running!  And it's great fun!!!

Great chatting with you!!!
Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff,

I can see by your reply that we share the same attitude to sport and family.

I agree that I may have gone over on the negative aspects but keep in mind, other parents will read these remarks and they may not be as open as you or I.  I apologize if I came down to hard.  I can see you are not one of those parents who thrust their children onto the field.

As a coach, I have seen what rabid parents can do to a child and a sport program.  I guess I have a sensitivity issue with this. :)

I also agree that children watch carefully their main role models - their parents.  The example you are giving is obviously beneficial to your children.  Bravo.  I wish all parents were equally involved and balanced as you are.

Did you know there are baseball camps for coaches too!  One of the best is Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken :

http://www.baberuthcoaching.org/


For your child, I would suggest ABC baseball camps.  They are very active in different leagues and have programs for 7 to 12 year olds.  The price is reasonable and they can be found in your home state.  Check them out:

http://www.baseballcamps.com  look for "Next level" camps.

Finally, if you can do this, invite some of your son's friends along to 'throw ball'.  The 'pickle' exercise is a fun way to learn baseball basics.  I think the two websites I mention have links to other fun drills that you could use with your son.

Best of luck,

JohnMc