PLAYER EVALUATION: THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM

Mike HillHead Baseball Coach

Lawrence Free State High School

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

1. Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PROGRAM:

* Who should make the team?* Who should play at what level?* Who should play what position?

A system provides your staff with the best insight towards making these decisions.

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

2. Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PLAYERS:

* What skills do I need to work on?* What do I do well?* Why am I playing this position?

An evaluation is the best foundation for having a productive discussion with your players

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

3. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH COLLEGE COACHES AND SCOUTS:

* Why can your player play at my level?* What are positive and negatives?* Quantifies your conversation

An easily communicated evaluation system provides coaches/scouts with your best insights

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

4. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH PLAYERS, PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATION:

* How could you cut my kid?* Why is this parent calling my office?* Coach: Why did I get cut?

A comprehensive evaluation makes the difficult conversations easier to have

CRITERIA FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVALUATION SYSTEM

1. Is the same PROCESS:* all players have the same evaluation

2. Is DATA DRIVEN:* It quantifies the evaluation

3. It MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY:* allows for opinions but from the same language

4. It is CLEARLY COMMUNICATED:* everyone knows what to expect

5. It is EASILY ACCESSIBLE:* can quickly and privately be shared with others

PROCESS

• Evaluations primarily are based upon the 5 Tools:1. Speed2. Hitting 3. Hitting with Power4. Arm Strength5. Fielding

It’s easier to explain and harder to argue with numbers

PROCESS

INFIELDERS EVALUATON:• All infielders {except 1B} at short

* 8 balls hit to each* 2 at them* 2 to the left* 2 to the right* 2 slow rollers

* All throws to 1st Base with radar gun behind

PROCESS

1st BASEMAN EVALUATION:* 8 Balls

* 3-6-3 double plays* gun behind 2nd base

PROCESS

OUTFIELDERS EVALUATION:• All outfielders in RF

* 8 balls hit to each – combination of all* 2 at them* 1 left* 1 right* 2 go get* 2 charge

All throws to 3B through relay/gun behind 3B

PROCESS

CATCHER EVALUATION:* Pop Times

* 6 on Monday and Tuesday* Wednesday as needed

* Receiving* As pitchers throw pens

PROCESS

PITCHER EVALUATION:* Utilize 3 mounds:

Warm-up mound #1Warm-up mound #2Evaluation mound

* Same catcher follows pitcher through* Radar gun at evaluation mound

PROCESS

PITCHER EVALUATION:* 2 sets of 8: – can ask for more

* 2 FB, 2 BB, 3 FB* 2 FB, 2 CH, 3 FB* can always adjust* use caution and be careful!!

PROCESS

HITTER EVALUATION:* 1 set of 3 bunts and 8 swings

* Coach Pitched* 1 cage for warm-up/1 for eval

PROCESS

RUNNER EVALUATION:* 2 60 Yd. Dash times

* only need to run once* begin on movement of runner* start from baserunning position* start on foul line* OF/C run when IF evaluated: switch

DATA DRIVEN

THE IMPORTANCE OF A DETAILED RUBRIC1. Quantifies and streamlines varying opinions

of coaches: good, ok, great, bad to a number.2. Allows a player to be properly evaluated

against his peers: 3. Grades players on a score of 1-8, with 4 being

the average, varsity, high school player

SPEED, VELCOITY AND CATCHERSScore Home-1B 60 Yd. Dash Velocity Catcher’s

Pop8 4.0 L, 4.1 R 6.4 & under 86+ 1.8 and

below7 4.1 L, 4.2 R 6.5 – 6.6 83 - 85 1.96 4.2 L, 4.3 R 6.7 – 6.8 80 - 82 2.05 4.3 L, 4.4 R 6.9 – 7.0 77 - 79 2.14 4.4 L, 4.5 R 7.1 – 7.2 74 - 76 2.23 4.5 L, 4.6 R 7.3 – 7.4 71 - 73 2.32 4.6 L, 4.7 R 7.5 – 7.6 68 - 70 2.41 4.7 L, 4.8 R 7.7 & above 65 - 67 2.5

HITTING AND POWERScore Explanation

8 Contact is always made with line drives being hit to all fields.

7 Contact is always made with line drives and groundballs being hit to all fields.

6 Contact is always made with flyballs, groundballs and an occasional line drive to all fields.

5 Contact is always made with flyballs, groundballs and an occasional line drive to the middle or pull side.

4 Contact is usually made with groundballs and an occasional pulled flyball or lazy line drive.

3 Contact is usually made but the ball rarely travels out of the infield area and is often popped up.

2 Contact is seldom made and the ball is often foul or rarely travels beyond where the pitcher is.

1 Contact is never made.

FIELDING SCORESScore Explanation

8 Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is always used with an occasional great play.

