Post-Tryouts - Do You Interview Your Players and Give Them Written Evaluations?

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I did this when I coached baseball (rec, travel) and softball (rec) and plan on doing it in my first softball head coaching gig. Even though some of this is known prior to them getting on the team I do a different version after they are on the team. I will do this during the post-tryout practices. It lets me know a bit more about the player and it also helps me set some expectations one on one.

During these interviews (more of a player/coach chat) I want to know things like where they normally play, what they feel is their best position, where they would like to play on the team, what are their goals for the upcoming season, do they want to play college, etc. I also ask about the work they do in the off-season, etc.

Using the post-tryout practices and the interviews I will then come up with an off-season plan for them and present it to the player and their parents. It will included resources for them such as hitting instructors, local indoor facilities, catching instructors, pitching instructors, specific things for them to work on, how I plan on using them (as it stands right then) and on and on.

Do you do things like this or do you feel there is value to it?

 

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Sounds great if you present the plan in written form. Just be sure they don't construe that following your advice, gaurantees the spot and playing time they want.

 

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I can see some value but it depends a lot on the ages of the players I think ... in most cases, interview of the parents would probably net more ...

 

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Sounds great if you present the plan in written form. Just be sure they don't construe that following your advice, gaurantees the spot and playing time they want.

Exactly, and I've given that thought. Don't want to see anybody doing this giving out false impressions.

 

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I can see some value but it depends a lot on the ages of the players I think ... in most cases, interview of the parents would probably net more ...

True. Maybe they should interview the parents first then the players. I would want to know what the players feel without their answers being guided by the presence of their parents.

 

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At the travel ball level I would think it to be more beneficial during the selection process (which would be nearly impossible with a large tryout group). A more detailed registration or pre-registration form would be a little impersonal, but would give you a good idea of the player/parents expectations before the selection process. I do feel talking to the players after selection is an important detail, so they do understand what their role is and what your expectations of them are.

 

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The tryout will include some of that but as you mentioned nothing in depth. However if there are players that I'm interested in I'll stroll over and chat with them and ask a few of those questions.

 

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I would ask for three references on the Players parents. If you are a average to above average coach any player can be developed with time and dedication but parents well that is another thing. Focus on parents.

 

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If you "interview" the parents, I would also interview the players. (Separately) You will be amazed at how far apart the answers will be ...

And carefully weigh what is being said by both parties. Youngsters need to given credit for what they think.

 

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Amen!!!!

 

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If you "interview" the parents, I would also interview the players. (Separately) You will be amazed at how far apart the answers will be ...

And carefully weigh what is being said by both parties. Youngsters need to given credit for what they think.

Agreed, that is my plan.