Katy Curve - Philosophy

Katy Curve Team Philosophy

Coaching Philosophy

Since its inception The Katy Curve has strived to be a lasting and cohesive organization. Select baseball is an advanced level of play and it requires a deep commitment from everyone involved. Our team has a long tradition of serious commitment to the development and enjoyment of our athletes. While it can be an exciting opportunity for qualified children to learn and improve many different skills, build lasting friendships, and have fun, different expectations from the coaching staff, parent(s), and players can take away from the experience in a number of ways and can have a negative effect on an entire team. We cannot stress enough how important it is that interested parents make sure the team philosophy fits with their expectations of what they want for their child and how they believe a team should be run.

We believe that kids will gain confidence and a love for the game through a combination of positive feedback from parents, coaches, and other players, and constructive criticism from the coaches that helps the player successfully master fundamental skills. We do know that skill levels develop at different rates for kids, and therefore do not expect to completely eliminate mistakes. However, effort and intensity are vital attributes for any good player and will be expected at all times. We will always provide positive feedback for effort and hard work, but because it is so important at this level, there will also be consequences for a lack of effort.
We think it is important that the coaches take more than a casual interest in the players. We strive to talk with all the players 1 on 1 during practices and games. We may not be successful getting to every player each day, but ultimately we want them to feel that we are interested in what is going on in their lives, and that their coaches like them as people.
Coaches will respect the players and their parents alike. Players will be expected to respect their coaches as well as their parents (at least while they are in the presence of the team), and parents will be expected to set a good example for the players and treat the coaches with that same respect.
Competition is a very important element of any sport and as kids grow they naturally become more competitive. We do put some emphasis on winning, but we also feel very strongly that effort, attitude, and sportsmanship come first. We feel that the most important role of coaches AND parents is helping the kids develop the ability to deal with competition in a healthy way. Great effort and good attitude is the focus of our team, and if we achieve those goals, then winning usually follows.
Developing friendships and learning to perform in a team environment are important and rewarding aspects of playing baseball at this age. We will stress how important it is for the players to always support each other and be positive towards their teammates.
We believe in trying to make practices as interesting and fun for the kids as possible, while providing the instruction and some of the repition that they need to improve. We will always strive to keep the players moving and active. However, at the Elite level we do spend a lot of time on advanced strategies and concepts that sometimes take time to explain and work through. Whatever the practice schedule for a given day, coaches will not be successful with it if it has not been reinforced at home that when a player steps on the field he is to always work hard and give his/her best effort.
We will work hard on teaching fundamental skills during practice, but we feel that game time is a time for the players to showcase what they have learned. We will give necessary instruction during the game to help the players perform better in game situations, but in general we want them to enjoy the game. Fundamental skill flaws usually cannot be corrected during a game, and therefore we do not attempt to do so. We may point out to a player what they can do next time to avoid making the same mistake, but we do not dwell on errors and fundamental flaws during games. Parents are asked to treat game time the same way and refrain from coaching from the stands. Our goal is to have every child focused on having a great game and a great time on game day.

Objectives

We have five basic objectives of equal importance for our team.

Provide a safe and healthy environment for the players to learn and grow.
Put our focus on effort and attitude to achieve team goals.
Help our players develop the fundamental baseball skills necessary to be successful at this level and future levels of play.
Help our players learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility.
Have fun and build on our love for the game of baseball.

Playing Time and Positions

We strive to find players that both fit the philosophy of our team and have above average fundamental baseball skills. Still, there can be a drastic difference in skill levels among the players. Because this can be the case, we will not allow a player to play a position that we don't feel he has shown the ability to play yet. This can become a safety issue as well as a detriment to that player's growth and confidence. We will put players in positions where we feel they have the best chance of being successful, and where they can best help the team. This doesn't mean a player won't have the ability later in a season to play different positions, and we will always work with the kids at desired positions during practice. However, positioning for games is the coaches' responsibility only. We will evaluate positions based on several factors, including skill level, game performance, safety, attendance and commitment, and effort and attitude. Basically, players will be expected to earn their positions and must continue to work hard to keep them. No player, not even a coach's son, is given preferential treatment when it comes to positioning. Other factors considered will be pitching rotations, catching duties, and opponent tendencies. We will always do our best to put our most competitive lineup on the field based on all the factors mentioned, and sometimes that may not be perfectly aligned toward what a parent thinks their child's personal development requirements are. Part of what we teach requires understanding teammwork. Coaches will always be glad to discuss a player's skills and/or performance with parents and discuss our reasons for playing the kids where we do.

