By: Stacie Mahoe
"I can't": This gets old very fast. If you insist that you "can't" day in and day out, then why should your coach keep you on the team? Plus, keep in mind that your body does what your mind tells it to. So if your mind says, "I can't do this or I can't do that" how is your body ever going to do those things when it's constantly being told it can't?
"I forgot": I am still baffled by how often players say, "I forgot my shoes" or "I forgot my socks." Be responsible. You know when practices and games are scheduled. It's not as if these events are sprung on you at the last minute. Be prepared. Be ready! Don't just rely on your parents to make sure you have everything you need. This is not their team, this is not their practice, and this is not their softball season. It's yours. Even my 5 year old daughter is responsible for having her softball things ready day in and day out. I know you can do it too!
You talking while they are talking: When your coach is talking, your focus needs to be on them and only them. It is very rude and disrespectful, not only to your coach, but to your team if you are talking while your coach is talking. I know listening to your coach can be boring sometimes and you may be wondering when they are going to stop saying the same thing over and over again. But if you're paying attention and your coach knows his/her message is getting through, then may not feel the need to talk so long or to repeat things they've already said.
Excuses: Make it a point to get the job done. Don't let excuses get in your way. The other team is playing on the same field as you with the same umpires in the same weather. Don't blame these things on your bad performance. I'm not saying that these conditions don't make your job more difficult, but complaining and grumbling doesn't make the rain go away, doesn't make the umpires like you more, doesn't make the field easier to play on, and doesn't make the sun stop shinning in your face. Instead of making excuses, focus all of your effort and energy on playing your best despite the conditions. Since it is tougher to get the job done, you certainly don't need to be wasting any of your energy or focus on grumbling when you really need it all to make the plays that need to be made.
"Why is she playing?" You may not always agree with your coach's decisions, but questioning his or her choices in front of your teammates does NOT help the team. When game time comes, you are most helpful supporting and encouraging all of your teammates no matter what; especially if they are playing in the game. Asking why a certain player is playing is not helpful to that player. It does not show confidence in their ability and does not help team unity. If you are bringing a player on your team down, not only are you affecting that one player, but you are hurting the entire team. If that person starts making mistakes in the game it does not only affect them. It affects everyone. Therefore, it's very important that you do and say whatever you need to in order to help every player do their best, whether you feel they should be playing or not. Remember, softball is a team sport. EVERYTHING you say and everything you do either helps your team or hurts your team. There is no in between. With every action and every work, you're either helping your team get closer to their goals or you're bringing your team down. Make sure that everything you say and do helps your team instead of hurts it. If you do have questions about your coach's decisions, then you need to set up a time to talk to your coach one-on-one so that your issues can be addressed by your coach himself.
Coaches like team player with positive attitudes. Do a self check and see if you hear yourself saying any of the things mentioned above. If so, see how you can change and become a player coaches love to have on their team.
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