7 Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is always used.

6 Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is usually used.

5 Ball is usually fielded cleanly and proper technique is usually used.

4 Ball is usually fielded cleanly and proper technique is seldom used.

3 Ball is seldom fielded cleanly and proper technique is seldom used.

2 Ball is seldom fielded cleanly and proper technique is never used.

1 Ball is never fielded cleanly and proper technique is never used.

THROWING SCORESScore Explanation

8 Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with excellent velocity.

7 Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with good velocity.

6 Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with adequate velocity.

5 Ball usually reaches its target in the air, on a line, with adequate velocity.

4 Ball usually reaches its target in the air, but often does so with a hump in it.

3 Ball sometimes reaches its target in the air, but often does so with a hump in it.

2 Ball never reaches its target in the air.

1 Ball never reaches halfway to its target.

BUNTINGScore Explanation

8 Contact is always made with the balls always being placed in the appropriate areas.

7 Contact is always made with balls usually being placed in the appropriate areas.

6 Contact is usually made with balls usually placed in the appropriate area.

5 Contact is usually made with balls seldom being placed in the appropriate areas.

4 Contact is usually made with balls never being placed in the appropriate areas.

3 Contact is seldom made with the balls seldom being placed in the appropriate areas.

2 Contact is seldom made and the balls are never placed in the appropriate areas.

1 Contact is never made.

PITCHINGScore Movement Poise Curve Change Control

8 Excellent movement with strikes Always composed Excellent movement with strikes

Excellent change of speed and movement with strikes

100% strikes

7 Excellent Movement Excellent movement Excellent change of speed and movement

90% strikes

6 Good movement with strikes Usually composed Good movement with strikes

Good change of speed and movement with strikes

80% strikes

5 Good movement Good movement Good change of speed and movement

70% strikes

4 Adequate movement with strikes Adequate movement with strikes

Adequate change of speed and movement with strikes

50%-69% strikes

3 Adequate movement Seldom Composed Adequate movement Adequate change of speed and movement

30%-49% strikes

2 No movement with strikes No movement with strikes

No change of speed or movement with strikes

Less than 30% strikes

1 Ball does not move No composure Ball does not move No change No strikes thrown

MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY

All coaches work from the same rubric and framework:1. Coaches speak the same language.2. Coaches look for the same things.3. Evaluations are not as varied.

If all coaches work from the same rubric, a more solidified evaluation will occur

CLEARLY COMMUNICATED• • • •

•Dear Prospective Baseball Player:

• • The following will be our guideline for the 2012 Free State baseball tryouts. Returning players are considered those who played in the

program last season. New players include all freshmen and others who did not play in the program last year. Please know that this schedule is subject to changes which will be noted on our website www.freestatebaseball.com.

• • BASEBALL TRYOUT SCHEDULE• • Monday, Feb. 27, Tues, Feb. 28, Wed, Feb. 29:• • INDOOR SCHEDULE: OUTDOOR SCHEDULE:• 5:15-6:00: Returning players in cages3:25-4:45: Returning players on field • 6:00-6:45: New players in cages 4:45-5:30: New players on field• 6:45-7:15: New players in gym 5:30-6:15: Soph./Frosh hitters in indoor cages• 7:15-8:00: Returning players in gym 6:15-7:15: Senior/Junior hitters in indoor cages• 8:00-9:00: All pitchers/catchers in gym 7:15-8:15: All pitchers/catchers in main gym• • PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY ENOUGH THAT YOU ARE WARMED-UP AND READY TO GO AT THE TIME LISTED! SESSIONS FOR NEW

PLAYERS CAN BEGIN EARLIER THAN SCHEDULED.•

CLEARLY COMMUNICATED• Thursday, March 1:• • All prospective players should report to the baseball office/locker room at the following times:• Seniors 2:45• Juniors: 3:20• Sophomores: 3:30• Freshmen: 3:45• • At this time, you will be informed of your status with the team in a face-to-face meeting with Coach Hill and the staff.

