I knew this time would come but I didn't expect it to arrive so quickly. My son is coming to the end of his high school baseball career. There are basically 35 scrimmages and games left. He's likely to go on to play club baseball in college but you never know and if he does I'm not sure I will be able to travel to see him play.
Coaching him and watching him play over the past decade has been an honor and pleasure. I can tell you this. I'm going to cherish every pitch of every inning remaining. He's dedicated himself to the game over the years and has become an excellent player. He loves the game and understands it better than I could have ever hoped. I'm very proud of him.
He's learned many things that will translate off the field as well. His sense of fair play is rivaled by no one. His work ethic is one to be admired. His love and respect for his fellow players an coaches is greater than I could have hoped for.
I'm thankful to those who helped him along the why. Those that have shown him both what to do and not to do. My only wish is that I could have slowed down time somehow. But we know that's impossible.
So to those parents who have kids playing at the youth level my advice to you is to cherish every moment. Realize that before you know it you'll be watching the last season. And remember that the important things are sometimes different then they seem while they're young. If the game can help a kid grow into a young adult with a positive attitude/frame of mind, then the game has accompished it's goal.. and you've accomplished your goal as a parent.
Coach Bob
Showing posts with label teamwork. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teamwork. Show all posts
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Why There Is No 'I' In Team
In my opinion, although a being catchy phrase, "Why there is no I in team" is one of the most overused and possibly most misunderstood phrase of today's culture, especially in the world of sports.
We see it everywhere, posted at the work place, plastered on signs hung from overhead steel girders inside the conglomerate stores, sports facilities and etc; apparently anywhere someone or some organization deems a "Team" atmosphere will be valuable.
In order to develop a "Team" atmosphere, we must first decide what we consider a "Team" to be, and although at first glance this may appear to be a moronic question, is it?
One such definition may be " a person belonging to a group or team, who performs whatever action, physical or mental, which enhances the chances of the team achieving its goal, regardless of the effects on the individual."
Possibly a perfect definition, as I'm sure everyone has heard an excited fan yell " Take one for the team," from the stands. Intentionally taking an 90 mph fastball in the ribs in order to reach base in a 0-0 late inning game, would be considered self sacrifice in the name of "Team."
However, depending on your point of argument, "communism" can also fit nicely into this definition. Every individual gives up all identity and personal goals, in order to benefit the group or team, and sacrifices to make the team successful regardless of personal consequences.
Suddenly we have a dilemma of explaining what actually constitutes a "Team" much alone explain why there is or isn't an I in it.
I don't mean to be argumentative or confrontational, blame it on my coaching style, but I always stressed to my players... Think. Know why you're doing something, like turning right instead of left on the line drive, or else you'll never master it, because you're really not sure what you're attempting to master.
I, for one, do not agree with the term "there is no I in team," but rather believe "there is an i in TEAM." The team is comprised of a number of little i's who come together to pool their resources, talents, characters, desires and focused energy to achieve a common goal.
An individual pitcher, must train and practice for hours upon hours in order to achieve maximum control over his curveball. His effort may be enhanced by the coaching staff demonstrating and constantly tweaking his grip, arm motion or delivery and the bullpen catcher may spend hours catching pitching practice, in order the make the teammate a better pitcher, for the benefit of the team.
However, without the drive and persistence of the individual pitcher, the little i enduring hours of frustration, fatigue and soreness, there would be no improvement in the pitching staff and ultimately the team.
Where the I has no place in team is after the pitcher has succeeded in obtaining maximum performance of the curveball, could care less about it contributing to the team.
One such example would be the pitcher throwing an excellent curveball, which the batter luckily makes contact with, hitting a weak squib ground ball to the second baseman, who instead of turning it into an easy out, let's the ball go through his legs. The pitcher becomes totally irate at the fielder for the error, making no attempt to mask his anger, and any subsequent hit or run after the error would be considered the second baseman's fault. That is an I and is totally unacceptable.
The little i takes a deep breath, tells his fielder to shake it off and focuses on getting the next batter out, thus "picking up his teammate."
