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Positive Coaching helps pitchers perform

Positive coaching can have a big influence on how a pitcher performs on the mound. Having positive thoughts starts with positive feedback from coaches during practice, and it caries over into games.


Come on, strike this guy out!

Negative coaches can make pitchers doubt their ability and can create negative thoughts. They yell loud and put the pressure on the pitchers to perform. A pitcher starts to tense up and thinks: If I don't strike this guy out and win this game, then I will have to run poles.


Relax, take your time, and put the ball in play.

Positive coaches stay calm and give feedback that helps a pitcher relax. They call time to talk with the players and remind the pitcher that he has fielders ready to make the out. It's a team effort. Have fun playing the game.


Youth attrition rates are 80 percent lower for children whose coaches practice positive coaching. 


The Power of Positive Coaching
by David Bornstein, The New York Times

Imagine you’re coaching a big soccer game, against an undefeated team that has beaten your team in all your previous matches. Your 11-year-olds are playing well and are ahead. Then, in the closing minutes, the official makes a bad call that goes against you and, because of it, you lose. After the game, the parents of your players scream at the official. The kids are disappointed, looking up at you. What do you do?

Or you’re coaching tee-ball and one of your 5-year-old players has failed to get a hit so far. Now, he’s up again in a crucial situation and is nervous. All eyes are on him. His first swing misses high. The second misses low and knocks the ball off the tee. You call him over to offer some help. What do you say?

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Positive Coaching Alliance


Positive Coaching Alliance is a national non-profit organization with the mission to transform the culture of youth sports so that youth athletes can have a positive, character-building experience.

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