06/18/2018
Was fortunate enough to coach the greatest group of 13 six and seven- year olds this spring, each with their own huge personalities!
We helped them learn to use their teammates and throw to the base instead of trying to win the race with a runner - and they taught me (ok, tried to teach me) how to "floss"!
We tried to teach them to pay attention to the batter so they didn't get hit with a line drive - and they reminded me that sliding into bases is one of the most fun things about baseball.
We tried to teach them that hitting all starts with their feet and a good athletic stance at the plate - and they showed me how much fun it is just to hit the ball whether you use the upper or lower part of your body.
It was incredibly rewarding to see their smiles at every game and practice and see how much they improved in 4 short months!
I hope I'm able to get the same group of kids together next spring!
ci3.googleusercontent.com
06/17/2018
Baseball has been a part of my life since I was 4 years old. I played Little League growing up, played 4 years of high school baseball, continued playing after high school. Once my boys were old enough to play, I began coaching them, which gave me a new love for the game - sharing my love for the game, teaching and coaching kids to help them improve their skills, and getting the reward of watching them succeed when all their hard work in practice comes together and they get the "A-HA!" moment and can't wait to get back to the field to do it again.
Although baseball is a tough game - it's always been described as a game of failure - so in addition to focusing on skills, I strive to help every player understand that a positive attitude and them giving their best effort is what matters most to great coaches. A great attitude, a willingness to give 100%, and being a great teammate and leader are what stands out most to me when and the intangibles that make me want that kid on my team because without knowing it, those kids make the whole team better. That's why it is important to me that we help every player develop not only their skills, but also the mindset of a great ballplayer.
Now that I've coached Little League for a few seasons, I will always to continue to coach because whether it's playing catch or whiffle ball with my boys, coaching a new team, setting up the field before one of our games, or sitting in the stands as a fan, baseball brings back countless memories of the friends I've made, laughs I've shared, and life lessons I've learned playing the game. Coaching gives me the opportunity to share my love and knowledge of the game and to encourage every kid who dreams of being a big leaguer or just wants to play ball with his buddies, to play with their heart and things will work out for them.
I am a member of the National Alliance for Youth Sports and adhere to the principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance. My goal in coaching is to get every kid as excited for practices and games as much as I am about preparing for practice and watching the kids have fun playing what we need to remind ourselves is a kids' game.
I look forward to meeting you and helping your ballplayer succeed not just on the field, but in all aspects of their lives.
Coach Just
05/29/2018
Lucky to be able to coach my boys! Love sharing time with this guy at the baseball field!
06/16/2018