Summary

This week, we tackle a topic that hits home for a lot of coaches and players alike: how to play all of your players and remain competitive. We’ll discuss the importance of practice, creative game-time strategies, and how to keep kids engaged, even when they're not in the game. So grab your glove and settle in, because we’re about to break down some clever techniques to make sure every player gets the chance to contribute the team success!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast
01:56 - Exploring Playing Time Dynamics
10:39 - The Evolution of Youth Baseball Coaching
17:58 - Coaching Mindsets and Player Development
23:10 - Opportunities in Youth Sports
31:16 - The Importance of Flexibility in Sports
36:51 - Strategies for Managing Players in Tournaments
46:11 - The Importance of Autonomy in Youth Sports
52:41 - The Importance of Coaching Strategies
01:01:32 - Introduction to George Foster's Hitting Techniques
01:06:26 - Maturity Through Team Play

Key Takeaways:

Baseball coaching is about balancing competitiveness with ensuring all players get fair playing time, which can be a tricky situation.
Effective player development involves understanding the nuances of each player's skills and being adaptable to change positions if needed.
Parents should engage with coaches about their child's playing time and development, rather than solely focusing on winning.
Creating a culture of maturity and teamwork in young players is crucial for their growth, both on and off the field.

Links:

Teaser:

Next week we talk about how to interview a perspective coach/program.

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game-time strategies

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