This week, Weplay's honoring Ben Maddux of Knoxville, TN. Our Coach of the Week is a part time video editor, part time youth baseball coach, AND a part time teaching extraordinaire!
Coach Maddux, 31, began instructing youth athletics in 2005 as an assistant for his brother-in-law's baseball team. The following year, Coach Maddux took on the full time coaching role when his brother-in-law lacked the time and availability to commit to the season schedule.
10 seasons later, Coach Maddux is extremely happy with this head coaching choice to say the least! He expressed this sentiment by writing, "I've been addicted to the teaching aspect of it ever since and look forward to every practice and game."
Coach Maddux bases his coaching philosophy around the fact that "yelling at young players does no good." Because of this, he makes sure to give praise publicly and give any constructive criticism one on one with a player. Using these methods, he helps build confidence in his players and ensures a positive learning atmosphere.
In his inaugural season coaching U10 players, Coach Maddux led the BYS Braves through a well-fought run. While they didn't take home a championship trophy, the lessons learned during practices, games and tournaments were a great physical and mental experience for the kids, who are sure to come back again next year.
With two kids of his own, both of whom are still too young to play, Coach Maddux is certain to continue applying his teaching prowess both on and off the diamond.
Coach Maddux's Keys to Success:
• Give praise in public
• Criticism is best when addressing a player one on one
• Build confidence - in baseball confidence is the key to success!