One other note about positions - a myth about youth baseball that we completely disagree with and spend alot of time trying to reverse in players and parents minds alike is that playing in the outfield means a player is not very good or that it is some sort of punishment. Every good team at this level of play must have a good quality outfield and the outfield positions are just as important as any position on the field. Every player will go through outfield drills in practice, and every player will play an outfield position at some point during the season. We strongly believe that the more positions a player can play the better opportunity he has to advance his career. After all, every player that tries out for his high school team cannot play shortstop!

Pitching

Correct pitching development is very important at this age for those players who wish to pitch at the high school level, and quality pitching is also critical to our team's success. We believe that our players' arms are their most valuable asset. Therefore, it is important that their pitch count be closely monitored and their arms PROTECTED both in games and during practices. We also ask that the players not take outside private pitching lessons while we are in season. An overworked arm will be weakened, less effective, and ultimately lead to frustration and lack of confidence by the player. Too much pitching and/or pitching with incorrect mechanics can also lead to permanent physical damage.

Our weekly practice sessions will include teaching proper mechanics and drills that will help mold those mechanics, core training for strength and endurance, and bullpen sessions to work on pitching skills. Note that learning to pitch correctly involves mastering technique and is not based on how many pitches a player throws.
The pitching techniques taught by the Katy Curve Baseball staff are closely derived from those taught by The University of Houston baseball program. Some sessions will also be planned with the U of H coaching staff.
Parental support of our pitching philosophy is very important. You will be expected to support the coaching staff regarding our "less is more" philosophy in protecting our athletes' health. Additionally, on days that players pitch, it will be the parents' responsibility to ice their arms and closely monitor for discomfort. A successful tournament weekend will test all of a team's pitching resources. It is our goal to be successful and to maintain our players' health at the same time.

Team Rules and Discipline

Playing select baseball and playing for the Katy Curve is a privelege, and with that privelege comes greater responsiblity than that of playing baseball in a recreational league. Our coaches and their families treat it this way, and players and their families will be expected to treat it this way as well. Successful select baseball teams have rules in place that ensure safety and create organization and harmony. Conversely, having no rules or rules that are not enforced have the opposite effect, so successful teams also instill consequences for breaking their rules.

Player Expectations

Players are expected to be in attendance and on time to practices and all games.
Players are expected to give their best effort at all times during practices and games.
We expect players to always show complete respect for their coaches, parents, and other players on the team.
Players are expected to spend time outside of practice and games working on their skills.
Players are expected to show good sportsmanship at all times.
Players are expected to stay in the dugout when not out in the field during games. No going into the stands.
Players are expected to take ownership of their mistakes and not make excuses or transfer blame.
Players are expected to pick up their temmates and never be critical of another team member.
Players are expected to keep their temper and not overtly show emotion on the field. (i.e., throwing helmets or golves, crying, challenging umpire calls).
Players are expected to play the positions they are assigned to the best of their ability without complaint.
Players are expected to learn and know the team signs, and are expected to execute the signs as given.
We understand that some players also wish to play other sports. Select baseball is a year-round sport, however, so other sports will always conflict with our practice and game schedules. We have a policy for this situation and it is defined below in the Consequences section of this document. Players will be expected to follow this policy if they are playing another sport in addition to playing baseball with us.

