playing time concern.

[bird79]

Hello! I’m new here. Just wanted to reach out online to gather others opinion on this matter.
Anyone ever heard of a coach pull a kid off a position that she started every game at the previous year over the kid that’s playing there now? And when that player asked the coach what she did wrong the coach said nothing, and said she is the better player there but she needs to win a spot? I’m talking about a hard working player who always has a good attitude and played that position very well. Why is this player expected to win a spot but there are players not as talented who didn’t have to win theirs?

 

[Stedman00]

there's about 2 million variables in play in a scenario like this.

bottom-line? Welcome to HS softball.

 

[daboss]

With all due respect; they all need to earn a spot---any spot into the line up card. stedman00 is correct. While you have an opinion the only one that matters belongs to the coach at the moment. The player ask a question why and the coach gave an answer. If you and the player want to pursue it you can but in most cases you will make things worse. Coaches do not like being challenged about the line up card.

Egos and politics have a strong influence on decisions. School ball is a different animal in many ways as coaches are choosing from an expanded age group of players compared to the years of kids playing within their age groups. Seniority is not a factor in school ball. Unlike travel ball, you simply cannot quit and join another team unless you plan to change your living arrangements and even that can have situational restrictions.

If she is a pitcher, she needs to learn how to pitch better. If she is a position player, she needs to be skilled at more than one position AND be able to pop a few hits over the fence. If not, she more than likely is vulnerable to accepting her fate at the hands of the coach in charge.

Or you could simply be overreacting and the coach just wanted to try something different or take your daughter out of an unneeded situation, saving her for a more important moment. Bottom line------it's not your call.

 

[bird79]

I’m not disagreeing that every player should earn a spot. I knew everyone would immediately assume that I’m just a complaining parent. I’m just asking why a coach would tell a player that she’s the better for the job but won’t play her there. And she can play multiple positions and led the team offensively last year. Obviously it’s not my call, but i guess it will be my call to not allow her to continue to be treated unfairly.

 

[CARDS]

What age group/level of play are we talking. In most cases to crack the starting line up you need to be the best 9 or 10 on the card....

At the Varsity level, A/B travel level this should always be the case. Your recreational teams / C level programs are developmental and playing time should reflect that. The league rules for these type of teams also differ as some roster bat or have 12 on the line up card with free substitutions.

If this is a HS team there are several factors that could contribute to a player sitting out. Is the player compliant with grades, fees, physical etc?
It may be the coach may have an issue with the player or, parent. If so, communication is key to solving the problem especially if your DDs coach is younger (under 30). There may be factors you are unaware of like: Dress code violations, Phone use, tardy to practice, Hustle at practice (in or out of drill).

If we are talking a travel team, you may be on the wrong team... Some good advice for any travel parent is to never place your DD on a team where they are clearly the best player on the team. Look for teams that have enough talent to challenge the player. This is the only way they will get better, faster and learn to outwork for positions. Our HS motto about playing time: "You earn it, you own it you represent it"

 

[CoachTEA]

I’m not disagreeing that every player should earn a spot. I knew everyone would immediately assume that I’m just a complaining parent. I’m just asking why a coach would tell a player that she’s the better for the job but won’t play her there. And she can play multiple positions and led the team offensively last year. Obviously it’s not my call, but i guess it will be my call to not allow her to continue to be treated unfairly.

To be clear: I not saying this is the case, BUT I have seen scenarios (especially in high school ball) where a previous year starter is displaced the following year by someone the Coach *perceives* as more talented or better suited. I have also seen upperclassmen who act "entitled" because they started last year. Once again, not saying this is the case.

Coaches aren't always right but at the end of the day they make out the lineups and usually (especially at high school) they can feel pressure to win. As others have stated it could be something off the field - let's face no one is there every minute of every day and sees everything and are unbiased. It could also be nothing to do with the player and something to do with the parents. There are kids that could be the second coming of Jennie Finch and if I can't stand mom and/or dad, I will pass on them because I don't need the headache.

