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Coach's Workbook North Shore Girls Softball League 2009 ( Click here for the Word document version)
Part 7. Other Things You Should Know
IntroductionThank you for the gift of your time, talent and energy. Coaching can be fun, exciting and rewarding. Nevertheless, it’s a big responsibility. The fact is, the quality of the player experience and successes of the season are in your hands. Coaching is an important role, but should not be a daunting one. Please keep in mind the following:
You’ve made the commitment to coach. You’ve made it this far. Please read on. And to get the most out of this workbook, don’t forget to do the “Drills” (exercises). Mission of NSGSLThe Mission of the North Shore Girls Softball League (NSGSL) is to provide the community with organized recreational girls' softball. The essence of the Mission is:
We work to empower our volunteer managers and coaches to create positive athletic experiences for each player with the expressed purpose of enhancing her overall physical, emotional, and social development. As a community resource, we encourage families and the community at large to join together in support of our players as they develop skills and learn how to work toward a goal in cooperation with others. About Your LeagueNSGSL is an affiliate of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). North Shore Girls Softball League is a non-profit, all volunteer organization providing recreational softball to girls age 5 to 14 from the communities of Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and Solana Beach.
A volunteer Executive Board and Board of Directors govern the League. The League membership (parents of players) elects the Executive Board. The Executive Board selects the Board of Directors. See the League website for a list of the current Officers and Board Members. Using This WorkbookThe purpose of this workbook is to help you get the most out of your coaching experience, and to accomplish the Mission of the League. No single source can cover all the things a coach will need to know, including this workbook. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive guide to coaching youth softball. Please use this as a supplement to the other resources at your disposal, as well as your own knowledge and experience. A partial list of helpful resources is available on the League website.
Also, keep in mind that this workbook is an evolving work in progress. Your feedback is welcome and will be appreciated. Send feedback to the league via email to: Coach@NorthShoreGirlsSoftball.com
This remainder of this booklet is organized into these main parts:
Part 1. Approach to Coaching
“You win not only because you win games but because you build character in the players you coach.” – Phil Jackson, NBA Coach
You probably have many questions such as, “What should I expect?” as well as, “What is expected of me?” As you approach the beginning of the season and your role as a Manager or Coach, please keep in mind the Mission of the League (see page 1).
If you’ve ever heard the “Story of Shay,” it embodies the spirit of the League. A copy of the story is included at the back of this booklet. You may want to take a moment to read the story and refresh your memory.
The father’s touching story illustrates the duality of the coaching role:
Here’s how coaching is viewed in the Arizona Sports Summit Accord: (source: http://www.charactercounts.org/sports/accord.htm)
The profession of coaching is a profession of teaching. In addition to teaching the mental and physical dimensions of their sport, coaches, through words and example, must also strive to build the character of their athletes by teaching them to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and good citizens.
Drill 1. Review of League Mission
Please take a moment now for this exercise:
1. Re-read the League Mission Statement on page 1 of this workbook 2. Write in the space below the key words and phrases that stand out to you: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________
Part 2. Your Role as Coach
What should you expect from the coaching experience? It will be challenging. And it will take time to prepare and execute properly. However, the rewards can be many and great. In the end, the quality of the coaching experience is up to you.
Drill 2. Rewards of Coaching
Here are some of the possible rewards from your Coaching experience. Check those that are important to you, and perhaps add a few of your own to the list. __More time spent with your own daughter __Positive impact on children __Passing on your knowledge and skills to others __Meeting people with common interests __Developing your skills as a teacher, communicator and motivator __Enhancing the community through your involvement in the League _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________
What’s expected of you as a coach? Take a look at it from various perspectives of the people you will touch this season.
The players: You are a leader and teacher. Set the tone, goals, expectations and standards. Provide order and structure. Help them learn and improve.
The parents: You are the responsible person. Provide a safe, enjoyable learning experience for the players. Keep the parents informed and lines of communication open.
The league: You are the “face of the league” and link to the players and parents. Stay informed. Be responsive to requests from the Division Coordinator or Player agent. Communicate issues and concerns to the League. Conform to the Code of Conduct, and hold all others to the same standards.
Part 3. Team SelectionDivisionsYour team is part of an “age-based” Division. Players are placed in a Division according to the player’s calendar year of birth. The Executive Board makes some limited exceptions (see Play Ups). The League has the following Divisions:
Selecting the CoachesThe Executive Board approves the selection of Coaches from among the volunteers. Previous experience is not a requirement. If you’ve coached in the League before, the confidential evaluations by the parents are considered among other factors. All coaches must submit to a “background” check for the safety and integrity of the League. Team Selection
If you’re coaching a team in the 6U or 8U Division, you may wish to skip the next several sections about the Player Previews, Play Ups, and Draft as they do not yet apply to you.
