Taken from Candrea on Coaching, a monthly softball-related newsletter from an Olympic softball coach...On behalf of the Amateur Softball Association, welcome to the August issue of the ACE Coach monthly email from ASA Director of Coaching Education and two-time Olympic Coach Mike Candrea: Candrea on Coaching. As a youth sports coach, you naturally want to prepare your team to win as many games as possible, and as a Responsible Coach, you want to prepare your players to win off the field, too. The Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program is proud to bring you this series in which Coach Candrea will provide you with coaching tips and resources that you can use for the betterment of your youth softball team.

Professionalism – A Code of Conduct

As I travel back from a very memorable trip to New York where I had the opportunity to experience a weekend with the New York Yankees, I thought I would share with you some observations of arguably the most successful franchise in professional sports.  It is hard to imagine the wealth of success (27 World Championships) and a tradition that defines the sport.  Walking through the offices and seeing pictures of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle (my idol growing up), and all the great players that have worn the uniform, must be quite the challenge for today’s Yankees to live up to the expectations of fans from every generation possible.  The one thing I could feel from everyone that I had a chance to visit with from coaches, players, and front office was the sense of pride and obligation that went with representing the New York Yankee organization.

As I have the opportunity to watch many softball games during the summer, I always like to focus on the programs that ultimately find a way to position themselves for a chance to compete for a National Championship.  Believe it or not, many of the teams have the same qualities as the New York Yankees, although at a different level.  What are these qualities that separate the good from the great?  Yes, the Yankee’s are quite wealthy and are not scared to spend money to get the best players.  Although, after my trip, it is obvious that these players must also be a good fit and embrace the code of conduct and professionalism set by the organization.  These same expectations can be seen in a few softball organizations today – which are exciting to see.

I had the opportunity to visit with a former Arizona Wildcat and now the hitting coach for the New York Yankees, Kevin Long and really hear about what kind of people these great athletes are.  I wanted to know what kind of a teammate they were, work ethic, preparation, discipline etc.  A laundry list of what we try to instill in our players and kids.  The answers I received were exciting and confirmed the qualities of true professionals.  There is a reason why these players are in the major leagues and continue to stay at that level.  I imagine your job can be a great motivator when you have that kind of money at stake.


This excerpt was taken from the book “The Checklist Manifesto” written by Atul Gawande and speaks about learned occupations.  A tremendous lesson derived from being on a team and striving for success understanding that it does prepare you for success after softball.

“All learned occupations have a definition of professionalism, a code of conduct.  It is where they spell out their ideals and duties. The codes are sometimes stated, sometimes understood.  But they all have at least three common elements.

First is an expectation of selflessness:  that we who accept responsibility for others – whether we are doctors, lawyers, teachers, public authorities, soldiers, parents, or pilots – will place the needs and concerns of those who depend on us above our own.

Second is an expectation of skill:  that we will aim for excellence in our knowledge and expertise.
Third is an expectation of trustworthiness:  that we will be responsible in our personal behavior toward our charges.

Aviators, however add a fourth expectation, discipline:  discipline in following prudent procedures and in functioning with others.”

Sound familiar?  These are the necessary qualities that we look for in any good organization, team, player, coach or parent.  This is a quick check list for reducing failure and being a functional member of the team.  Are we teaching our players to be true professionals – even though we know that they will go Pro in something other than softball?

Until next month!

Coach Candrea

Take from an article by Mike Candrea, written for ResponsibleSports.com

As we begin competition, the most demanding challenge of any coach is to develop and maintain confidence in his/her players. It is amazing how the confidence level of players reaches a healthy high during pre-season workouts and begins to become fragile as competition enters the picture.

Confidence has to be one of our top priorities. The understanding of the development of confidence can be a great asset to any group leader both on and off the athletic field. Confidence has a great influence in the success of an individual and the lack of it can most influence their failures.

Pre-season workouts are designed to prepare teams for upcoming competition and the challenges that lie ahead. Most of the time, as coaches, we do a very good job during workouts to create an atmosphere to encourage learning and skill development. It seems much easier to keep athletes positive and confident because we structure drills and praise to build confidence on the practice field. You can always find a way to make sure a hitter leaves the batting cage feeling good about their swing. The challenge that we all have is when the reality of competition sets in and we begin to face the built-in failures of the game. In reality, confidence and performance go hand in hand. The higher our levels of performance become, the more confident we become as players.

Confidence is key for creating an atmosphere of learning and building a youth athlete's confidence levels, on and off the field. Responsible Sports, along with our partner, Positive Coaching Alliance, offers an entire section on this subject, Coaching Beyond the X's and O's , for coaches to use as a teaching resource. The best coaches build opportunities for character education into their program, creating, recognizing and capitalizing on teachable moments. Go to ResponsibleSports.com to learn more

The primary job of any good leader is to give your athletes the necessary tools and skills to handle any situation that will come their way during the season. Confidence is nothing more than believing that your ability is equal to or greater than what is demanded by the situation and/or task. If you are prepared to perform well in the situation, chances are you will. You must also understand the complexities that are involved in the game of softball. No one sets failure as a goal, but failure is a statistical probability/reality in the game of softball. A player needs to face that possibility and can't be afraid to fail. Coaches must be very careful in handling this process. A lack of encouragement and understanding by their leader will cause a player to never find that key ingredient of confidence. The road to confidence is a journey that takes small steps in the right direction. Your ability as a coach to understand this process and play a vital role in allowing the athlete to perform aggressively without worry, will pay large dividends to your athlete and your program in the long run.