You may not agree with my position and that is perfectly fine, in fact it's great. What I urge coaches to do is analyze everything you teach your players. Don't become one of the herd mentality and go along with the program because it's the current popular thing to do. Your players depend on you to lead them in the right direction. Good luck accomplishing that.
We see it everywhere, posted at the work place, plastered on signs hung from overhead steel girders inside the conglomerate stores, sports facilities and etc; apparently anywhere someone or some organization deems a "Team" atmosphere will be valuable.
In order to develop a "Team" atmosphere, we must first decide what we consider a "Team" to be, and although at first glance this may appear to be a moronic question, is it?
One such definition may be " a person belonging to a group or team, who performs whatever action, physical or mental, which enhances the chances of the team achieving its goal, regardless of the effects on the individual."
Possibly a perfect definition, as I'm sure everyone has heard an excited fan yell " Take one for the team," from the stands. Intentionally taking an 90 mph fastball in the ribs in order to reach base in a 0-0 late inning game, would be considered self sacrifice in the name of "Team."
However, depending on your point of argument, "communism" can also fit nicely into this definition. Every individual gives up all identity and personal goals, in order to benefit the group or team, and sacrifices to make the team successful regardless of personal consequences.
Suddenly we have a dilemma of explaining what actually constitutes a "Team" much alone explain why there is or isn't an I in it.
I don't mean to be argumentative or confrontational, blame it on my coaching style, but I always stressed to my players... Think. Know why you're doing something, like turning right instead of left on the line drive, or else you'll never master it, because you're really not sure what you're attempting to master.
I, for one, do not agree with the term "there is no I in team," but rather believe "there is an i in TEAM." The team is comprised of a number of little i's who come together to pool their resources, talents, characters, desires and focused energy to achieve a common goal.
An individual pitcher, must train and practice for hours upon hours in order to achieve maximum control over his curveball. His effort may be enhanced by the coaching staff demonstrating and constantly tweaking his grip, arm motion or delivery and the bullpen catcher may spend hours catching pitching practice, in order the make the teammate a better pitcher, for the benefit of the team.
However, without the drive and persistence of the individual pitcher, the little i enduring hours of frustration, fatigue and soreness, there would be no improvement in the pitching staff and ultimately the team.
Where the I has no place in team is after the pitcher has succeeded in obtaining maximum performance of the curveball, could care less about it contributing to the team.
One such example would be the pitcher throwing an excellent curveball, which the batter luckily makes contact with, hitting a weak squib ground ball to the second baseman, who instead of turning it into an easy out, let's the ball go through his legs. The pitcher becomes totally irate at the fielder for the error, making no attempt to mask his anger, and any subsequent hit or run after the error would be considered the second baseman's fault. That is an I and is totally unacceptable.
The little i takes a deep breath, tells his fielder to shake it off and focuses on getting the next batter out, thus "picking up his teammate."
You may not agree with my position and that is perfectly fine, in fact it's great. What I urge coaches to do is analyze everything you teach your players. Don't become one of the herd mentality and go along with the program because it's the current popular thing to do. Your players depend on you to lead them in the right direction. Good luck accomplishing that.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on baseball coaching baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_BainArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6810808
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
You Stink! We're Leaving the Team
By Nate Barnett
My son is on a soccer team. Most of us are reasonable and committed parents who want the best for our 9-11 year old kids - i.e. to develop and learn the sport. That is except for the whinny couple parents who troll the sidelines spewing their discontent into any ear that will open up. The team has been getting crushed for the most part in tournaments (aside from a few games). But, the good news is that their coach is great. He knows the game, likes the kids, and is patient enough to help them with their skills.
So what more to the whinny trolls want? TO WIN! There is nothing more important than winning they say. Once I entered the danger zone and got too close to one of them on the sidelines and overheard one say their son could be winning more if he was on a rec. team.
Who cares I say. Winning will come, but learning the right skills and mind set to play a game is so important at young ages.