There is a general rule I have seen at travel, high school, and college: a big bat (or big offense) finds its way into the lineup. If a player is getting it done at the Coach will find room for them (assuming they possess half a brain). Another thing I tell my players: In college you will play where you are needed and/or where the Coach sees you best suited so versatility is your friend.

Good luck to your daughter, I truly hope she figures it out and has a great year!

 

[BHaines]

When i coached junior high softball, i had a player who was clearly the best 2nd baseman on the team. However, the team's real need was a centerfielder. I moved the outstanding 2nd baseman to centerfield and she was by far the best centerfielder on the team. In the meantime, i had 2 other players who could play a good 2nd base, without hurting the team. The TEAM needed player 1 to play centerfield, more than they needed her to play 2nd base. It's what was best for the TEAM. Was player 1 the better 2nd baseman? Yes, by a mile. But that's not what the team needed. I had to explain this to player 1 and her mother. They still weren't thrilled, but at least they understood. Sometimes it isn't about what is best for one person, but what is best for the team.

 

[yocoach]

The obvious next questions should have been, ' Okay, I can do that. What do you think I need to work on to do that and what position do you think I should go after? '

 

[daboss]

When i coached junior high softball, i had a player who was clearly the best 2nd baseman on the team. However, the team's real need was a centerfielder. I moved the outstanding 2nd baseman to centerfield and she was by far the best centerfielder on the team. In the meantime, i had 2 other players who could play a good 2nd base, without hurting the team. The TEAM needed player 1 to play centerfield, more than they needed her to play 2nd base. It's what was best for the TEAM. Was player 1 the better 2nd baseman? Yes, by a mile. But that's not what the team needed. I had to explain this to player 1 and her mother. They still weren't thrilled, but at least they understood. Sometimes it isn't about what is best for one person, but what is best for the team.

BHaines points out the dilemma of many school coaches everywhere. Putting together a team line up that is beneficial to a team effort takes a lot of thought. As mentioned, she can be great at 2nd but her talents could be wasted in an overall team effort. I see the points made and agree with the thought process.

However, I sense the particular scenario mentioned deals more with non-playing time rather than being on the field in a different position. With school ball rules as they are, I suspect it's not been a decision based solely on her defensive ability. I suspect it's an offensive thing meaning her hitting has slumped and the coach is being open-minded to see what else he has on the bench that can perform. Keep in mind how early this is in the season if indeed the official season has even started when this happened.

It could simply be overreacting to an innocent move on a coach's decision. Again, unless you are a power hitter with over-the-fence capabilities that you execute frequently or a slapper with un-Godly speed and an on base percentage thru the roof, you can be vulnerable to being removed from the line up. FLEX players are always an option for a coach to get a full team effort.

 

[DanMaz]

TEAM comes 1st. she might be the best at a certain position and maybe she played that position last year...(that was last year) BUT-- here it comes..... the TEAM might need her at a different position that makes the TEAM better overall. lol coaching isn't easy and not many coaches will keep every parent happy. here is the positive spin - the more positions she knows the better all-around player she will be and will have a better understanding of the game which equals more opportunity to possibly play on the varsity and or college level. Always remember, it's a TEAM sport.

 

[SbSpirit]

the TEAM might need her at a different position that makes the TEAM better overall.

Could be but that's not how the coach responded

The obvious next questions should have been, ' Okay, I can do that. What do you think I need to work on to do that and what position? '

This ^^^^^!

 

[DanMaz]

Could be but that's not how the coach responded


This ^^^^^!

(are you the OP?) anyways, it looks like he responded by saying she needs to earn a spot..... that basically means the same as I mentioned. at this point don't turn it into an over thinking drama case. i always tell my kids - your actions and the way you respond will show your true character. You don't need to say anything. Actions speak louder than words.

