In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat dive into how coaches can invest in the "middle-bottom" players of your roster (forgive us for that label, it's tough to describe). But, how do we keep them motivated, and how do we help them understand their value.

We’ll talk about:

• Why and how the middle-bottom players often set the tone for team culture

• How to define success beyond playing time

• Practical ways to keep these players engaged and motivated

• How to use practice to build their confidence and skill

• The bigger picture: coaching every player is a "big picture" skill for coaches

Whether you coach youth sports or a high school sport, this conversation is about making sure every kid on your team is seen, valued, and developed. Because at the end of the day, it’s the whole roster that builds a team’s culture.

Coaching isn’t just about practices, games, and strategies — it’s about the little things in between.

In this episode, Chris and Pat talk about the subtle but powerful moments that shape a team’s culture: conversations on the bus, greetings at practice, building connection, being intentional about gratitude.

These “in-between” moments often go unnoticed, but they build trust, connection, and buy-in over time. Whether you coach at the youth, high school, or college level, the little things you do outside of the game can leave the deepest impact.

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat dive into one of the most important—and sometimes, most underprepared—aspects of youth and high school sports: practice.

Are we practicing the right way or the wrong way? Do drills actually build transferable skills, or are they just busy work? How much of our time should be spent on fundamentals versus competition?

We tackle questions like:

• Are our practices preparing players for real game situations?

• How can we design drills that force decision-making instead of mindless repetition?

• What’s the right balance between technical, skills work and competitive reps?

• 
  

  We also challenge coaches and parents to rethink the purpose of practice and to ask tough questions about their own routines and to even discuss with your players, "What did you learn today?"

After a summer break, Chris and Pat are back to kick off Season 12 of The Coaching Life Podcast! In this episode, we share an overview of some of the conversations we’ll be having this season, including:

• Are we practicing the right—or wrong—way?

• Coaching the “middle” and “bottom” kids on a team.

• The impact of bus rides, team meals, and other “little things” that shape a season.

• …and much, much, more!

Join us as we set the stage for another season of honest, practical, and sometimes tough conversations about the realities of high school and youth sports.

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat dive into a conversation about loving the sport you play. We chat about the deeper connection athletes can have with their game, their team, and the entire experience of being part of something bigger than themselves.

We discuss:

✅ Why passion for the game matters sometimes as much as talent for the game

✅ The impact of loving your team—through wins, losses, and everything in between

✅ How youth coaches and parents can help young athletes develop a lifelong love for their sport

✅ The powerful impact youth coaches at younger levels can have on the success of a high school program

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and let us know—what do YOU love most about the sport you play?

The anticipation is mounting as Opening Day for High School baseball is just days away. The first game Pat and Chris's teams will play this season will be against each other!

This is the topic of today's episode, because we can't think of much else right now! LOL

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat dive into the unique challenges and strategies that come with being a head baseball coach during the crucial first week of the new season. They discuss how to set the tone for the year, establish team expectations, and build momentum both on and off the field.

Key topics covered include:

⚾ Evaluating Your Roster — Balancing early-season player assessments with giving athletes time to settle in.

⚾ Practice Planning — Structuring practices to sharpen fundamentals while integrating game-specific situations.

⚾ Team Chemistry — Building relationships among players and fostering a positive, focused culture from day one.

⚾ Handling the Unexpected — How to adapt when the weather, injuries, or other surprises throw a curveball into your plans.

⚾ Communicating with Parents and Players — Setting clear expectations for roles, playing time, and team goals.

Chris and Pat also share personal stories from their own coaching experiences — the lessons they’ve learned, the mistakes they’ve made, and the small wins that build the foundation for a successful season.

Tune in, take notes, and get ready to lead your team with purpose!

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Our friend, Justin Roush, joins us for a great conversation about developing expectations for yourself. Justin is starting an LLC and podcast of his own, titled "Walk-On Academy."

We chat with him about his plans and vision, as he shares from his own experiences of walking onto the Ohio University football team 25 years ago.