Those who make the team will proceed to check-out equipment. • • During equipment checkout, apparel packages will be available for sell from a local vendor. The packages will include

cleats, turf shoes, sleeves, socks, batting gloves etc. These items can be purchased at a discounted rate, but are not required. Arrangements are between the player and the vendor. It is suggested that a check be brought to equipment checkout and made payable to the vendor.

• • Also, contracts for summer teams will be given at this time. The full payment due date, unless otherwise arranged

with Coach Hill, shall be June 1.• • Members of the teams shall remain after equipment checkout for a program meeting. The evening should conclude

around 7:30 pm.

CLEARLY COMMUNICATED• Our intention is to let everyone know their status with the team during the meeting

scheduled for Thursday. Team practices will begin Friday.• • All outdoor workouts will be held on the varsity field at Free State. Indoor workouts will

be held in both gymnasiums and the hitting cages, upstairs, above the main gym.• • Remember, to tryout you must have the following on file at Free State:• A signed physical.• A signed and notarized proof of insurance and medical release form.• A signed tryout agreement.• A concussion/head injury release form.• • If you make the team, you will also need to:• Have a signed Code of Conduct Contract on file in the main office.• Pay your participation fee of $50.00.• Make sure you have your $25.00 activity ticket purchased.

CLEARLY COMMUNICATED• Friday, March 2:• Practice time TBA.• • Saturday, March 3:• Practice time TBA.• • You are responsible for knowing if we are inside or out. If you are uncertain, check the website,

www.freestatebaseball.com• • We will do our best to give everybody 3 opportunities to be judged on the following skills:• Arm strength.• Fielding ability.• Hitting ability.• Hitting power.• 60 yd. Dash.• Bunting.• Pitchers will be evaluated on:• Pitches: Fastball/Change/Curve/Other• Control.• Velocity.• Poise.

CLEARLY COMMUNICATED• This letter has been given to each player who turned in a sign-up sheet. If you are aware of someone who would like to play

but did not sign-up, pass on this information to him and have him call the baseball office. • • If you have questions, feel free to call the school. Information about items that need to be turned in prior to tryouts can be

directed to Deb Carpenter in the Athletics’ office at 832-6050. Other questions can be directed to Coach Hill at 832-6050, or e-mail at mhill@usd497.org.

• • We look forward to seeing you on Monday, February 27.• • • Sincerely,• • • • Coach Hill

CLEARLY COMMUNICATED: Evaluation Sheet

• BASEBALL EVALUATION SHEET• 2012 TRYOUTS• • NAME: _________________________________________• CLASS: _______________• • EVALUATION SCORES:• • HITTING ABILITY: /8 PITCHING VELOCITY: /8• • • • HITTING POWER: /8 PITCH MOVEMENT: /8• • • • BUNTING: /8 CHANGE-UP /8• •

• FIELDING ABILITY: /8 BREAKING BALL /8• • • • THROWING ARM: /8 OTHER /8• • • • 60 YARD DASH: /8 POISE /8• • • TOTAL SCORE: /48 TOTAL /48• • • SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Evaluation #’s: OUTFIELDERS# NAME YR HIT ABL. HIT PWR. FIELD ARM BUNTING 60 TOT. COMMENTS

801 * 12 5 5 5 4 4 4 27802 * 12 3 3 3 3 3 1 16 wild with arm803 * 12 4 4 4 6 4 3 25804 * 11 4 4 4 3 4 3 22805 11 4 3 4 2 5 3 21806 11 3 3 3 1 3 1 14807 11 3 4 4 3 4 1 19808 10 5 5 3 2 4 4 23809 * 10 5 5 4 3 4 1 22810 10 5 5 5 6 4 6 31811 10 4 3 4 3 4 3 21812 10 813 10 3 3 3 1 3 1 14814 10 3 3 3 1 3 2 15815 9 2 2 3 1 3 1 12816 9 2 2 2 2 1817 9 4 4 4 5 4 4 25

