Excuses, keeping players from being their best

High school athletes have a hard time recognizing what they can control and what they can’t. Unfortunately we see a great deal of finger pointing and wishing other guys would “make the play.” This pattern is all too familiar for coaches. The message stays the same, worry about yourself; focus on how you could have made that decision successful. Players really are making excuses for themselves, and ultimately an excuse to not be the best player they can be. When athletes start to experience a slight change in their perspective, attitude is typically the first change for the better.

Not all athletes will experience this, as each athlete is an individual. For those that do, the process varies and timing is often different for each. Some will take it and be able to change, some will be resistant and take longer to comprehend it and some will never be able to make the adjustment. The whole issue comes back to accountability and maturation as an athlete and teenager. Typically players who are able to change are the ones who see more minutes, innings and plays, because they have can be counted on to make the right decision. These are the players that I love to coach because they want to get better and make their teammates better, unfortunately though not all will be able to take this step.

Players who make excuses have a hard time taking accountability for their actions and decision, practices often feel not as productive. As a coach these types of players are frustrating, take the high road and ultimately cut back the playing time. Doing this puts the ball in their court and puts the pressure on them to grow up and start to be more accountable. As the coach, I always have an “open-door” policy with players. Players who come and ask about how to earn more playing time get my full attention and support.
   

Right from the start, players know how they will see playing time. Playing time is like gold to teenagers. Coachability is big in my book; a players willingness to take coaching and get better is right at the top of the list. For players to be coachable, there needs to be accountability. When players understand there is a process to getting better and it takes time, hard work and does not happen over night. Coachable players are an asset for any team as they are dependable and can be counted on to make the play.

Part of it...be confident

Before each game I feel a great deal of nerves, nerves not knowing what will happen or how the game will go. In my mind I know that it will go well because of how well I prepare and how much attention to detail I put into the planning and preparation. I know the kids will compete and do their best. In the classroom if things go wrong, students will be okay and perhaps we can share a laugh.

I want to be the best I can at all times. I have always held myself to high and realistic standards. I expect to be the best I can in all that I do, in daily life, as a teacher or as a coach, why? Simple I take a great deal of pride in my work and I care a great deal about the kids. I am genuine and I hope the students and players are able to display how much time and effort we all put in.

The emotions come and go after the first few minutes or innings, once I have "settled in" and the element of the unknown has started to decrease. The important thing to remember is to maintain composure and try to anticipate any mishaps or places where flaws could happen. As a coach I care a great deal about my players. I want them to be in a place where they are able to succeed. If players are successful, then our team has a better chance of being successful.

Tony LaRussa, arguably the best manager in baseball ever, said if one does not feel nerves then one does not care. This was in reference to coming back to coach the All Star game in KC.

As a coach, I take a great deal of pride and care in my players and there development. Over the course of a season seeing a team, a group of boys, aspiring players transform into baseball players and young men, dealing with the unknown, a solid trade-off.