 

[SbSpirit]

(are you the OP?) anyways, it looks like he responded by saying she needs to earn a spot..... that basically means the same as I mentioned. at this point don't turn it into an over thinking drama case. i always tell my kids - your actions and the way you respond will show your true character. You don't need to say anything. Actions speak louder than words.

I posted acknowledging could be, but because the op was speaking to a particular position and the coaches response was not directly about that position.
I followed up with what I think is the most important question for the player to ask the coach. Coach said win a spot, question is how do I win the spot? For clarity, make sure to add,
The spot I was playing.
That sets a goal for the player to regain the spot they were playing.

 

[SbSpirit]

(are you the OP?) anyways, it looks like he responded by saying she needs to earn a spot..... that basically means the same as I mentioned. at this point don't turn it into an over thinking drama case. i always tell my kids - your actions and the way you respond will show your true character. You don't need to say anything. Actions speak louder than words.

I propose this question to you. Do you think a player should just play anywhere? Or do you think it's okay for a player to have a goal to play a particular position the player wants?

 

[Stedman00]

goal to play a position is fine, within reason. BUT especially in HS there are are potential road blocks in that plan. Say you have an absolute all state player at 3b and that's your target....better find another spot. OR daddy ball coach's DD plays your spot...better find another. Or DD of head of booster club ? BUNCHES of reasons, both legit and crazy, on why position X is closed to a player.

For example, unless it's a once in a 1,000,000 year event, I will not have a lefty playing 3B or SS on my team. and I'm a nobody travel coach. Imagine the rules the swelled head HS coach may develop over the years?

 

[DanMaz]

I propose this question to you. Do you think a player should just play anywhere? Or do you think it's okay for a player to have a goal to play a particular position the player wants?

Goals are always good and i have always pushed the girls to have small goals and long-term goals. In fact, we would have a grease board in our dugout, and each player would write down individual goals and team's goals for each game. It really worked great. I think a player should play where the TEAM needs her, not where she wants to play. If she only wants to play 3rd and her or her parents throw a hissy fit if she isn't playing 3rd, i don't want that family on my team. You do know what TEAM means right? not being a smart azz... T-OGETHER E-ACH A-CHIEVE M-ORE

So to sum it up, yes have goals to play specific positions but if it doesn't work out because of various reasons already listed, you better have a backup plan. and YES i will say again, it is good for players to play various positions. It's a good thing, not a bad thing.

lets say player "A" has played 3rd base all her travelball career.... gets to HS but there is a junior that already plays 3rd and probably will for 2 years.... player "A" doesnt know how to play SS or 2nd or OF because she only played 3rd..... great player, good offensively but only 9 players get to start. Now what? -- IF player "A" was developed during her growing years in travel and her coach played her and taught her to play various positions, she will have a better chance playing varsity or at a college somewhere, ESPECIALLY if she is a great offensive player. (the old saying- if you can hit, they will find a position for you to play). Most elite teams, ALL players have primary and secondary positions... some play 3 or 4 but the minimum they all should be playing at least 2 positions. JMHO from a lot of years coaching.

 

[SbSpirit]

Agree, different variables can apply.
In the op's posts coach didn't offer any reasoning. imo that coach is lacking in communication skills. Which prompts players to need to ask questions.

 

[DanMaz]

I propose this question to you. Do you think a player should just play anywhere? Or do you think it's okay for a player to have a goal to play a particular position the player wants?

I propose this question back to you.
Do you think a player should just play anywhere? Or do you think it's okay for a player to have a goal to play a particular position the player wants?

 

[Stedman00]

a goal is fine. BUT remember that it is a team and player may have limited options. HS it might be play where coach wants or don't play (or transfer schools which may or may not be workable.

College player can transfer schools much easier than HS players.

 

[SbSpirit]

I propose this question back to you.
Do you think a player should just play anywhere? Or do you think it's okay for a player to have a goal to play a particular position the player wants?

Goals are good!
Coaches who pay attention to players goals and communicate both individual and team goals are preferred.

Coaches who don't communicate are trying to grow mushrooms in the dark.