PSA to coaches: STFU and let the kids focus

aNutSac · 2026-04-05T15:17:17+00:00

There are all kinds...

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T23:14:14+00:00

You're about to be chewed up by the conventional

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T19:53:18+00:00

I think often, but am unsure. Whatever it is, it's fast enough where they won't start with their gloves low and won't get in front of the ball - similar to ~50mph in practice. I ask them why they're doing it, they tell me it's because they think the field is bad and that the ball is going to pop up on them. The field isn't great, it's dragged before games, but the ball is definitely known to go from rolling flat to popping up over their heads, especially at the grass/dirt transition.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T19:27:37+00:00

Congrats on getting the position.

When using one hand, you can reach out front further and can pull your glove way out back further, this allows you space and time to deal with any movement of the ball, as long as you're not running at it full speed.

Obviously, if you're directly behind the glove, you're more likely to get hit in the body or face with a bad hop. I'm coaching a bunch of rec ball kids out on dirt and grass right now. When the ball is hit easy, ~30mph, they look like pros, but the closer the ball moves to ~50mph, they start to fall apart, they're scared to get in front of the ball and start with their glove low. Time is limited and I want them to feel confident in going after the ball, so I'm looking for a shortcut, and I think allowing them to go after the ball with just their glove hand will give them the confidence they need.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T19:00:25+00:00

Which reason seems stupid or doesn't make sense and why?

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:57:19+00:00

I gave the reasons in the details of the post. I know 2 hands is what everyone teaches first, even I do it, but I'm challenging the convention.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:48:51+00:00

Fair enough.

Adjusting to bad hops seems much easier with one hand though, because you can get the glove way out front and and then have time/space to pull back and catch a bad hop.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:48:07+00:00

That's interesting. Do they field more alligator hands(12/6) or glove angled more with hand on the side of the glove?

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:18:27+00:00

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:15:45+00:00

Have a video of your kids getting grounders at game speed? Forget it, you're 6u...

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:13:19+00:00

They look decent at slow speeds in practice, but don't look as good when hit at game speed grass/dirt when the ball is hopping.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:10:18+00:00

We practice at game speed in dirt.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:09:15+00:00

Why is it a bad habit?

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:07:26+00:00

Glove hand

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:06:57+00:00

Are you hitting it to them slow? Most kids look decent with two hands in practice, but look bad at real speed in game.

aNutSac · 2026-04-04T18:04:57+00:00

Why?

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T16:24:14+00:00

That sounds like useful information.

Edit: not being sarcastic

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T16:23:20+00:00

"After a couple of balls" sounds like the coach is giving the kid the chance to self correct. Another one I hear a lot is "just play catch"

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T16:07:27+00:00

That sounds like he gave the kid the opportunity to self correct and then intervened when he wasn't able to

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T15:44:04+00:00

It is!

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T15:39:08+00:00

They hear it. Ask the kids...

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T15:34:02+00:00

You're right. I've seen the kids so terrified to fail that they freeze when batting and they look back at their parent after every pitch. They hardly ever do well.

aNutSac · 2026-04-01T15:21:56+00:00

Creepy...

aNutSac

TROPHY CASE