Player PreviewsPlayer Previews (formerly known as “Evaluations”) are held for all players in the 10U Division and higher. Experienced coaches from the league, often with help from the staff of a local High School Softball program, will conduct standardized drills to observe and evaluate each player in the following areas:
Pitching and Catching Previews : Any player may also be evaluated for pitching and/or catching if she is interested. This method of assessment isn’t perfect. No method is. Plus it does seem to make many of the players anxious and nervous. Keep in mind that it’s not a “try-out.” Every player will be drafted onto a team. It’s only an effort to achieve parity among the teams.
Play UpsSome players may request “playing up” to the next Division. If so, the player must:
The Executive Board approves all Play Ups.
Player DraftPre-Draft. Before the draft occurs, you should do the following:
IMPORTANT : Keep all evaluation data Confidential. It’s “for your eyes only.” Do not share this data with anyone else who’s not directly involved in the drafting process. Thank you! Draft Night. Draft night is fast-paced, fun and exciting. Throughout the entire draft process, keep in mind the most important objective: to have your team roster for the season by the end of the evening. Also, while you may have a game plan, be prepared to be flexible, go with the flow, and keep the draft moving along. Pitching parity is very important to each upper Division (10U, 12U and 14U). Every effort is made to assure that each team has at least one player with proven pitching talent. The first round in the draft is the “pitchers round.” You should select first from the pool of talented pitchers. Trades. Trading players after the draft is not encouraged. However, it is possible within the following limitations:
After the draft. Immediately after the draft, at least within 48 hours, you should make contact with each of the players on your team roster. The first contact should be made by telephone. While you’re at it, here’s a list of several other items to attend to:
Part 4. Getting StartedEquipment, Gear, and SuppliesHere’s a list of some of the things you will want to have before you get started with your first practice:
You may also want to have available for use the following items:
The League supplies much of the costly equipment. For items that are consumed during the season, such as scorebook and ice packs, you may choose to pass the expense along to the team. For equipment that will last over several seasons, such as wiffle balls and ball bucket, you’ll probably absorb the cost yourself. There are many sources for these items, including on-line retailers and local sporting goods stores. You might spend about $20-40 for a bucket and supply of wiffle balls. UniformsThe League provides a jersey, cap or visor and a pair of socks.
Team OrganizationEffective team organization is important. You will want to find and recruit help from the parents. Here’s a brief description of the various roles:
Manager
Coach
Team Parent
Chaperone
Other Team Positions
As a general rule, you can run an effective team with just two parents: a Manager/Coach and Team Parent. However, having more help from the parents will make it easier on you, and more fun for the parents and players.
Communicating With Your Team
Some things to communicate to your team:
Your message to players (one sample in this booklet; another sample at http://www.positivecoach.org/subcontent.aspx?SecID=181 Your message to parents (one sample in this booklet; another sample at http://www.positivecoach.org/ConPics/Con79/letter_to_parents.pdf
Communicating with the League
Part 5. PracticesPractices are critical to successful team-building and player development. An organized practice is both fun and effective. Plan ahead for success as you would for any such endeavor. Here’s some of what you need to know about practices:
Schedules and FieldsA practice field and time slot is assigned. It’s important that you use the allotted time and field. Communicate with the League if you have any changes.
First practiceFirst impressions are important. The first practice should be fast-moving and fun. The players, parents, and perhaps the coaches are anxious, probably even nervous. Here are some suggestions for the first practice:
Pre-season PracticesPre-season practices will prepare your team for the first few games. Keep the objectives and expectations reasonable. The team will probably not be at mid-season form until mid-season. For many teams, the first part of the season is still “practice.”
Running Safe, Fun and Effective PracticesThe key is preparation and organization. Prior to each practice, focus on the following:
SafetyPlayers should be taught and reminded how to behave safely. This includes:
In-season practicesFields and Practice Schedules will likely change once the season starts, but the need to practice will stay the same. Typically, you’ll have one practice per week in addition to one or two games. During the season you’ll be able to work on skill development as well as build on the experiences from the recent games. As the season progresses, you may want to add the following:
Outside practicePitchers. Pitching is the most demanding of all positions on the field. In almost every case, a pitcher must devote practice time outside of the regular team practices. Pitching also seems to be a position many people want to try. At the 6U and 8U Division levels encouraging, supporting, and developing lots of interested pitchers is important.
In the upper Divisions (10U and up), the field of potential pitchers is narrowed. A Coach might require the player to demonstrate a dedication to practicing both inside and outside of team practices. For example, some teams require the following before a player can pitch in a regular season game:
All Players. Suggested ideas for home practice for all players:
Professional coachingProfessional help is readily and conveniently available for players and coaches, but is not required. There is an expense involved; yet the results can be dramatic. Pitchers in the upper Divisions almost always need a lot of coaching. See the list of Resources on the League website for names and contact information of several professional coaches. Part 6. GamesPre-game Items for Attention
During the game
After the game
Season
Playoffs
Part 7. Other Things You Should KnowCode of Conduct
We believe that the conduct and attitude of its members are measures of the quality of an organization. We have adopted a Code of Conduct for our players and parents. Please read it carefully. All players and parents must sign off that they will follow the Code.
