- Apr 16, 2013
- 1,113
- 83
Dang, already time for the annual "daddy ball" thread? When is the "travel ball is killing rec" thread?
Some coaches are good, some are bad. Some try, some don't. Some are parents, some aren't.
My concern with Daddy Ball is that Daddy is a guy, and a guy who probably never played softball. Every dad coach I've known (including myself) is basically applying their baseball experience from decades ago to these girls and softball. Or they rush to YouTube to get something to work on because they just don't know. I'm glad they know they need help, but sometimes it seems they're only one step ahead of the girls and struggling to stay ahead. I'm sure there are exceptions.
I prefer female coaches who played softball (in college). They know the most current drills, how travel ball was when they were 12, etc. etc. They're just in a better place to provide these girls with what they need.
most all the skills are transferable with the main exceptions being pitching and slapping. The defensive strategies can be learned with an open mind.
I know there is a saying that "those who can't teach", but in reality, a great coach/teacher is not necessarily the most talented at the game.
Dang, already time for the annual "daddy ball" thread? When is the "travel ball is killing rec" thread?
I agree with this, I could dissect this comment some but I won’t, but generally I do agree with this!Of course you want a good coach. Out of equally good coaches, I personally prefer a female, and someone who played competitive travel ball and college ball. The things they can provide our girls just can't be done by a dad.
I definitely think, all other things being equal, a female coach can certainly provide insight and connect with the girls in a way that male coaches cannot. that being said, there are excellent male coaches.
maybe my one reccomendation would be for male coaches, HC in particular, to work to getting one female on their staff. just having someone on staff the girls can relate to a little better can make a difference.
DD has played for all male coaching staffs, female HC with male and female assistance, and male HC with female assistants. she has generally felt more comfortable talking to female coaches about any issues she may be having. she goes to a female catching and hitting instructor currently, who used to be one of her HCs.