Coaches are always looking for the “right” player. Players are always trying to convince their coach that they are in fact, that “right” player.
What makes this match work will depend on each coach’s idea of what makes a great team. Still, here are 10 simple things that all players can do that all coaches value.
1. Be on time. I have lived my whole life on the idea that if you are early you are on time. Most coaches think the way I do!
2. Have strong work ethic. There is an old saying that I love, “The Harder I Work the Luckier I get!”. Hard work might not always lead to the success that we want but not working will always lead to failure.
3. Effort, effort, effort! Do your best in everything you do and you will come out ahead. Hustle! Coaches all love effort.
4. Watch Your Body Language. Carry yourself with positivity. Head up, shoulders back, spring in your step, smile on your face. You just took a big step!
5. Bring some energy. High energy level players are infectious. When you bring a high level of energy you energize all around you. Sounds like something your coach will value?
6. Have a good attitude. Positive attitudes are infectious. When you are positive, it makes other people want to be positive. Bring an “I can” attitude to your game everyday and you will get ahead.
7. Play with passion. When you love something you’re going to give it all you have. Play the game with passion, practice with passion and you will get ahead.
8. Be coachable. Players with an open mind, who are willing to learn are always improving their game. Coaches are always impressed when a player has an “I want to” attitude about new ideas and new techniques.
9. Go the extra mile. I’ve never heard a player say, “Wow, I worked too hard” but I have heard hundreds say “I wish I had done more”. Extra work, extra effort, and extra time invested will always make you a better player.
10. Be prepared. Do the things you need to do to be ready that day. Eat right, get your rest, take care of you aches and pains, be attentive. Boom, you just made a great impression.
Showing your coach that you’re the “right” player for them isn’t rocket science. All it takes is doing simple things, over and over again, to show that you’re willing to do what it takes to make your team successful. None of the tips on this list are difficult. You just need to make up your mind to do them. It’s your choice.
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
