First games in 7 years tomorrow! any advice?

[RingEmUp918]

Have my first assignment in 7 years tomorrow.....and I'm actually a bit nervous but still excited to get back in the mix.  its only 9U tourney games but i'm very rusty.  Any advice other than, "dont suck"? 

[JaxRolo]

Timing is everything. Slow down, take your time, then slow down some more.

[guyinaredhat]

Eat a banana.

[James Walker]

Don't suck...

Seriously, let the ball take you to the play. In 9u, there are no "routine" plays. And remember, its just a game. Have fun.

[scrounge]

Slow down, take your time, then slow down some more. You'll think everyone is waiting on you to DO SOMETHING, but they're not. And if they are? So what, they're not going to do anything without you.

[BalkHawk]

9U? Forget the rotations and most of your mechanics. "Watch the ball, glance at the touches." You are going to have obstruction every time a runner rounds first or third and half of the time they round second. Just see it, don't call it yet because 99% of them will sort themselves. Be ready to jump on it and sell it good if it turns into a close out, because no coach out there will know the minutia of the rule.

[Welpe]

I came back last year from a 9 year layoff. It will come back to you. Have a good pregame with your partner. Breathe and relax. You'll do fine. And lastly, don't suck.

[Jocko]

Breathe through your eyelids

[T-Rav]

You mentioned it was a tournament: Stay Hydrated and have fun. 

[SnareDrum]

Don't let them surprise you. Just when you start thinking that they're not that good, or they don't know what to do... they'll start hitting on O and executing on D. We get guys here that get butt-bit every season because they weren't in position for a DP or a play at the plate or a rundown or a banger just because they didn't think the kids would/could do it.

 

Otherwise, enjoy yourself and have fun! 

[mstaylor]

Be aware where the play should go assume it won't go there, you have to be ready for both plays. And have fun.

[Dannytheman]

Close your eyes and make the best guess you can!!

 

 

Have fun and welcome back!!  

[RingEmUp918]

Thanks for the encouragement! games went well (other than the 40 degree weather with light drizzle ALL day), quality of play was beyond what I expected and they were respectful kids.  And luckily...I didnt suck! Only complaints I heard from the coaches were balk arguements.. But i typically dont call balks unless its robbery. 

[Mike Prince]

Balks and non-closed bases in 9U ball, that's one I haven't seen.  Were the coaches arguing on balks you did or didn't call?

[FearNot]

As said.... Don't suck...I'm sure you did good

[MT_Blue]

Short answer: Dont suck!
More so enjoy yourself and welcome back!

[Jocko]

All my games are 'open bases' from 9u up. The onlly balks I call on the kiddos are the ones granny in the stands can see. If you call em all, you'll be out there all day. I get arguments on called and non-called balks. The rats want it both ways.

[JaxRolo]

All my games are 'open bases' from 9u up. The onlly balks I call on the kiddos are the ones granny in the stands can see. If you call em all, you'll be out there all day. I get arguments on called and non-called balks. The rats want it both ways.

 

You are ruining the integrity of the game!

[Welpe]

All my games are 'open bases' from 9u up. The onlly balks I call on the kiddos are the ones granny in the stands can see. If you call em all, you'll be out there all day. I get arguments on called and non-called balks. The rats want it both ways.

 

You are ruining the integrity of the game!

 

Just imagine all of the other rules he ignores.  

[Mike Prince]

 

All my games are 'open bases' from 9u up. The onlly balks I call on the kiddos are the ones granny in the stands can see. If you call em all, you'll be out there all day. I get arguments on called and non-called balks. The rats want it both ways.

 

You are ruining the integrity of the game!

 

Just imagine all of the other rules he ignores.  

And all of the ones he doesn't know he's ignoring!      

[Jocko]

CalvinBall has only 1 rule. Can't be the same twice :P