How to Avoid Becoming a Softball Coach Burnout
Softball players aren’t the only ones who can succumb to being labeled as a burnout in this sport. Coaches are victims of becoming softball burnouts too. Burning out can be different for everyone who experiences it. Some may be mentally exhausted, while others will suffer from physical exhaustion. Burnouts will have little excitement and enthusiasm when thinking about or participating in the activity they are slowly becoming uninterested in. Burnout usually occurs due to too much time, energy, and focus spent on a task without any breaks or time away.
If a softball coach experiences a burnout, it could be detrimental to the team. Burnout in softball tends to have a domino effect. Once it affects one coach or member of a team, it won’t be long before the energy among the team changes and others will fall victim as well.
It’s important that softball coaches learn how to balance their role of a coach and their everyday life. Softball coaches need and deserve mental and physical breaks from the sport too. Below is a list of things coaches can apply to their lives to avoid becoming a softball burnout.
Set Boundaries: It’s important that softball coaches set boundaries. This could be as simple as stating at the first team meeting with players and parents that “no one can contact me after 8 p.m. on weekday nights, and never on off weekends with no games”. If boundaries are not set, parents and players may feel as though they can reach out to coaches whenever. Coaches have lives off the softball field, and it’s important to keep the two worlds separate.
Unplug: This goes along with setting boundaries. It’s important that softball coaches learn to unplug when they are away from the softball field. Coaches who are always thinking about their team, writing out lineups and practice plans at home, are more likely to burn out. Coaches need to learn how to unplug and get involved in a few other hobbies or activities each week that are non-softball related. Get invested in a TV Show or go out to dinner with friends, whatever the alternative activity may be, be sure it’s not related to softball.
You Time: Softball coaches need and deserve some “you time” every week. Some coaches in this sport are put through the ringer, dealing with players and parents on a regular basis. This can cause a coach to feel mentally and physically drained. Softball coaches should make it a point to do something for themselves off the softball field every week. Go on a long walk without your phone a few times a week to clear your head and hit the refresh button.
Rest: Coaches preach it to their players all the time, “make sure you are getting enough rest.” This goes for coaches too. Just like players, coaches wake up early in the morning on game days and will be at the ball field all day long. Everyone on the team is on the same schedule. It’s important that everyone participating gets enough rest and recovery time. When the mind experiences fatigue, this increases the chance for a softball burnout to occur.
Take a Trip: Every season comes to an end at some point. There may not be a ton of time in between seasons and tryouts, but it’s important to get away if you can. It is encouraged for players, coaches, and families to take a trip after the softball season concludes. Head up to the cabin for a few days, visit some family, or plan a trip of your own. Trips or weekend getaways at the end of a long and grueling summer season can be very therapeutic, as long as there is no softball involved and the advice above about unplugging and resting are followed.
Softball coaches can experience softball burnout too. It’s important that coaches find a way to balance their personal life and softball coaching life. There is no reason or excuse why coaches need to be coaching or thinking about coaching 24/7. Even the top college coaches in the game take personal time and breaks when their schedule allows. It’s important to find a balance and to set boundaries, unplug, schedule some you time, rest, and get away when you can.
