They Hear Everything
What Young Athletes Wish Parents Wouldn't Yell from Behind the Plate
Behind the plate is one of the loudest and most influential seats in the park. For hitters and catchers especially. It's close enough that every word carries, oftentimes, louder and more clearly than parents realize.
Most athletes know parents mean well. But if they could be 100% honest, here's what many wish parents would stop yelling from behind the plate - and what to do instead.
Hitting Instructions Mid-At-Bat
"Swing earlier."
"Move back."
"Loosen up."
"Hands ready."
At the plate, hitters rely on reaction, rhythm, and trust. Shouting instructions forces the brain into thinking mode, which slows reaction time and increases tension.
What it feels like:
I'm being coached in the hardest moment to think.
Instead:
Let mechanics stay in place. Games are for execution.
Calling Balls and Strikes
"That was outside!"
"C'mon, blue!"
Umpires won't change their calls - but athletes will feel the tension. This pulls hitters and catchers out of focus and increases frustration.
What it feels like:
I'm carrying adult frustration that isn't mine.
Instead:
Model composure. Athletes feed off calm more than noise.
Emotional Commands After a Miss
"Relax!"
"Shake it off!"
"Don't swing at those!"
What it feels like:
I'm not allowed to feel what I'm feeling.
Instead:
Silence or steady presence gives the nervous system room to reset.
Reacting Visibly to Mistakes
Groans. Head shakes. Sarcastic claps.
Athletes notice everything - even when they pretend they don't. Visible disappointment hits harder than words.
What it feels like:
I failed in front of everybody.
Instead:
Neutral body language protects confidence.
Talking About Outcomes
"We need a hit!"
"Don't strike out here!"
Outcome-focused comments increase fear and tighten swings. Hitting is a precision skill - pressure disrupts it.
What it feels like:
This moment defines me.
Instead:
Trust the process. Let the at-bat belong to the athlete.
Catching the Catcher or Pitcher Loudly
"Frame it!"
"Block it!"
"Throw it back!"
Players already know their responsibilities. Extra noise creates confusion and divides attention.
What it feels like:
Too many voices. No clarity.
Instead:
One voice matters in-game... the coach's.
What Athletes Do Want from Behind the Plate
Athletes say the most helpful things are:
Calm clapping
A simple "You've got this" before the at-bat
Silence that lets them focus
A Final Thought for Parents
Behind the plate is close. Very close. Your words carry more weight than you think.
Your calm helps hitters breathe.
Your restraints helps them trust themselves
Your support helps them recover - win or lose.
The goal for athletes shouldn't be a perfect game. It should be helping them feel safe and confident enough to compete freely with trust.
Phone: 309-323-0207
Email: cami@camilerminezllc.com
Facebook: Cami Lerminez, LLC
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