I know you're not one of these complaining parents who leaves good developmental teams if you're not winning... but you know some who have. My encouragement to you is to find a program that will teach your son the correct fundamentals he needs to succeed in baseball first. Winning is a bonus. I say this because when your boy is at an age where winning is more important, he better have the skill set and mental framework to compete.
Nate Barnett is co-owner of The Pitching Academy.
You can find The Pitching Academy's articles, blog, and videos on baseball pitching grips when you visit the website.
The Pitching Academy's pitching mechanics DVD.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
My son is on a soccer team. Most of us are reasonable and committed parents who want the best for our 9-11 year old kids - i.e. to develop and learn the sport. That is except for the whinny couple parents who troll the sidelines spewing their discontent into any ear that will open up. The team has been getting crushed for the most part in tournaments (aside from a few games). But, the good news is that their coach is great. He knows the game, likes the kids, and is patient enough to help them with their skills.
So what more to the whinny trolls want? TO WIN! There is nothing more important than winning they say. Once I entered the danger zone and got too close to one of them on the sidelines and overheard one say their son could be winning more if he was on a rec. team.
Who cares I say. Winning will come, but learning the right skills and mind set to play a game is so important at young ages.
I know you're not one of these complaining parents who leaves good developmental teams if you're not winning... but you know some who have. My encouragement to you is to find a program that will teach your son the correct fundamentals he needs to succeed in baseball first. Winning is a bonus. I say this because when your boy is at an age where winning is more important, he better have the skill set and mental framework to compete.
Nate Barnett is co-owner of The Pitching Academy.
You can find The Pitching Academy's articles, blog, and videos on baseball pitching grips when you visit the website.
The Pitching Academy's pitching mechanics DVD.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Create the Culture
By Dana Cavalea
This article is being written due to some common trends I am seeing as I work with athletes at both the youth and professional levels. More often than not, especially in the game of baseball, athletes will spend all day working on their swing and fielding and developing arm strength, but when it comes to working on their bodies from a physical standpoint, the desire and work ethic is virtually non-existent.
It is at this point where you start to look beyond the athlete, and more towards the people he surrounds himself with, or is surrounded by. Work ethic and the desire for high achievement is often a product of the athletes environment and upbringing. This isn't saying that in order to have great work ethic your parents have had to work 15 hrs. per day during your upbringing, but what it does show is the type of environment and culture was created for you during your youth.
The premise behind this article is the fact that athletes need to be immersed in this type of no-nonsense, desire to be great atmosphere. Parents and coaches should create this atmosphere if they truly aspire for their athletes to reach the next level of competition both on and off the field.
This lack of work ethic isn't solely apparent in sport, but in the real world as well. There is a reason why there are so few entrepreneurs in our society; it takes work, diligence, and a burning desire for success.
When working with my athletes I often see that some of them are distracted or make excuses on why they can't workout, or put in a pre batting practice warm-up, but this is where the leader needs to step in and get inside their minds and teach them the importance, but most importantly show them the benefit to their career and long term goals by doing these little things. As we all know, life is a game of inches, and its each one of these little inches that creates the whole. Athletes and coaches alike need to start thinking in this regard, and watch those inches add up over time, which will create an amazing end result that was build upon progression and growth over time.
As a coach, if you are able to inspire your athlete for greatness and accept nothing less from them, you are doing your part in helping to Create the Culture. As a coach, it is up to you what you want your culture to be. This culture could be one of laziness, or of a burning desire to succeed and accept nothing less. Often times, athletes are a reflection on their previous coaching, so as a coach, if you think about this, your athletes are reflection of you.
From the athlete standpoint, it is imperative that you wake up each day and ask yourself what you could do today to get better. If your coach hasn't created the culture for you, a true champion will create it on his own, and inspire those around him.
When entering the business world, those that are able to work diligently, meet and exceed goals, and most importantly inspire other around them to achieve greatness often are blessed with many riches both from a positional standpoint and from a financial standpoint.
