How do you keep the campers happy?

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We just moved up to 16 & Under, from the 14's. One of our better players, who also pitches has been sick for quite a while now, and I'm not sure when she will be able to go. So after her now we have 13 on our rosters not including our sick player. Last year at 14's we had 12 on our roster which worked out nice. But now at the 16's, I have more players with jobs and other obligations.

We also picked up an extra pitcher to help out when we have 4 games on Saturdays.

My question, is how do other coaches keep their players happy, and work their subs? I tried to rotate everyone in this past weekend, as Saturday, we had only 11 there and they allowed us to bat them all.

NSA tourneys won't be bad, because we can bat 11 also. My question is when, and if we ever have all 14 there, or even 13 how would you handle the playing time. They are all pretty equal in talent, as I have one super star in my opinion, and several others above average. There are no weak spots in my opinon in the group.

I thought about using the explanation, of resting a pitcher and catcher for the next game as a reason, that may help.

Maybe I'm a sucker, yes, I love to win, but is hard to look down that bench and see some kids sitting there that would be starters on other teams. :

Feed back is appreciated. Please remember this core group of 7 of the girls has been together for 5 years now. We just picked up 3 new players, and I'm not sure how to work them in. The other 4 where there during the winter indoor league.

 

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Our team knows Saturdays are pool play games and we work hard to get everyone in the games......they also know that based on how well they play on Sat determines the 9 in the lineup on Sundays.

 

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I try to keep my numbers down, so as not to run into this problem, but I know what you mean with extra players.. The first thing I could tell you is to be honest and up front with the players and parents.. Let them know what your game plan is as the tourney/ season plays out. Whatever that may be( if they are equal, then maybe just a rotation) or let the subs know that there role is that of a sub and you will use them as such.. Whatever the game plan is let them know up front.

There seems to never be enough innings to keep 14 girls happy all the time!! Not even 12 girls most of the time.. Of course winning games... always helps..

Good Luck,

Coach K.

 

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Our team knows Saturdays are pool play games and we work hard to get everyone in the games......they also know that based on how well they play on Sat determines the 9 in the lineup on Sundays.

Totally agree with this.... That is about all you can do.

 

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keep the tent dry, that will keep the campers happy.

 

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you said they are all pretty equal then there shouldn't be any problem rotating everyone to have equal amount of playing time right?

I was worried about taking 12 and who sits, but now I'm glad I did. 1 broke leg and 1 torn acl.

 

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Depends on the sanction. I believe (but not totally sure) that ASA allows unlimited defensive subs. during pool play, not sure about other ones. Anyway, our team is also very talented. We now have 13 girls on the team. The coach is great about rotating two out every inning or so. He is very fair about moving them around and so far have heard no complaints at all. Most girls will only sit one inning a game. If they aren't batting well and we can only bat 11, then he simply tells them, they need to work on their batting and that is that.

 

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We have a roster of 10 super players and the concerns about PT are therefore virtually non-existent. Now ask me about the sleep that the coaching staff loses worrying about injuries . . . it's a very tough call, but I think that 12 is the optimum number. With 12, however, be prepared for someone to complain about PT.

 

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Smores,

Take one marshmellow, heat over fire, add half of a hershey bar, press between two graham crackers and eat. Always works with my campers.