Becoming a better baseball or softball coach

Abstract

This research study looks at the difficulties that Baseball and Softball coaches may encounter and how they can identify what they lack towards becoming a better coach. Its aimed towards helping both coaches new to the sport of Baseball/Softball, those who have been coaching and want to gain more knowledge on how to become a better coach and those who are players willing to become future coaches. Criteria on how coaches should become qualified will be acknowledged, the perceptions and thoughts on this subject would also be part of the study. A questionnaire focusing on acquiring data regarding coaching competencies, knowledge and/or lack of it, together with other information was the research tool used. The total population of baseball and Softball coaches along with players willing to start coaching were used for the study. As a qualitative method of research, Interviews consisting of a representative from the Malta Olympic Committee and a representative from the Malta Sports Council were used for obtaining information on coaching. The data was collected and analyzed where the participant's difficulties were recognized mainly as lack of motivation and not having the time to attend courses and coach education. Creating opportunities and promoting sport are some of the results obtained to overcome these difficulties mentioned.