Parent Expectations

Parents should ensure that their child is present for every game and every practice unless otherwise stated in the team rules or consequences. When a player is not at a game or a practice it effects the entire organization, and there should be a valid reason for missing time. Also, please let the manager know as soon as possible if this will occur.
Parents are also expected to get their child to practice and games on time. We know this can be difficult at times, but we cannot conduct useful practices or get ready for games when players continually show up late. Communication here is key. We always have coaches and other parents who are willing to help out with rides or alternative arrangements.
Please watch your child's siblings carefully at all times. No sibling will be allowed in the dugout or on the field at any time. The dugout is the player's safe haven during practices and games and this is where they prepare and rest.
Get involved in playing baseball with your child. This may include helping out with practices or working on drills at home on days we do not practice as a team. Repetition is crucial for skill improvement, and there simply isn't enough organized practice time to achieve the necessary reps. Players need to work on the skills they learn at practice at home as well.
Please encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice. Please cheer for all of the children during games and practices, but do not yell instructions to them. Much of the fun is lost for all of us if a mom or dad is always yelling instructions, particularly if they are different instructions than what the players have been taught at practice, or contrary to what the coaches just told a player during a game.
Parents are expected to make monthly dues payments to the team on time. We typically have to register and pay for tournaments well in advance of their start date and this becomes difficult if parents are late in making their payments.
Parents are expected to participate in any team fundraiser events if the team elects to have them. These events cannot be successful without a commitment from all the parents on the team.
Please communicate with the manager or coaching staff if you are uncomfortable with something that is happening. The same holds true if your child isn't happy about something. Most issues can be fixed very easily if we know about them.

General Consequences For Players Not Adhering Team Rules

Typically, players will be required to perform some type of physical activity, either as a team or individually as a consequence for excessive failure to follow the expectations stated above. Nothing totally exhaustive or excessive, but in an attempt to curb the behavior and get back to baseball.
Ongoing issues with any one player or excessive attendance issues will be discussed in private between the head coach and the player's parents.
If the previous two options are not successful deterents, playing time will be taken away.
The final option is dismissal from the team.

Consequences For Specific Situations

Missing Practices\Games - If your child is sick, or has another legitimate reason for missing field time, please give the head coach as much notice as possible. We ask that you please be cognizant of the effect that your child's absence has on the whole team and to not miss field time unless absolutely necessary. If excessive time is missed for any reason it may result in reduced playing time for that player when he returns and may continue until he can get back up to speed.
Other Sports Policy - We allow our players to play other sports during the Fall and Winter only (basketball is okay, even though it goes into the Spring). In the Spring we ask that our players be fully dedicated to the Katy Curve program. If playing other sports in fall and winter, we still expect our players to be able to make at least 1 practice a week if we have them and most, if not all, games. As with missing time for any other reasons, playing time may be affected by missing time for other sports if skill levels are affected.
Failure to Practice Away from the Team - Coaches and parents will communicate as needed about any weaknesses or areas of improvement a player may have. But at the Elite level there is just not enough practice time for us to get in the amount of repitions needed to correct or improve some skill flaws, because we do spend a good bit of time working on advanced strategy concepts in practice. Players will be given drills and exercises they can do by themselves or with a partner, and are expected to work on these areas at home. Coaches can tell if this has been happening or not, and if we do not see at least an effort to improve noted skill deficiencies, it could result in reduced playing time for the player.
Parents Consequences - Most parents agree with and are respectful of our policies and our team philosophy, and we usually do not have any problems. However, we have had situations in the past where we were forced to take action against parents for things like coaching from the stands and harassing umpires or coaches. Please do not let this be you. It is very uncomfortable for the coaching staff to have to address these situations, and if it becomes excessive it will affect your standing with the team. It is very important that we all behave like adults at all times and show respect for everyone involved with our sport.
Additionally, something that we all must be careful of is either intentionally or unintentionally creating a negative environment by what we say about the team in the presence of our kids. I would guess that most of us sometimes catch ourselves saying something in the car on the way home from a game or some other time that we probably should not have said in front of the kids. Even in situations where we lose, or a player or coach makes mistakes, we need to try and do a good job of remaining positive about the team and thinking about the long term. If a player thinks negatively about his team or some of his teammates, chances are he will not play well or give his best effort.
Arrival Times For Games and Practices - We would like every player to arrive at least 1 hour before games start. This will give us an adequate amount of time to begin preparing to play and enable us to adhere to start times. Since most of our games will be on weekends, this should not be a problem. If we ever have an early game during the week we will just have to all get there as soon as we can before game time.
As for practices, we would like everyone to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. We do understand that 6:00 pm practices can be difficult to get to that early, and it is not a cause for concern if you are late from time to time, only if it becomes a habit.