Players Input

Question
I have coached for many years and came across something quite new. The players on my team want to play more positions than what I have assigned so far. The main reason is they said they would have more fun playing different positions. Each player currently has 2-3 positions I rotate them in and out of now and I do try to mix it up when it makes sense. Usually the complaints I have heard over the years are about playing time not positions. I coach a competitive 14 year old travel team and it makes sense to field a competitive team.
I would like your input on when players are quite vocal on wanting to play different positions. It is to a point now where they are openly complaining (more than just a couple of players). Thanks

Answer
Hi Ken,

firstly, I want to give you a pat on the back.  Coaching at this age is tough and usually its the parents who are the cause.  I think its great that the players want to 'travel' around the different positions.  

IF you are against this then you've got to explain yourself better to the players.  What is the team goal for the season?  Will it hurt players who don't have the ability to swap positions?

I had a team that sounded much like yours.  The kids wanted to learn the various positions while the parents (and the association) only wanted to win.  I decided to listen to the players and balance their needs and my objective to teach 'the love of baseball'.

I took a list of all those players who wanted to play different positions and set up a schedule that allowed them to move around within a game or schedule.  I made it quite clear that errors would jeapordize their chances of playing that position and that I'd be watching them closely.  

As for 6 players wanting to pitch, I had to be practical.  I only needed 3 and I worked the other 3 in during the regular season but not very often.  On games where we were clearly winning, I'd use them.

I also made it clear that by the time the playoffs were to start, including the run up to the playoffs, position swapping would slow down and even stop.  

It's good that your players are eager to learn and we have to encourage this as best as you can.  Of course, this will be more work for you.  As a baseball coach in competitive league, you're use to working your ... besides, it's better to have the kids happy than the parents miserable.

Best of luck with this,

JohnMc