The greatest obstacle I see in today's athlete is the fear of embarrassment. The embarrassment of going 0-3 or making an error; fear of humiliation from booing fans and lost games; fear of a father's wrath or a coaches' displeasure. The bottom line to all of this is that no one can make us feel as if we're failures without our own consent. Confident people never consent. They approach risky situations as a challenge. We must remind ourselves that everyone experiences fear - athletes, singers, corporate executives, mountain climbers. The successful performers don't prevent fear. They control it rather than being controlled by it.

Confidence is simply a choice. Confidence is choosing to focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses. Confidence is stressing a positive approach that will allow players to make mistakes and grow from their experiences. Always remember, we are preparing these young ladies for a much bigger game than softball - the game of life!

From our District Commissioner Don Marsh:

It is with our best effort as a community, family, and friends to come together at this time of need for the “Gonzales Family” who has recently lost their Mother (Gina Gonzales), and 3-year old brother (Johnny Crowder) to a house fire that occurred on Sunday, August 21st.  As a part of raising money and donations for the family and funeral services, we will be holding a few different fundraisers:

• Friday, August 26th 3 PM – 11 PM Round Table Pizza, (626) 965-8107, 17170 Colima Rd Ste H, Hac. Hgts.
  
  
• Tuesday, August 30th H.H. Pizza Co. *ALL-DAY* Just mention fundraiser for “Gonzalez Family” when ordering.  (626) 855-2590, 15239 Gale Ave Ste A, City Of Industry
• Sunday, September 4th 9 AM CARWASH @ Lube Pit Stop, 980 Turnbull Canyon Rd, City Of Industry

There has also been a memorial account opened for anyone who would like to donate:

• Gonzalez Memorial Account #8965800637, Routing #121042882 Wells Fargo Bank

Also any clothes/shoes, personal hygiene items, donations are needed for Jasmine and Juan can be sent to:  Yvette Gonzales, 3116 E. Hollinzworth St., West Covina, CA 91792.  We will do our best to keep everyone updated as to what other fundraisers we can put together.  

Please keep them in your prayers.

On Tuesday, August 16th, the Diamond Bar City Council took time to recognize Diamond Bar Girls Softball, presenting each of the players who represented our City in the California State tournament in Lancaster last month with a certificate of appreciation.  Players from the 8U, 10U, and 14U teams were in attendance.  It is certainly a special occasion to make it to the State tournament.  For three teams from a single league to make it is something that happens only rarely.  Great job ladies!

FROM THE AGENDA:
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
...
1.2 Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Members of the Diamond Bar Girls Softball All-Star Team (Under 8, 10 and 14 Division).

Alex Morgan, one of the top stars on the USA women's world cup soccer team (who scored a goal in the semis and then scored the first US goal in this weekend's final against Japan), has been in the local news because she is from Diamond Bar.  An article on the Diamond Bar Patch Website mentioned that she and her sisters had played softball and that their dad wanted them to continue in softball...  One of our former DBGS Board members remembered her and found that she played DBGS until 12U and that her dad coached DBGS softball!  In fact, Alex was a 12U all-star in 2000!  More proof that DBGS girls are second to none!

Our 8U, 10U, and 14U All-Stars made their way to "C" District State Championships this weekend.  Teams from throughout Southern California were there for opening ceremonies Friday night as each team was recognized and the girls took time to trade league pins.  Our girls fought hard.  Our 14U girls were able to hold off last year's champions until nearly the end and our 8U girls continued to dazzle with their amazing bats!  Although the 8U girls played four friendlies, they won two, and tied one.  Absolutely outstanding performance!  It's been a banner year for Diamond Bar All-Stars!  A special thanks goes out to the players, coaches, and supportive parents who made this a weekend to remember for our daughters.

Strength and speed training in Ontario is not beyond a team like our DBGS 10U All-Stars...  Our friends at The Dugout in Ontario have terrific training facilities for pitching and hitting, but their new physical fitness section and trainers are terrific.  Here's a sampling of our girls' adventure this morning.

The 2011 CSUF Titan Summer Softball Camp is coming up.  This camp will cover all aspects of the game of softball.  We will go over: hitting; defense (specific position play); base running (which includes sliding); the overhand throw; and the mental game.  The campers will be participating in organized game play every day.  We will be taking the campers to our pool on campus on Monday and Wednesday of the camp (so campers need to bring their swim stuff and prepare for fun!!) We will also be having guest speakers throughout the camp, so be prepared to meet some pretty amazing people.  On the final day of camp—we will break campers into teams and play a small tournament.  After lunch that day (which we will provide for that day only), we will have some “FUN” summer activities on the field.  This is a camp for under high school age girls.  REGISTRANTS WITH DBGS WILL RECEIVE A $50 DISCOUNT (TOTAL COST FOR THE WEEK IS $250).  INTERESTED PARENTS SHOULD SEND AN EMAIL ASAP TO DBGS VICE PRESIDENT JEFF DEUTSCH FOR REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS AS THE DEADLINE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION IS 7/11.

After beating Covina Hills in their 10am game this morning, DB had to be Covina one additional time for the championship.  Although they were up 6-3 mid-game, Covina Hills came back to tie the game at 6-6.  Overtime started with inning seven and it wasn't until a full NINE innings where complete that Covina Hills had squeaked by with a one run victory!  This was an outstanding performance by our DB girls.  Among the highlights was a blast by Hannah Becerra that carried farthest part of the field.  Clearly a home run anywhere else, it was determined to be a ground-rule double after having been lost in the weeds!  Congratulations to Covina Hills.  Our 8U ladies will be make their next appearance in two weeks at the State "C" Tournament in Lancaster!

Our 10U ladies beat both Whittier and Covina Hills Saturday as they battled their way towards the Disctrict Championship.  This morning they came up just short against Hacienda Heights.  Their 3rd place finish earns them an admission to the State "C" District Championships in two weeks.  Way to go DB "you know!"