Positive Coaching - October 2006

How Coaches, Parents and Players See and Seize “Teachable Moments” During Major League Baseball Post-Season
by Jim Thompson
Positive Coaching Alliance

With the Major League Baseball postseason upon us, Positive Coaching Alliance urges coaches and parents to watch the games on TV with their Little Leaguers. It is one of the greatest bonding experiences possible, filled with memorable moments and what we at Positive Coaching Alliance call “teachable moments.”

In partnership with Little League, PCA hopes you can capitalize on the many instances when lessons about Honoring the Game can be taught. These can be either positive or negative moments, such as someone losing graciously or an athlete taunting an opponent. Whenever possible, engage players in a discussion about whether the behavior in question Honors the Game and why or why not.

Here are just a few recent examples and how a Little League Double-Goal CoachTM – whose first goal is winning, and whose second, more-important goal is teaching life lessons – can achieve both by talking with players during the games:

When Derek Jeter nabbed an errant throw from the outfield and flipped it home for a key out in the 2001 American League Championship Series: “Even though the Yankees were not hitting well, Jeter kept his head in the game, never gave up, and he made a great play. You can do the same as long as you always believe in yourself.”

When A.J. Pierzynski of the White Sox reached on a questionable dropped-third-strike call in the 2005 American League Championship Series: “That was a questionable call, but did you notice how the Angels players didn’t get too upset? They just got ready to focus on the next play. That’s what I hope you do if a call goes against you.”

The list continues. Coaches and parents might even impart a little baseball history and deepen their bonds with players discussing similar plays from baseball’s rich past.

Little League coaches can learn more about “teachable moments” and many other tools to help players reach their potential on and off the field by registering for the online Little League Double-Goal Coach course at www.PositiveCoach.org/LittleLeague.