CoachMc writes "The dugout is the best place to watch a game. Youth baseball players can learn a lot
about the game and their opponents they are up against. As a coach or
parent, you should instill a mentality that time spent in the dugout
should be focused on the game of baseball. We have all heard "new pitcher" or "watch the pitcher" , we should let all the off-field
distractions fade into the background and watch all the action on the youth baseball field.
Don’t underestimate the power of observation. Youth Baseball players should take in all the
information that is available and use it when it is their turn to take the field.
Here are some things youth baseball players should be looking for while in the dugout..as a coach or parent it does not hurt to remind them occasionally.
Watch the opposing pitcher. See what pitches he is getting over the
plate and what pitches he is having trouble throwing for strikes. See
what kind of move he has to first base and observe how long he takes to
deliver the ball to home plate from the stretch position. By paying
attention, we learn what kind of lead we can get on the pitcher, whether
we can steal on him or if he has the good move to first base that may
cause us to take a shorter lead.
Watch your opponent’s defense. What kind of arm strength and accuracy do
the infielders, outfielders and catchers have?
Look at the field’s condition. Is there anything around a specific
defensive position that players should avoid? Look for areas on the
field that may provide an opportunity to take an extra base in certain
situations.
We can also learn a lot about our own position by watching the opposing
player at the same position. What does he do well? How does he go about
his job? His style may provide us with a method that we could use to
make a certain play better. By the same token, his weak points may
reflect our own and we will be able to have a good picture of our own
faults.
When we are on the field, we want to make sure we have a strong sense of
what we are going to do before the pitch is made to the hitter. From
the dugout we are afforded the opportunity to gather a great deal of
information before we come to bat or reach first base. The dugout also
allows us to talk with teammates in regards to all of these things and
again gives us a broader knowledge of the game.
Dugout chatter may seem insignificant, but it is a great way for players
to learn the game. By encouraging your players to focus on the game
at-hand while in the dugout, you’ll find that they pick-up on the
details of the game and begin to share strategies and unique approaches.
This sharing of information will help them have better at-bats and also
help them become active thinkers. The players who reach the highest
levels of baseball don’t simply play the game,
they analyze every aspect of the game. In major league dugouts, players
are always sharing information to help each other gain a competitive
edge over the opponent.
One more important thing to keep in mind – your players should focus
their attention on the half-inning that they’re in. Players should not
be standing out on the field thinking about the last at-bat when they
popped up or hit the home run. When in the dugout they should not be
worrying about an error or thinking about a great play. Concentration
is a great part of the game
and one thought in mind can command full concentration—two thoughts
naturally split that concentration. We always want to have a clear and
positive mind.
And don’t forget, the dugout is also a place to pull for your teammates.
It's always nice, from your own side, to hear your teammates rooting
for you when you are at home plate trying to get a hit to help your club
score runs.
Although experience is the best teacher there is an awful lot to be
learned watching a game and no one has a better view than the people in
the dugout. Make use of your time in the dugout to be a better youth baseball player. "
