| You've probably seen it at the local ball field. A | | | | parents. Children are remarkably open to coaching |
| well-meaning, but overzealous parent-coach | | | | and are not typically sensitive to constructive criticism |
| screaming at a team full of little kids as if the World | | | | about their skills. Parents, however, frequently stress |
| Series was on the line. On the other field, another | | | | about their child's amount of playing time, and the |
| team is wandering around looking for directions from | | | | amount of individual coaching time their children |
| their coach who is trying to figure out who's up next. | | | | receive. It takes finesse and sensitivity to deal with |
| What does it take to be a good Little League | | | | these problems. Parents may also become overly |
| coach?The number one virtue Little League coaches | | | | concerned about the competition and may need to |
| need to develop is patience. Children do not have the | | | | be tactfully reminded about the importance of good |
| attention span or the discipline of adults and need to | | | | sportsmanship.If your child is on the team you're |
| be constantly reminded about technique and | | | | coaching, fairness may become an issue. It's |
| sportsmanship. Coaches need patience to work with | | | | important for coaches to be fair to all their players |
| a large group of children who may be at different | | | | and to judge players on their skills rather than their |
| levels of expertise. Many major league ball players | | | | personalities. At higher levels, it's important to |
| have stories of making it to the majors because of a | | | | continue to praise and offer second string players at |
| coach who never gave up on them.Organizational | | | | least some playing time, to maintain their interest and |
| skills are also helpful to a Little League coach. | | | | help them continue to develop their skills even if they |
| Balancing playing time can be a sensitive task and | | | | do not have a great career in sports ahead of |
| good record keeping can help avoid many a dispute. | | | | them.Finally, every Little League coach must have a |
| If you're coaching a team that travels you have to | | | | deep and abiding love for children of all ages. Coaches |
| be able to organize travel arrangements and have | | | | are some of the most formative people in a child's |
| systems to keep track of all your players while | | | | life and can imbue children with values they will carry |
| you're on the road.Tact is essential when dealing with | | | | throughout their lives. |