That Teachable Moment By Ron Golden

Baseball - it has been stated - is the most "over-coached, under-taught" game in existence! Everyone is an authority. Any coach who once played on a team or now plays softball thinks he knows it all! All too often coaches give advice that they perceive is valuable but, in reality, is not worthwhile.

Over the years I have developed practice and game skills to maximize the "teaching moment." My experience teaches that the most practical, beneficial. teachable moment can occur at any time, practice, or game. Here, the point to emphasize is how to create a positive learning experience from a negative one.

Communication is vital. Proper speech, enunciation, terms and phrases, diction and the ability to speak loud and clear are valuable tools. The quality of the explanation and the manner or mode of communicating that explanation is crucial when explaining how to remedy or correct a fault!

Demonstration is another meaningful tool. Hearing is not as dynamic as seeing. When in doubt, remember: "a picture is worth a thousand words"; "monkey see, monkey do"; and "action speaks louder than words."

Another old adage incorporated into my basic coaching philosophy is that "practice is for coaches and the game is for players." There is a time to instruct, educate, and sustain a good teaching-learning environment. My success is to use practice time for this purpose. During the game, I jot notes that I use in our post-game review sessions with the team and the individual players.

However, "different strokes are for different folks," meaning that addressing problems or correcting behavior can take on many forms, What technique, method or styles work between a coach and a player might not be successful for that coach and another player. Understanding personalities, dealing with numbers, and leadership are important characteristics associated with the success or failure of proper instruction and education. There are teachable moments. The chemistry and personality of the coach dictates how successfully he can improve his players' performance.

Finally, practice the proper techniques and skills. Make them habit. Do the right things and do things right. Remember, practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect!