- Oct 25, 2009
- 3,334
- 48
This is one of my biggest qualms with TB these days. There's no inter-squad competition anymore. Players used to have to flight and improve to acquire a starting role on a team. Now, kids just switch teams in order to get satisfactory playing time. So many teams have been started because someones' daughter wasn't starting. Now there are so many teams out there, that it's diluting the talent does exist. I was a player who played for one team my entire travel ball career, and I wasn't always a starter. I learned and developed from having to prove myself. I'm certain it has contributed to my work ethic and determination as an adult.
Research proves that team commitment and sacrifice are indicators of success (winning) but I'm not sure that's what should be focused on. Yes, winning is important. However, I think it comes as a natural by product if a coach focuses on truly developing his players physically and mentally. A coach should focus on instilling the right mentalities, like always giving your best effort. Instead of always trying to win. You will always win some and lose some in the game of softball, but what is most important is players develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
And why so much emphasis on developing the right mentality, the best effort, skill development, etc.? Because you're trying to win! Trying to win a game is the goal; as a result the player wins, whether they win or lose the game. But trying to win the game is the catalyst.