Complimenting other team's players

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I was watching a few indoor games this past weekend and I started thinking about how infrequent and in some cases where coaches never hand out a compliment during or after a game is played for a special play, a great pitched game, etc. Is this a player age thing or are some coaches so competitive that they would never give props to another team's player(s)?

 

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Often I startle the defensive player as I am walking in from coaching first base by calling out her number and pointing to her. She is usually surprised when I say "nice play" or something to that effect.

If I'm going to be out there for no pay and because I love the game, why wouldn't I compliment the opposing player on a really really good play? I'm going to tell our player that she got robbed by an excellent play, why not confirm that to the opposing player?

 

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I always compliment a player that has made an amazing play. But just wouldn't randomally throw out praise without it being a special moment. It's kinda like getting a bonus at work, that happens when you have gone above and beyond and the end result is being rewarded. So if a routine ball is hit to the SS and she throws the girl out, she did her job IMO. She lay's out sideway's and throws the girl out, im going to mention it for sure during the handshake.

 

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I think sometimes coaches get too wrapped up in managing the game and forget to enjoy it. I usually try to say something while shaking hands at the end. Like cgs said, sometimes you get some really strange looks until they register that you are complimenting them.

I did notice that your head coach complimented some of our players after some nice plays and even made mention to me after the game how well they did.

To me it's a real sign of class and character to step outside of your comfort zone and make someone elses players feel special. JMHO

 

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I always try to do this as a coach and a fan. Usually the girl is shocked but I just appreciate good softball.

 

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Catalyst,your right Kavin and Shannon always compliment kids on special plays made and for giving a special effort. That Kavin guy is only a little competitive, but seems to always hand out kudos to other team's players when deserved. I just find it interesting that some do and some don't.

 

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I just find it interesting that some do and some don't.

Maybe it's like shaking hands with the kid that beat you up..........not an easy thing to do, even for grown ups

 

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I think it is good to compliment a player when they do well no matter what team they are on.......it goes unsaid all the time, but we all know when we see higher skills and a great play being made. The coaches are thinking... WOW and dar n followed by I wish she was in our lineup with plays like that. Some of the best plays I ever witnessed the people standing by never clapped or said anything just silence from seeing a great play like they were total stunned.
By showing respect with a compliment to a player, this will stay in their mind as well when you meet again at the park. It is a game that needs more possitive feed back in. Make a player smile it doesnt cost anything to praise great efforts.

 

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It's rare that I don't do this sometime during a game, either as I am coaching 3B or walking across the field to the dugout between innings.

 

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Seems like I was always complimenting the other team's players more than mine.

 

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We were playing an 8u coach pitch all star game in Mt Vernon and Donny Softball ran from the pitcher's circle out to left field and high fives our left fielder after she made a nice catch on his hitter. My dd was 7 at the time and I always thought it was pretty cool.

 

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I feel as a player, coach or parent, if you cannot give praise then you should'nt be at the park. This game is to make players better, not bash them. This weekend alone, Cincy Magic, cincy static, xpress, west liberty force, ohio edge, all made nice comments about my team along with some of their parents. This goes a long way with me and I do it in return as well. I would like to give a thanks to all of you. We are not even close to being the best but when the girls get compliments, win or lose, this helps their confidence and it will help them become the best they can be. That is all I can ask out of them, become the best YOU can, there is always going to be someone better.

 

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If an outstanding play is made, a compliment is given. No regard to the color of the girls' uniform. Even at the highest level out there, at the root, these are kids playing a game. I think sportsmanship starts (or ends) with the coach and how he or she conduct themselves.

 

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If an outstanding play is made, a compliment is given. No regard to the color of the girls' uniform. Even at the highest level out there, at the root, these are kids playing a game. I think sportsmanship starts (or ends) with the coach and how he or she conduct themselves.

Well said. Hardly a game goes by where I don't high-five a 3B, SS, pitcher, etc from the other team as we're coming in after the 3rd out. Coaches on the field are best positioned to demonstrate and inspire sportsmanship.

 

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When you do this, like some others have mentioned, the looks you get from the players are priceless. Our dd's team was playing a team from NY, I think, at the Willoughby Starzz tournament last summer. We were sitting behind home plate since out dd was pitching. The other's team's catcher was wonderful. Very talented. I went up after the game and got her attention as she was picking up all her gear and told how much fun it was to watch her expert play, and wished her luck. Her eyes were of the deer in the headlight variety, but she bounded out of the dugout afterwards, she was so pleased.

 

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I have to say Kavin and Shannon do a great job with telling other kids how well they have played. My dd has had alot of coaches come up to her and I can bet they tell any player that makes a play GOOD JOB.... Paul, Todd,Jason just to name a few. But it is when a parent from another team comes up and says something that really gets that smile.

 

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That Kavin guy is only a little competitive,

Really, I hadn't noticed? I guess I'll need to pay closer attention in the future.

 

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Ive never had a problem giving a girl from the other team props when a special play or game has happened. I wont make a big deal or scene out of it,I will do it quickly so I dont slow up the game or have all the eyes on me wondering what the heck I am doing.
A quick 'nice play' or a quick fist bump says and means alot.
Sometimes while coaching at 3rd if the SS or 3rd baseman makes a great play on my team, I will shout out 'nice or sweet play' then follow it up with a 'dont do that again' right behind that with a smirk on my face.

Hey it is about the girls and sometimes you have to tip your hat to them and give them the respect they deserve.

Yeah there are some coaches that wont do that,but that is no big deal. It is just part of whom they are.

 

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Barry, aren't you up a little late. What's all this I've been hearing about those 5 a.m. mornings now that your back at work.

 

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I'm lucky because my DD is on a great team with a great group of parents. We routinely will clap and compliment the other team when they make a great play. We like to enjoy the game even if the other team made the play. The other team's parents looked stunned every time we yell out nice play or clap for their kids and it's kind of funny how much friendlier the game becomes.

My daughter's the catcher and in one game the opponent just got a hold of a pitch and ripped it for a homerun out of the park. My daughter gave her a high-five as the girl ran home. Surprised the girl but she did high-five her. My daughter told me it was a hell of a hit and the girl deserved the recognition.

That's sportsmanship and that's so important in today's world. So many kids and parent seem to forget it.