Coaches Corner is where you can learn from Pitt's Head Coaches about their sport. Today, we have some advice from Softball Coach Michelle Phalen.
Q: What should I eat before a big game?
A: Carbohydrates like pasta and bread are great for sustaining energy and you should be sure to drink plenty of fluids like water to insure proper hydration prior to activity. Try not to eat anything that may upset your stomach.
Q: How long do I need to sleep the night before a big game?
A: As a general rule 8 hours should be sufficient, but if you usually sleep longer you should stick to your usual schedule.
Q: What is your favorite drill to run at practice?
A: We like to do full-field situations. We have everyone in their positions and then we set up a variety of situations to play out. For instance, a runner is placed at 2nd base with no outs and we challenge our centerfielder to throw her out at home.
Q: How do you select team captains?
A: The team votes on them.
Q: How do you get your team pumped up for a game?
A: We have a pre-game speech to go over some key points and try to just let them be themselves. The looser the team is the better.
Q: What do you say to your team after a loss?
A: We go over the things that we could have done better and encourage the girls to learn from their mistakes. We try to focus on the positives as much as possible.
Q: What is your practice schedule like?
A: We practice year round usually for 2 hours or so each day. Our off-season practice schedule is a little less demanding than our in-season practice schedule.
Q: Who makes sure that your team is doing well in the classroom during the season?
A: Our coaching staff with the help of our academic advisor keeps a close watch on the teams' grades throughout the entire year.
Q: Who do you look up to as your role model?
A: I look at my former coaches as my role models in coaching--they have given me great ideas on how to best run my team. My Mom has been the best role model for me in every aspect of my life--and lessons I learned from her also work well in dealing with my team.
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