Tips from David Kloser

How to Get on the Coach's "Good" Side

By

David Kloser

Author of:


Inspiring Interviews with Major Leaguers such as Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Roy Halladay, Tony LaRussa, Al Kaline and more than 300 current and former MLB players, coaches, managers and Hall of Famers. 


Want to get on the coach’s good side?  Do these three things:

  1. Show up on time. I know it sounds simple. They say if you’re on time, your’re late. Arriving fifteen minutes early is considered on time. To me being on time is being at the designated place at the designated time, ready to go! That doesn’t mean arriving at the clubhouse, dugout or field at the call time. It’s having everything ready; yourself and your gear ready to start practice or warming up with your cleats on. If you’re passionate about the game and passionate about the process to learn and improve, then being on time shouldn’t be an issue. The beauty of the game of baseball (so far) is that there’s no time limit. Although there is limited time for practices. Make good use of your time.


2.            Which leads me to the second thing you can do to get on the coach’s good side. Hustle! Basic hustle. Again, the old saying is, “It doesn’t take any talent to hustle!” One of my biggest pet peeves is players not hustling. I can understand the frustration we all feel when we just miss a pitch and pop it up. I see many players take out their anger by slamming down their bat, or yelling, and then just strolling  down the base path. As I coach, I get it. I’m not asking you to sprint down the line like you’re trying to beat out an infield hit, I’m talking about just hustling down the line. I’m sure 99% of the time that pop up gets caught. But I’m talking about showing an effort. Another pet peeve I have is not hustling during practice, especially from station to station. My rule is once you step foot on the field, there’s no walking. You can walk in the dugout. You can walk after practice. Hustling shows a desire and passion to be out on the field, to play, learn and improve.

3.            Pay attention. Listen. Listen to your coaches when they’re coaching and teaching. I can’t speak for all coaches, but believe it or not, they do want what’s best for you. They want to see you improve and do well. They also have to look out for what’s best for the team. Without players, there is no team. They want you to get better. And yes, they may challenge you in various ways. That’s why it’s important to listen and pay attention. Even if you know more than the coach, give them the respect of listening. Copping an attitude is disrespectful and gives the impression you don't care, or don't want to be there; thus not paying attention. You never want to give a coach a reason to put you in the doghouse. 

Remember, these three things should be a given or the bare minimum for being on a team. You want to get on the coach’s good side? You want to play more? Put in the time. Play with passion. Be eager to learn something new. And have fun!


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