- Do Drink the Water!
Players, Parents, Coaches and Umpires should all be drinking a lot of water to stay ahead of the game with hydration. During the first few days, drinking more water is recommended because altitude + dry air + more breathing can make you lose fluid faster.
2. Altitude Sickness
The elevation and hot temps are not a great combination. Be careful and look out for each other. Many people experience altitude sickness. It is common for someone not used to the elevation to experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness (Headache & Nausea).
3. Avoiding Drama
If your team is having drama, it’s usually everyone’s fault. Even if you just listen to people complain, you’re at fault in my opinion. I am not really talking about the little things, but more the bigger things that create tension on a team. Do what you can to minimize the drama. When drama surrounds your team, EVERYONE LOSES. Don’t make a mountain over a molehill.
4. NO Delusional Parents!
Your daughter may not be in the game every second, even if there is a coach watching her. Keep in mind if a college coach likes your kid, they want to find out everything about her and her family. They will watch how she acts after a mistake; they will watch how she acts when she is on the bench. They will watch what she does and says after the game. However, they will also try to watch the parents of the player. Many parents have lost scholarship opportunities.
5. Players Handling Playing Time Concerns
If you are upset about playing time, positions, or position in the batting order, you have two choices. You can get upset, and be a Debbie Downer, or you can try to Prove the Coach wrong. In my opinion, if you are a Debbie Downer you are proving the Coach right. One sad/upset player can really affect Team Chemistry in a negative way. As tough as it is you need to put on a Happy Face and at least try to show your worth. Outwork everyone, be the loudest person on the bench, and be a great teammate. You should also ask the coach where you are at, and what you can improve on. I know this is hard but communicating is crucial. Even if the coach still doesn’t play as much as you want, you will at least know you have been the bigger person and are still being a great teammate.
6. Insecure Coaches
If a player makes a physical error, you don’t need to point it out. They realize it. Instead try encouraging them. If you create an atmosphere that it’s ok to fail, as long as you are giving 100%, you will see a lot less failures. If you feel you need to make sure everyone knows it wasn’t your mistake, your players will play with FEAR and TENSION. If you tell them the mistakes you have made, they realize we all make mistakes.
7. Colorado Air!
Everyone knows about the thinner air and how it helps the ball carry. You will see more home-runs and generally speaking the teams are very strong. One thing people don’t talk a lot about is that with the thinner air, pitches don’t necessarily move as much. Especially rise balls. Make sure you have your off-speed pitches working.
8. Controlling Controllables
Players trying to get recruited should focus on controlling their controllable’s! You can’t control whether you field every ground ball, hit every pitch or make the perfect pitch. But you can always control your attitude, effort, coachability and what type of teammate you are. When you make mistakes, use it as a time to show the college coach what type of bounce back you have. Forget about it, and keep your head up. They want to see you fail so they see how you respond! They will also be watching you on the bench, in warm-ups and how you interact with teammates, coaches, umpires and parents.
9. Coaching Tip!
When you are planning your pitching rotation and can’t decide which game to pitch your ACE, I would use this idea. If you are playing morning games, I would throw them in the 2nd game. It’s always nice to win the last game of the day, especially when everyone is hanging out after the games. If you play late games, it doesn’t matter as much.
10. Leisure Time
Know your team goals! If your team’s goal is to have a fun trip to Colorado, then go white water rafting and horseback riding. If you are there to compete and get recruited, try to do those things after the tournament or a few days before.