The Right Coaching Mindset
Regardless of the level of baseball that you are coaching you must remember that you are a role model for the players that you are working with. Whether you are working with 5 year old tee-ballers or 21 year old college players they will look up to you and pay attention to how you react to situations. The truth is that sports coaches have a tremendous impact on a young player. You must always assume that you are being watched and your actions and attitudes will be emulated. A coach impacts the player's entire life, not just their time on the baseball field. What you teach your baseball players will follow them into their "real life" and have an impact on the way they think and behave off the field.
Most coaches that I've seen are only concerned with making the current team he has the best it can be for the current season. This is an attitude that I feel falls short in several ways and really does a disservice to the players. Youth baseball coaches should be concentrating on ensuring that their players build the desire to improve and continue with the game and the skills needed to excel as their career advances. Like any good role model the coach needs to think about and plan for the future, not just the present. Good baseball coaches help their players ready themselves for the next level, and help their players develop affection for the game and desire to return season after season.
Your responsibilities as a coach, teacher and role model should be taken very seriously in order for your team to have the best results possible, not just in the current year, but in the player's lifetime.
Key Points in the Coach's Mindset
Have Some Fun: You should be having fun while you are coaching baseball. If you are having fun it will rub off on the kids and they will enjoy themselves more. This will increase their desire to play and practice, leading them to becoming a better player. Practices should be structured, but enjoyable for everyone involved. Find ways to make games of learning new skills and keep your players laughing and smiling.
Have a Positive Attitude: Going into games with the "can't win" attitude or working with a player believing that he doesn't have the talent to succeed can both be self-fulfilling. Your negativity will lead to negativity in your players. A positive "can-do" attitude will rub off on your players. If players believe they can win and improve then they have the chance to win and improve. Do not teach your players to negativity and encourage them to give up on themselves. It will follow them into other areas of their life.
Encouraging your players to have a positive attitude and utilize their maximum effort will lead to a successful team. In youth baseball success is not just measured by championships. It is measured by improvement, fun, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.