LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR PLAYERS, PARENTS and COACHES
Building a baseball team is like having a barn raising; it takes components from every aspect of the individuals involved to create the best season possible. Leadership is guidance, and we are all leaders in some situations. So how can we help guide each other toward greatness in our respective roles?
Let’s look at core leadership practices as they apply to coaches, parents, and players.
RESPECT
Some people see themselves as leaders, others don’t, but one thing to remember about leadership is that no one is obliged to follow you! Sure, a player is raised by parents and instructed by the coach, but is that player inspired? Respect is earned through actions and demonstrated through self-regulation, determination, elbow grease, and confidence.
Coaches
• Lay down the law and all guidelines and enforce them from the first day of practice until the end of the season.
• Keep agreements, don’t play favorites, be patient and observant, and run your baseball diamond with an even hand, while also keeping it fun.
Parents
• Honor the schedule, contribute to your kid’s ability to be prepared and on time for practice.
• Remove the expectations you have for your kid, and give them the freedom to grow.
• Give your slugger support and encouragement all the way. Let them know that you love them unconditionally, no matter what sport they play, or how many wins or losses they get.
Players
• Get out there and hustle, show yourself what you can do, and be willing to start on time on day one.
• Be willing to project a positive outlook; do your best even when no one’s looking.
• Take responsibility for mistakes and celebrate like crazy when you have a triumph!
RESPONSIBILITY
You have a role, and therefore you have a job, and if you’re not doing your job, you’re slacking! Don’t be a slacker, live up to your own high expectations.
Coaches
• Keep drills and exercises engaging, interesting, and in line with current health and game trends.
• Keep distractions at bay and show players how to focus, work on conditioning, and make the best choices for each position on the field.
• Make decisions for the good of the players and the team first and foremost.
Parents
• Make sure the kids are getting good coaching.
• Maintain your kid’s health and wellness, make sure they’re not too stressed out or in trouble with grades or extracurricular activities.
• Ensure your young player has all necessary uniform requirements and gear to play ball.
Players
• When you’re on the field, BRING IT, whether it’s practice or game day.
• Get enough sleep, eat enough food, drink enough water, look after your own well being.
• Make decisions that are good both on and off the field.
COMMITMENT TO STAY INVOLVED
Baseball will melt your brain. It’s not just hitting balls and running bases. And it’s not just pointing and yelling, nor is it just picking up and dropping off the kid. You have to stay involved.
Coaches
• You’re not just teaching them how to throw a ball, your teaching them when to throw it. Attend to all details.
• Show your players amazing historic games where patience and planning pays off.
• Tell your players about MLB greats who may not have been the strongest or the quickest, but became legendary for their tenacity and cleverness.
Parents
• Check in with the coach, ask about your kid’s abilities and how you can help them improve.
• Offer to be part of the carpool system, serve hot dogs at the ball park, meet the other parents, and root for their kids as well as your own.
• Keep an eye out for injuries your kid won’t tell you about because they want to play. Tell the coach about anything that might be impeding your child’s focus or playing ability.
Players
• How are you going to grab second base if you don’t have the speed to do it? Are you practicing your swing at home too, or just on the ball field? Do your baseball homework.
• You can’t just be a good player, you have to be an intelligent player. When you’ve got brawn AND brains, you make the best choices under pressure, giving you a real edge.
BRING OUT THE BEST
Morale can really push a team forward – don’t hold back, show spirit!
Coaches
Emphasize integrity over outcome, support sportsmanship, and reward effort.
Players
Help your teammates out by complimenting them, letting them know if their swing is off or giving them a tip about an opponent. Give hi-fives and NEVER give up, even if you’re down by 11.
Parents
Bring friends to the games, yell only positive cheers, cheer for the other kids on the team!
So as you can see, leadership involves participation from the individual players, their parents, and of course, coaches. Leadership is a big part of maintaining the care and feeding of a good baseball team.