Work ethic is not entirely something you are born with, but rather a trait that is developed form within by your family, coaches, and environment. The cliché you are who your friends are is entirely true. If you surround yourself with bad, it is easier for your mind to move in that direction, but when you surround yourself with success, the end result is usually success.
From this point on, in whatever you are doing in life, you have 2 choices; Join the current Culture, or Create the Culture. The choice is yours. But just remember, should you choose to be a sculptor and create, the complacent and lazy never went anywhere fast!
Train Hard, Train Smart, Get Good.
Dana Cavalea is a Sports Performance Consultant specializing in baseball performance training. In addition he works with many professional sports teams, athletes, and colleges' educating on the importance of training, nutrition, and lifestyle for sport.In addition he is the owner of Major League Strength, http://www.mlstrength.com, a sports performance consulting company designed to educate and create awareness on advancements in the field of sports performance training for coaches and athletes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dana_Cavalea
This article is being written due to some common trends I am seeing as I work with athletes at both the youth and professional levels. More often than not, especially in the game of baseball, athletes will spend all day working on their swing and fielding and developing arm strength, but when it comes to working on their bodies from a physical standpoint, the desire and work ethic is virtually non-existent.
It is at this point where you start to look beyond the athlete, and more towards the people he surrounds himself with, or is surrounded by. Work ethic and the desire for high achievement is often a product of the athletes environment and upbringing. This isn't saying that in order to have great work ethic your parents have had to work 15 hrs. per day during your upbringing, but what it does show is the type of environment and culture was created for you during your youth.
The premise behind this article is the fact that athletes need to be immersed in this type of no-nonsense, desire to be great atmosphere. Parents and coaches should create this atmosphere if they truly aspire for their athletes to reach the next level of competition both on and off the field.
This lack of work ethic isn't solely apparent in sport, but in the real world as well. There is a reason why there are so few entrepreneurs in our society; it takes work, diligence, and a burning desire for success.
When working with my athletes I often see that some of them are distracted or make excuses on why they can't workout, or put in a pre batting practice warm-up, but this is where the leader needs to step in and get inside their minds and teach them the importance, but most importantly show them the benefit to their career and long term goals by doing these little things. As we all know, life is a game of inches, and its each one of these little inches that creates the whole. Athletes and coaches alike need to start thinking in this regard, and watch those inches add up over time, which will create an amazing end result that was build upon progression and growth over time.
As a coach, if you are able to inspire your athlete for greatness and accept nothing less from them, you are doing your part in helping to Create the Culture. As a coach, it is up to you what you want your culture to be. This culture could be one of laziness, or of a burning desire to succeed and accept nothing less. Often times, athletes are a reflection on their previous coaching, so as a coach, if you think about this, your athletes are reflection of you.
From the athlete standpoint, it is imperative that you wake up each day and ask yourself what you could do today to get better. If your coach hasn't created the culture for you, a true champion will create it on his own, and inspire those around him.
When entering the business world, those that are able to work diligently, meet and exceed goals, and most importantly inspire other around them to achieve greatness often are blessed with many riches both from a positional standpoint and from a financial standpoint.
Work ethic is not entirely something you are born with, but rather a trait that is developed form within by your family, coaches, and environment. The cliché you are who your friends are is entirely true. If you surround yourself with bad, it is easier for your mind to move in that direction, but when you surround yourself with success, the end result is usually success.
From this point on, in whatever you are doing in life, you have 2 choices; Join the current Culture, or Create the Culture. The choice is yours. But just remember, should you choose to be a sculptor and create, the complacent and lazy never went anywhere fast!
Train Hard, Train Smart, Get Good.
Dana Cavalea is a Sports Performance Consultant specializing in baseball performance training. In addition he works with many professional sports teams, athletes, and colleges' educating on the importance of training, nutrition, and lifestyle for sport.In addition he is the owner of Major League Strength, http://www.mlstrength.com, a sports performance consulting company designed to educate and create awareness on advancements in the field of sports performance training for coaches and athletes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dana_Cavalea
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