818 * 9 3 3 3 2 3 1 15

819 * 9 3 3 3 1 2 1 13820 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 minimal contact821 9 2 2 2 1 2 1 10822 9 2 2 2 1 2 1 10

Evaluation #’s: C and 1B

# NAME YR. HIT ABL. HIT PWR. FIELD ARM BUNTING 60 TOT. COMMENTS

201 12 5 5 4 4 5 3 26

202 11 4 4 5 6 4 4 27

203 10 3 4 4 4 4 2 18

204 9 5 4 3 4 4 1 21 good OF arm/good feet

205 9 2 2 2 2 3 3 14

206 * 9 5 4 3 4 3 1 20 good OF

207 * 9 4 4 3 4 3 2 20 80 from OF

208 9 2 3 2 2 2 1 12

301 * 12 5 5 5 3 4 1 23

302 * 11 3 2 4

303 * 10 4 3 3 1 4 2 17

304 * 9 3 3 3 1 2 1 13

Evaluation #’s: INFIELDERS# NAME YR. HIT ABL. HIT PWR. FIELD ARM BUNTING 60 TOT. COMMENTS

401 * 11 4 5 4 5 4 2 24402 11 403 * 10 4 3 3 1 4 1 16404 10 3 3 3 3 4 1 17405 * 10 3 2 3 1 3 1 13 2b only406 9 2 3 3 1 3 1 13 poor arm407 9 408 9 4 3 3 1 3 1 8 LH hitter/nice bat409 * 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 8 all over on IF410 * 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 14 ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok411 9 2 3 3 1 3 1 13 not bad412 9 2 2 2 1 2 1 10 no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing413 9 2 3 2 1 2 1 11 bp in flip flops

501 * 10 4 4 4 3 4 1 20502 * 10 4 5 4 3 4 3 23503 * 9 4 4 3 4 4 1 20 erratic w arm/good feet504 9 3 3 3 1 2 1 13 accurate w arm/ok rhythm: sb swing505 * 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 14 wild w arm/ok feet: ok arm506 9 2 2 2 1 2 No

Evaluation #’s: INFIELDERS# NAME YR HIT ABL. HIT PWR. FIELD ARM BUNTING 60 TOT. COMMENTS

601 * 11 4 4 5 3 4 2 22

602 * 10 3 3 4 2 3 1 16

603 * 9 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 good arm/ok feet

604 * 9 3 3 3 2 3 2 16 bad arm angle: Move to OF

605 9

606 9

607 * 9

608 * 9 3 4 3 2 3 1 16 good arm/bad slot: good pop w bat

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

1. Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PROGRAM:

* Who should make the team?* Who should play at what level?* Who should play what position?

A system provides your staff with the best insight towards making these decisions.

GENERAL RULES

30+ = All-State Player/Pro-Style Prospect25+ = Varsity Player/College Potential20-25 = Varsity Type Player18-22 = Junior Varsity Type Player16-22 = C Team Type Player15 - = Not Likely to Make the Team

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

2. Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PLAYERS:

* What skills do I need to work on?* What do I do well?* Why am I playing this position?

An evaluation is the best foundation for having a productive discussion with your players

BEST DECISIONS FOR PLAYERS# NAME YR HIT ABL. HIT PWR. FIELD ARM BUNTING 60 TOT. COMMENTS

601 * 11 4 4 5 3 4 2 22

603 * 9 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 good arm/ok feet

602 * 10 3 3 4 2 3 1 16

604 * 9 3 3 3 2 3 2 16 bad arm angle: Move to OF

608 * 9 3 4 3 2 3 1 16 good arm/bad slot: good pop w bat

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

3. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH COLLEGE COACHES AND SCOUTS:

* Why can your player play at my level?* What are positive and negatives?* Quantifies your conversation

An easily communicated evaluation system provides coaches/scouts with your best insights

Communication with College Coaches/Pro Scout

# NAME YR VEL. MVMNT. CH. BB OTHER POISE TOT. COMMENTS

101 12 4 3 4 4 5 20

801 Recruited Guy 12 7 5 4 5 6 27

301 12 4 3 5 3 6 21

803 12 6 4 3 5 5 23

802 12 3 3 3 4 4 17

302 11 1 2 3 2 4 12

401 11 6 5 5 5 5 26

601 11 4 3 4 3 5 19

804 11 3 4 4 6 5 22

303 10 1 4 4 3 4 16

403 10 1 2 2 2 3 10 C team pitcher?

