You know the after the game meeting is long when the facilities shut off the lights and you have to walk to your vehicle in the dark.
If you believe your team is going to be over matched which will happen often, set goals for the game. Total number of bases, QAB's, barreled up balls, good bunts, SB's, getting the lead runner out, hitting cutoffs to keep the trailing runners from getting extra bases. Fundamentals.
I’m curious what pep talks people give their kids for games they are unlikely to win- but still need to try their best and gain experience and knowledge from the game.
And what you say after an expected loss.
What age is that feedback for?Always follow the five "B's". Be Brief Brother, Be Brief.
Seriously, no one cares about your "burn the boats" speech. It will have zero impact on the outcome of the game. Save your motivational speeches for practice.
Post-game breakdowns should be LESS THAN 30 SECONDS. Tell them when your next game is and where it is (what diamond or location) and tell the starting pitcher and catcher so they can be prepared/warm up accordingly. Bring it in for team chant and break it down. Move on to the next game ("We're on to Cincinnati.")
There should be no talk about what did or didn't happen during the game. They were all at the game and (they) already knew what had happened. They can beat themselves up about mistakes or the parents can do it in the car ride home.
Make a list of (team) things to talk about or discuss at PRACTICE or before the next game (preferably in person....praise in public, criticize in private).