Summer Shouldn’t Burn You Out

Summer is your chance to breathe, but also a chance to build. 

You don’t need expensive clinics, travel tournaments, or packed schedules to develop your players, staff, or program. Some of the best improvements come from simple, intentional actions done consistently. 

This week, we’re focusing on low-stress, low-cost ideas to keep your team moving forward without draining your energy.

Today's Staff Meeting at a Glance:

• Player Development - Build Baseball IQ the Simple Way

• Coach Development - Strengthen Roles Before Fall

• Program Development - Improve the Community Connection

• Head Coach Development - Mini Project Ideas

Player Development: Build Baseball IQ the Simple Way

You don’t need a field or facility to develop smarter players.

Key Idea: Summer baseball IQ is built through small doses of consistent learning.

Action Step:
Send out a weekly video breakdown or quiz based on a pro or college game. Ask players to answer one simple question: What would YOU do here? Encourage them to reply via text or a team app. It keeps them thinking — even when they’re away from the field.

I used to record every game of the College World Series and as I watched the game, I would have a pad and pen and write down the game, inning, outs, and the situation that would be a great lesson to show the team.

Staff Development: Strengthen Roles Before Fall

Summer is the best time to develop your coaching staff, without meetings or stress.

Key Idea: When everyone knows their role, your team runs smoother.

Action Step:
Have each assistant reflect and write down two things:

1. What they loved doing last season.

2. What they'd like more ownership of next season.

Then, do a quick one-on-one call to align. No pressure—just clarity.

Program Development: Improve with a Community Connection

No budget? No problem. Community matters.

Key Idea: A strong local presence builds pride and long-term support.

Action Step:
Organize one simple volunteer event: players help with a youth camp, assist at a community day, or clean up a local park in your gear. It’s free, fast, and builds leadership, relationships, and visibility.

Head Coach Growth: Take On a Mini Project for Yourself

Growth doesn’t have to mean grind.

Key Idea: A short, focused summer project helps you reset and grow without stress.

Action Step:
Choose a mini project with a personal payoff. Examples:

• Redesign your team handbook.

• Here is an editable team handbook you can copy

• Read one leadership book and journal takeaways.

• Let me share a journal you can use

• Organize your notes into a coaching portfolio.

• Start archiving your files using this binder

• Create 5 preloaded practice plans for next season.

• Get a head start using this practice template for free

  Block off 30 minutes a week. That’s it. Make it enjoyable. It’s your time to grow.