Jeff Ithal

20 Rules For Coaching 1. Be prepared to repeat yourself. Empathy towards their age, maturity level and aptitude is required. 2. Be an expert at communicating. No fluff. If we say it we BETTER follow through and when plans change there needs to be a clear reason as to why communicated. 3. Be the type of student we want them to be. There is always something to get better at. There are more ways to do it than what worked for us. 4. Team culture and atmosphere starts with us, the standards we set, what we allow and how we handle it when something happens that will affect that. 5. Be organized. Never show up without a plan. Be prepared for an audible at any point but never get caught not ready. 6. Lead by example. They are always watching. They will emulate our behavior. 7. If we want their trust we have to gain it. How we talk to them, how we talk with them, how we follow through and how we hold them all accountable, no matter who they are, who their parents are or how talented they are. 8. No standing around at practices. Find ways to keep everyone moving. No long lines in drills. 9. The game is relatable to life in many ways. Always be looking for ways to help them develop their character through it. 10. Never forget this is a game. They will only get to play it for a short period in their lives. We are here to teach it to them and help them enjoy it. Make it a memorable phase for them. 11. Coach confidence. If the goal is to get the most out of the players, they need to believe. Everything we do needs to be done with this in mind. 12. Get them talking. Hear their thoughts before we give ours. When they know they will be asked to speak we will see more focus and engagement. 13. TAKE NOTES! Keep a note pad during games/practice to jot down points to discuss. Don’t let those important moments slip through the cracks. 14. Make eye contact, take off your sunglasses. Make them take theirs off. Position yourself so their back is to the sun. 15. Pitchers and catchers need/deserve dedicated time each week for bullpens and dedicated time for catching fundamentals. NEVER IGNORE THEM!! 16. We never know what’s going on in their life. We get an opportunity to possibly be a bright light for them. This is MUCH bigger than the game. 17. Development is a process. The process requires patience and opportunity…And plenty of it. 18. Read your audience. Know when it’s time to move on. Once we lose their attention everything we want them to hear will go in one ear then out the other. 19. Be careful of getting caught up in the emotions of the moment. We need to remain calm and focused to make clear minded decisions. 20. It’s their game. Our playing days are long over. We are the lucky ones to get to be a part of their journey. Be grateful for it and be the best possible leader we can be FOR THEM.