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| Steve Van Note |
Coaches look for small tendencies that lead to big first impressions!
When you arrive at a game, camp, or showcase please be aware that you will be judged as early as when you step out of the car. The coach will probably glance at his watch to see if you are on time. Then he will look to see what you are wearing. Appearance will tell whether you are there for baseball or you are there for social reasons. When exiting the car, you should have your uniform pants on and your shirt tucked in with belt fastened.
Have your turf shoes or running sneakers on and laced up. This means the outfit of sandals, shorts, high socks and a sleeveless dri fit is not what a coach is looking for. Please make your cell phone, ipod and other electronics scarce-- either in your bag or leave them in the car.
When you arrive at the dugout, a coach wants to see if the player he is there to watch is ready to play. When you enter the dugout, drop your bag, put your cleats on and ask your coach whether you need to grab your bat or glove. Seeing a player out front of a dugout as soon as the team arrives either tossing a ball in his glove or swinging a bat with his batting gloves on means the player is there for one reason-- he is there to play. Any coach would love to see that. The player in the dugout lounging, checking a text, or waiting for the coach to say, "Let's go boys, cleats on," is a huge turn-off to the coach.
Coaches arrive early to games to watch everything. A shortstop, centerfielder or catcher may only get two plays a game so you have to make the most of your time.
When you begin to play catch, be ready to impress. In the beginning your velocity doesn't have to be fast but your tempo should be brisk. Catch the ball in a ready position and throw it back accurately and firmly to your partner. If the ball is to your left or right move your feet over and catch the ball in the middle of your body. If you are lazy and reach for the ball what will the coach expect you to do on a ground ball at the end of game two of a double header?
Throwing the ball over your partner's head or one hopping every five throws is a big turn-off. If you can't hit your teammate in the chest before the game, how can the coach expect you to do so when the winning run is on third and the ground ball is hit to you?
Please remember these helpful hints the next time you take the field. Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp! You make an impression every step of the way.
Have your turf shoes or running sneakers on and laced up. This means the outfit of sandals, shorts, high socks and a sleeveless dri fit is not what a coach is looking for. Please make your cell phone, ipod and other electronics scarce-- either in your bag or leave them in the car.
When you arrive at the dugout, a coach wants to see if the player he is there to watch is ready to play. When you enter the dugout, drop your bag, put your cleats on and ask your coach whether you need to grab your bat or glove. Seeing a player out front of a dugout as soon as the team arrives either tossing a ball in his glove or swinging a bat with his batting gloves on means the player is there for one reason-- he is there to play. Any coach would love to see that. The player in the dugout lounging, checking a text, or waiting for the coach to say, "Let's go boys, cleats on," is a huge turn-off to the coach.
Coaches arrive early to games to watch everything. A shortstop, centerfielder or catcher may only get two plays a game so you have to make the most of your time.
When you begin to play catch, be ready to impress. In the beginning your velocity doesn't have to be fast but your tempo should be brisk. Catch the ball in a ready position and throw it back accurately and firmly to your partner. If the ball is to your left or right move your feet over and catch the ball in the middle of your body. If you are lazy and reach for the ball what will the coach expect you to do on a ground ball at the end of game two of a double header?
Throwing the ball over your partner's head or one hopping every five throws is a big turn-off. If you can't hit your teammate in the chest before the game, how can the coach expect you to do so when the winning run is on third and the ground ball is hit to you?
Please remember these helpful hints the next time you take the field. Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp! You make an impression every step of the way.