405 10 1 2 2 2 4 11

501 10 3 4 4 3 4 18

502 10 4 3 5 4 4 20

602 10 4 3 3 4 5 19

809 10 3 4 3 3 4 17

Communication with College Coach/Pro Scout

Score Home-1B 60 Yd. Dash Velocity Catcher’s Pop

8 4.0 L, 4.1 R 6.4 & under 86+ 1.8 and below

7 4.1 L, 4.2 R 6.5 – 6.6 83 - 85 1.9

6 4.2 L, 4.3 R 6.7 – 6.8 80 - 82 2.0

5 4.3 L, 4.4 R 6.9 – 7.0 77 - 79 2.1

4 4.4 L, 4.5 R 7.1 – 7.2 74 - 76 2.2

3 4.5 L, 4.6 R 7.3 – 7.4 71 - 73 2.3

2 4.6 L, 4.7 R 7.5 – 7.6 68 - 70 2.4

1 4.7 L, 4.8 R 7.7 & above 65 - 67 2.5

Communication with College Coach/Pro Scout

Score Movement Poise Curve Change Control

8 Excellent movement with strikes

Always composed Excellent movement with strikes

Excellent change of speed and movement with strikes

100% strikes

7 Excellent Movement Excellent movement

Excellent change of speed and movement

90% strikes

6 Good movement with strikes

Usually composed Good movement with strikes

Good change of speed and movement with strikes

80% strikes

5 Good movement Good movement Good change of speed and movement

70% strikes

4 Adequate movement with strikes

Adequate movement with strikes

Adequate change of speed and movement with strikes

50%-69% strikes

3 Adequate movement Seldom Composed Adequate movement

Adequate change of speed and movement

30%-49% strikes

2 No movement with strikes No movement with strikes

No change of speed or movement with strikes

Less than 30% strikes

1 Ball does not move No composure Ball does not move No change No strikes thrown

WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

4. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH PLAYERS, PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATION:

* How could you cut my kid?* Why is this parent calling my office?* Coach: Why did I get cut?

COMMUNICATION: Why you were cut/Your Son/Their Kid

401 11 4 5 4 5 4 2 24

404 10 3 3 3 3 4 1 17

403 10 4 3 3 1 4 1 16

410 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 14 ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok

405 10 3 2 3 1 3 1 13 2b only

406 9 2 3 3 1 3 1 13 poor arm

411 9 2 3 3 1 3 1 13 not bad

413 9 2 3 2 1 2 1 11 bp in flip flops

412 9 2 2 2 1 2 1 10no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing

408 9 4 3 3 1 3 1 8 LH hitter/nice bat

409 Your Son * 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 8 all over on IF

COMMUNICATION: Why you were cut/Your Son/Their Kid #2

401 11 4 5 4 5 4 2 24

404 10 3 3 3 3 4 1 17

403 10 4 3 3 1 4 1 16

410 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 14 ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok

405 10 3 2 3 1 3 1 13 2b only

406 9 2 3 3 1 3 1 13 poor arm

411 9 2 3 3 1 3 1 13 not bad

413 9 2 3 2 1 2 1 11 bp in flip flops

412 9 2 2 2 1 2 1 10 no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing

408 9 4 3 3 1 3 1 8 LH hitter/nice bat

409 9 3 3 3 1 3 1 8 all over on IF

A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION SYSTEM IS VITAL IF YOU TRYOUT OR NOT

1. Quantifies your opinions for less subjectivity.2. Helps determine who makes the team.3. Helps determine who plays at what level.4. Helps determine who plays what position.5. Helps a coach communicate with college

coaches, pro scouts, parents, players and administration.