Coaching Youth Softball vs. Elite Softball

Published by League Admin

Nov 22, 2018

I've often wondered what the major difference is between coaching organized recreational youth ball and Elite ASA softball or College level softball. I've done the youth recreational league and the ASA level of ball, so I have a few ideas.

I can as easily relate to a 12U coach wondering how to get his pitcher to throw strikes instead of giving walks as I can to a coach wondering how to pitch to Natasha Watley or Jessica Mendoza.

After spending a number of years in coaching at the various levels of the game working with all kinds of softball players, I have come to two conclusions:

Conclusion #1 - Coaching is coaching no matter the level.

It doesn't matter what level you're at, the nature of what a softball coach does is pretty similar. You have to...

- Teach skills

- Plan and run practices

- Design line-ups and deal with playing time issues

- Manage of group of individuals with different personalities

- Worry about team chemistry

- Deal with umpires

- Manage and run your program (logistics, administration, etc.)

- Help your players deal with stress and failure

- Help your players develop confidence

- Etc.

Of course, how you approach all of these things will depend of what level you coach, the age and skills of your players, etc.

However, the basic nature of coaching a softball team is the same no matter the level you're at.

Conclusion #2 - Coaching at the highest level is easy (or easier) compare to the lower levels.

Coaching youth softball is hard. At the highest level, the job of a softball coach is much easier even though you need to know a little more about the game (skills and strategies) to be an effective coach.

easier.

Here's why:

Reason #1 - You are dealing mostly with talented, motivated, and disciplined athletes.

Most elite athletes don't need supervision to work well and will work hard, listen to you, stay focused and learn very quickly.

How many youth softball coaches can say the same thing about the players on their recreational or travel ball team?

Reason #2 - You have a lot more resources whether be time, facilities, equipment, funding, human resources, or others.

Just think of college coaches - most of them work with their players every day for several hours on their own well-maintained field with all of the equipment (nets, cages, tees, balls, training aids, etc.) that they need right there.

Many of them even have access to weight room for their strength and conditioning and training room for athletic injuries.

How many youth softball coaches have access to similar resources with their recreational or travel ball team?

I think you get my point.

Coaching at any level can be a fun, fullfilling and enriching experience but it's not always easy, especially at the youth level.