TEAM

Schedule an event off the field.

One of the biggest things I miss from baseball is being a part of a team.

It’s probably the biggest reason why I still coach. Taking the bus ride with the fellows, palling around in the dugout, laughing, being a part of that crew!

We want to try and build that team this week. Try and put tangible into what is it about that magic team and how do we create that. Biggest way we’re gonna do that:  Get off the field.

Schedule a non-baseball team event. Whether that’s a beach cleanup, or a park cleanup, or or going over to coach’s house for a barbecue or a potluck… we want to get the players and the families together, away from this structure of practice, and the hubbub and the chaos of balls and bats. 

Challenge this week for you athletes: Plan on hanging out after practice. Go to Mom or Dad, ask for 15 or 30 minutes after practice, spread the word to your buddies, and bring the football. Bring the basketball. Get over to the playground for some monkey bar time – hang out after practice.

Coach’s challenge, parent challenge – Schedule that non-baseball event.  And here’s a coach’s tip: How about scheduling the team pizza party in the first week or two of practice? Let’s learn everybody’s names. Let’s get familiar and break the ice BEFORE we sit awkwardly next to those people for eight or 10 weeks.

Just like we work hard to turn that house into a home, we can work hard to take this group of kids and turn them into a team.

Play hard, have fun.

Conversation Questions

1. What teams do you participate in/on?
2. What do you like best about being part of a team?
3. In what ways do you act like a good teammate?

Athlete Challenge

After-Practice Game – Organize an after-practice wiffle ball or basketball game, or maybe just 15 minutes on the jungle-gym.

Coach Challenge

Non-Baseball Team Event – Schedule an event away from the field and get the kids together to laugh, learn, and play.

EQUIPMENT LIST