All-StarsAll-star selection procedures and player/parent expectations are posted on the website. Here are a few things you should know about the all-star selection process:
Fall/Winter BallThere may be opportunities to play softball during the “off season”, usually September through November. Enrollment is open to all, however, placement on a team is not guaranteed. If you want to Coach a team during the Fall/Winter season, please notify the Fall Ball Coordinator. Fall/Winter Ball games usually require travel and are on Sunday.
Travel Ball/Club TeamsTravel Ball/Club Teams require a big commitment of time and resources. Participation is usually by tryout, or by invitation. There are a variety of Club Teams in the San Diego and Southern California area. Information about these teams is not centralized. The best source is the World Wide Web and the ASA. The League does not currently sponsor a Club Team.
Coaching ObjectivesThe League can suggest certain learning objectives for the players at each Division level. Ask your Division coordinator for more information.
Additional ResourcesSee the NSGSL website for lists and links to some of the following resources:
Samples: · Parent letter · Player letter · Practice schedule · Line up card
Here’s the drill: ___Bookmark or add to Favorites the League website (northshoregirlssoftball.com) ___Review the information and resources on the League website ___Calendar the important dates from the league Master Calendar ___IMPORTANT : Attend the League Coach/Player Clinics
Really? Softball rules aren’t always intuitive or same as baseball. Besides, the League may have its own rules. So before the season begins, you should take some time to do the following: ___Review and understand the League Rules for your Division as posted on the NSGSL website. ___Review and understand the ASA Rules (See the booklet from your Division Coordinator) ___Take the “rules” quiz on the League website ___Encourage the players and parents to do the above steps as well
Drill 6. What questions and concerns do you have?___For assistance, contact the Division Coordinator, Player Agent, or other League representative. You’re not alone!
Thanks, again, for coaching. Have fun!
The Story of ShayAt a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten. After praising the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child." Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and, getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, would the boys let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and turned and threw the ball on a high arc to right field, far beyond the reach of the first baseman.
Everyone started yelling," Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" By the time Shay rounded first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases toward home.
Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay, run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on to the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.
"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."
Sample letter to ParentsTO: All Parents NSGSL 2008, Team 10-7
You’re probably a bit anxious about your daughter and her experience with a new team. I know I always was. You don’t want scheduling hassles, unreasonable demands on your time, and confusing messages. Yet, you do want a fun and positive experience for all. Your involvement will largely determine the success of your child’s experience. Everyone has demanding and hectic schedules, so the amount of time you can commit will vary. Yet, it is not the quantity but the quality of the involvement that matters most. If you feel inclined to help at the fields, the team needs you. Please let us know if you can participate, either part of the time or all of the time. This is my ninth year coaching youth sport – fifth coaching girl’s softball, including three all-star teams. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. In addition, here are a few ideas that you can use that will go a long way toward helping your daughter have a great season:
There are a lot of details to keep track of in an undertaking like this. Here are a few of the important things to be aware of:
What to bring: Your daughter must wear the uniform to each game, including shirt (tucked in), visor, and socks. Softball or soccer cleats are required. Always bring water or a drink to each practice and game. Games/Practices: Arrive 45 minutes prior to game start time for warm ups and pre-game practice. Let us know ASAP if your daughter cannot make a game or practice so we can plan ahead. Practices will continue once a week during the season on Friday afternoons, 4-5:30, at Solana Pacific. Picture Day/League Fun Day: Saturday, March 1st at the Rec Center. There will be games, helmet painting, and food/drinks. Should be fun! Details to be announced. More Information: You will find much of the information you need at the league web site: http://northshoregirlssoftball.com This is your best resource for schedules, rules, results, and more. Bookmark or add to your favorites – you will use this site often.
Let the fun begin! -Coach Paul 619-555-5555 (cell)
Sample letter to PlayersTO: All Players NSGSL 2010, Team 10-7
Girls like you have told me that you don’t like being bored. On the other hand, you do like having lots of fun while you are learning and making friends.
So, what if all your games and practices are fun? What if you learn and improve your game? What if you make new friends? Would you feel good about your softball season if you could do all that? This is my fifth year as a softball coach and manager. You can ask me any questions. In addition, your coaches will try to do these things for you: · Create a fun and safe place to learn · Treat you fairly · Stress the fundamentals to improve your game All you have to do is show up prepared to your practices and games, be enthusiastic, and do your best. Then you will have a “winning” season, no matter what the scores are. So, remember these things:
Your parents and coaches are ready to support you. Are you ready to play? Let’s go! Coach Paul
Sample Practice Planner
Sample Line Ups Worksheet
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