Picking a Team/Coach

Question
My son is 8 and has played on a 'regular' team for the past two years.  All the better players on his team from last year have moved on to other teams.  So, I'm struggling with what to do next.  Should we try to get him on a select team now or next year or what?  Then, if so how do we pick a team/coach?  I want a coach that will build up the players and not tear them down.  At this age winning shouldn't be everything.  There seems to be so many leagues/teams and competitive levels I just don't know where to head.

Thanks

Answer
Amy,

What a great question this is!!!!  A tough one to answer as well.

Amy, this is a struggle.  I have coached for over 10 years and at one time I did coach 8 year olds.  My son is now a freshman in high school.  I have retired from coaching select ball and now I am just a cheering parent.  I know where you are coming from.

You have some questions to ask and answer.  These include:

What does your son want to do?  Is he really "select" serious about baseball right now?

What is his skill level?  Be honest.  Is he a top tier player right now at 8 years old?

Does he have other interests?  Hobbies?  other sports?

What is his personality?  Can he handle the stress and pressures put upon kids who play select ball?

What will this type of schedule do to your family?  Does he have siblings that participate in activities?

Is he able to just be an 8 year old boy?

These are all important questions to answer prior to making a big commitment that is "select" ball.  I have one more question: Is there really such a thing as "select" ball for 8 year olds?????

I understand the concept of playing year round and playing a lot, but select for 8 year olds.  I would put money up that 50% of the 8 year olds playing select ball are not going to be high school standouts.  

My idea of select really starts at about age 12.  That is when the baseball players start emerging from the pack of kids who play baseball, like in little league.  

So what is your sons skill level.  Is he a really good athlete.  Is he a middle of the pack player on his current team?  This will help to determine what "level" of select ball you look for.  

Personally, I was a pretty tough coach.  Even on 8 year olds.  Oh I made it fun.  I structured practices so that the kids would have fun, but I also demanded a lot from them.  And my teams won a lot.  We didn't always win the tournament or league, but that had a lot to do with talent level. But I chose a group of kids who would get along, have fun and could develop into good ballplayers. That is my philosophy.  

I think you have to determine several aspects about your son:  his skill level, his personality, his desire (can an 8 year old have desire, or is he just having a lot of fun doing something he likes?).  From these traits you find the team that he fits best on and the team that fits him best.

It may be that you need a high skill level team with a goal oriented, demanding coach that will push him and teach him to improve on his already high level of skills.  This will likely  be a team that stresses improvement, high level of play, and winning.

It may be that you need a low skill level team with a coach who stresses practice and improvement, but is laid back and is not concerned about winning. His bottom line will be skill improvement, learning the game and progressing forward into the future.

Or you may need something somewhere in the middle.  

What you don't need is a team that is run by Dads with agendas to attempt to make their kids number one.  These teams are OK, but the other kids usually end up with a back seat in practice and games.

You want to interview a coach just as he wants to try your son out and evaluate him.  Ask how the practices are run?  Do they concentrate on skill development.  Does practice consist of station drills.  How much standing around is there?  You can tell a good coach by how his tryout and practice is run.  It should be well organized and flowing, with kids always participating in some activity.  No standing around!

You are right, winning shouldn't be everything.  Players do need a little tearing down sometimes though, so that they can be built back up and they can learn.  I used this technique when appropriate and it works.  I am not talking about berating a kid, especially an eight year old.  But kids have to be taught discipline if they are going to succeed.  Great ballplayers are made in practice.  

Practice is so important.  Not just in formal practices, but also what your child does on his own and with a parent.

My suggestion is evaluate your desires and needs, your son's desires and needs, all the aspects of his game, and then, if "select" ball is what you feel is appropriate, go interview some coaches.  Ask about practice routines, game routines, pre-game warmups, playing time, goals, etc..

Then make your decision.  If you do your homework and pick the right coach, then do the right thing and get out of the coaches way and let him coach.  

I was a really great coach because I chose good kids with great parents.  The parents were confident in my and my assistants abilities and they let us do our job.  I welcomed discussions, but no complaints.  A complaining parent got their child dismissed from my team.  

You don't entrust your child with a baby-sitter you don't check out.  It should be the same with a coach and team.


Don't feel pressure to get him on the popular team.  Do the right thing, even if it is a less talented, less winning team. It may mean your son plays more and receives more instruction.  

Make sure select is for you, your son, and your family.  Check out the teams, coaches, etc..  It is a big and important decision.  Make it an informed one.   

I hope this helps.

God Bless,

Mike