Anyone can recognize obvious baseball skills, but an effective coach recognizes latent talent that just needs proper training and nurturing. As you evaluate players, note physical and mental ability, and choose players who have positive attitudes that promote good sportsmanship. If possible, check with a player's former coaches to determine long-term performance and attitude.
Skills
The basic baseball skills players should have are fielding, throwing strength and accuracy, running and hitting. Fielding is the ability to catch the ball and throw it to the correct location on the field. The importance of throwing depends on the position -- outfielders must throw long distances, while infielders must throw rapidly and accurately. Running fast is important for getting to the ball and circling the bases. Hitting well is not just hitting far. Effective baseball players know when hitting a grounder to drive a runner home is a better choice than trying to hit a home run, which risks an easy out.
Special Skills
Evaluate pitchers and catchers based on their ability to meet the special requirements of their positions, as well as their basic baseball skills. Pitchers should have good throwing form, or they risk injuring themselves. They should throw accurately and fast, and should demonstrate an ability to make good strategic choices. For example, a pitcher must know when to use a curve ball to fool a player and when to blast a fastball past the batter. Catchers must work well with the pitcher. Effective pitchers and catchers communicate what types of pitches are coming up so they are ready to react quickly. Catchers also should be able to throw far and fast enough to send the ball quickly to the other three bases.
Attitude
Attitude and a willingness to learn and cooperate are just as important as position skills. During the tryout, watch how players react to your commands. If a player responds quickly when you call and is eager to comply with your instructions, chances are that player will be a worthwhile addition to your team. Players also must work together well, so avoid players who spend more time showing off their individual skills than helping the team as a whole to succeed.
Considerations
You are building a team, so evaluate each player by their suitability for specific positions, as well as general abilities. For example, a shortstop needs to be fast and agile, while an outfielder needs to be an effective distance thrower. When you sit down to decide who will make the cut, visualize how prospective players would add to the overall effectiveness of the team. After that, choose the players who demonstrate the greatest potential and ability.
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