Simo
Former High School Coach
One of the biggest gripes of parents when it comes to HS coaches is fairness and playing time. With the exepction of buttheads who pick on individuals or have it in for specific individuals, most coaches come to practices and games with the best interests of the kids and the team in mind. Not many HS coaches I know do it for the money, which is paltry at best.
Having said that, does your coach encourage you to come and watch practices? No reflection on anyone's personal situation, but I always strongly encouraged my HS player's parents to come to practice and arranged times that were practical for them to be present. When they do, they may see their "good" players standing around picking their rears, not practicing hard, watching the boys practice, needing constant supervision and otherwise not cooperating with the coaches effort to improve the team. I will play a mediocre player who practices hard and listens to the coach over a more talented player who does not. You can imagine this is not very popular with the parents who just show up to the games and cannot understand why their "more" talented daughters are not getting the playing time that they deserve. Talent alone is not a reason to get on the field ahead of your teammates. If your coach allows open practices, I strongly encourage that you attend and if you have questions about what is being taught, approach him/her away from the team and players and ask objective questions. If the coach is worth his/her salt, they will be more than willing to meet with you and give you feedback that is honest, helpful, and constructive. If you gain their respect, they will be very willing to listen to you and may enjoy and adopt your suggestions.
Having said that, does your coach encourage you to come and watch practices? No reflection on anyone's personal situation, but I always strongly encouraged my HS player's parents to come to practice and arranged times that were practical for them to be present. When they do, they may see their "good" players standing around picking their rears, not practicing hard, watching the boys practice, needing constant supervision and otherwise not cooperating with the coaches effort to improve the team. I will play a mediocre player who practices hard and listens to the coach over a more talented player who does not. You can imagine this is not very popular with the parents who just show up to the games and cannot understand why their "more" talented daughters are not getting the playing time that they deserve. Talent alone is not a reason to get on the field ahead of your teammates. If your coach allows open practices, I strongly encourage that you attend and if you have questions about what is being taught, approach him/her away from the team and players and ask objective questions. If the coach is worth his/her salt, they will be more than willing to meet with you and give you feedback that is honest, helpful, and constructive. If you gain their respect, they will be very willing to listen to you and may enjoy and adopt your suggestions.