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Subject: Coaching Tips
Posted by: Khahan
- [411211610] Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 19:24
I've been asked to be a head coach for 5 year olds t-ball team. This will be my first coaching 'job' at any level (though, luckily, I have experience working with kids (5 year olds included).
I'll need to teach them the absolute basics:
This is a bat. This is a ball. Swing the ball at the bat. Catch the ball. Throw the ball to first.
Does anybody have any good drills? I don't necessarily need pointers on what to teach them (I know the basics about stance, keep your eye on the ball, chin on shoulder to swing etc). Just some suggestions on drills to use for teaching tools, keeping in mind these will be 5 year olds. |
| 1 | J
Leader
ID: 049346417
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 21:34
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Swing the ball at the bat?
Sounds like you'd be a bad pitching coach :)
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| 2 | Khahan
ID: 411211610
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 21:49
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Heh. I missed that one. Guess I'd better pay more attention during practice. 5 years are a lot less forgiving.
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| 3 | FRICK
Donor
ID: 3410101718
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 22:14
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In high school I used to umpire games. If you are dealing with 5-year olds I would work on learning the rules and what each position is supposed to do. Rotate the kids through all of the positions during practices and games.
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| 4 | Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 22:16
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TEE BALL DRILLS AND GAMES
These are effective drills from successful programs around the country. Given the ages and attention spans of the participants, it is important that these activities also have fun content. Here are 15 to consider. They cover defense [catching, fielding ground and fly balls, throwing] and running. The best drill for hitting is batting practice.
"Bounce to the Bucket." Large basket or cooler put on a base. Fielders try to throw and bounce the ball into the open container.. Can be done as a game with 10 points for getting the ball in, 5 for hitting the bucket and 1 point for the nearest bounce, no matter where the ball ends up. This drill/game teaches throwing from the outfield or infield to a base.
"Catch." Two or more players play catch. Keep score of the number of successful catches.
"Catching Contest." Players are in pairs and throw the ball back and forth between each other. Last pair that has not dropped a ball wins.
"Catching Flies." Hit or throw fly balls to fielders by using a soft baseball, rubber ball or tennis ball. Repetition and practice are the key
to success.
"Catch the Coach." Coach runs from home plate to first base. After a few steps, couch shouts "tag me" to a player holding a ball, who runs after the
coach and tries to tag him out. Coach to decide where/when/if the runner is successful.
"Catch the Players." Coach starts four or more players about 10 seconds apart from home plate to circle the bases. Coach starts last, trying to tag
the players [alternate: snatch off their caps.]
"Crab Drill." Player is in basic fielding set position stance, crouched forward with glove open and down. Player takes three or four steps as coach rolls the ball.
"Crow Hop." Classic throwing drill. Player takes a short step and a hop in the direction of the intended throw.
"Distraction." Coach rolls the ball to a fielder, but another player runs in front of the fielder and tries to break the fielder's concentration on
catching the ball.
"Dive." Coach throws or hits ball to one side or the other of a fielder, who has to dive to make the catch. Then, throw to 1st base.
"Just Block It." Coach hits ball directly to a fielder. Emphasis is on stopping the ball from getting through to the outfield. OK to just block
the ball; [better, of course, to catch it.] Can be a game with a point scored from every block, two for a catch and zero if the ball is not stopped
"One and Two." Two players play catch. Thrower scores 2 points if ball is ball is caught at or above the shoulders. 1 point if caught between waist and shoulders. No points if caught below the waist or not caught. First player to score 10 points wins.
"Run Down." Two fielders and a runner, who tries to run from one base to another without getting tagged out. Participants rotate positions.
"Scoop or Pick-up." Two players [or two rows of players] line up about 10 feet apart. From kneeling position, one player rolls the ball to the other. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
"Track Meet." Two players at home plate. At the "start", one runs to 3rd base, the other to 1st base. They continue running [in opposite directions] around the bases. First one to return to home plate wins. Note: to avoid collisions, instruct the runner that begins via 1st base to touch 2nd base from the outside corner; the other runner, coming from 3rd base, touches the inside corner of 2nd base.
COACHING TEE BALL TEAMS - A CHECKLIST
The following checklist outlines instructional actions by position that should be repeated in
practice sessions during the tee ball season. It is equally valid as a reference for experienced coaches.
First base
Show where 1st baseperson is to stand when no runner is on base and when one is on the base.
Practice fielding plays; ball thrown to 1B by infielders.
Second base
Position player in place, anticipating action. Practice fielding plays; such as, tagging a runner out.
Shortstops
Show positions: one between 1B and 2B; the other between 2B and 3B.
Practice action; such as, fielding balls and throwing to 1B or 2B for an out.
Third base
Show position, anticipating action. Practice action; such as, player diving to knock down ball.
Pitcher
[Stands in pitcher's area but acts as an infielder.] Practice action; such as, fielding ball and throwing to 1B.
Catcher
[Stands behind and away from home plate until ball is hit]
Demonstrate: after ball is hit, adult removes tee and bat; catcher moves up to cover plate.
Practice actions: catcher tagging base runner out, catcher throwing to 1B.
General infield activity
Staying behind Playing Line until the ball is hit.
Catching short fly balls.
Field balls and throwing to a base or to home plate.
Tagging runners on the base path.
Relaying a ball from an outfielder to a base; to the catcher at home plate.
Outfielders [there may be five or more]
Position players.
Practice catching fly balls in a crowd. "I've got it"
Practice catching ground balls and throwing to infield.
Have one outfielder receive relay from another and throwing to an infielder.
Batter
Give basic hitting instructions.
Practice hitting ball, then dropping bat properly and running to first.
Base Runners
Instruct actions at 1B [Coach at 1B signals to run past base or to turn and go on to 2B]
Instruct that forced runner on base must advance, non-forced runner can hold position on base, player on base watch what next batter does; where the ball goes.
Bench
Team sits, encouraging the batter.
Coach talks to team: Listen for instructions. Play fair; follow the rules. Have fun.
Coach talking to team, after the game:
Summarize team's activity. Specifics, not generalities.
Recognize progress. Note any humorous thing that happened.
No public criticism; as necessary, take player aside.
What's next [practice at home, next team practice and game schedule; tell parents.
Other comments, as appropriate.
COACHING TEE BALL SKILLS - A CHECKLIST
Here are concise and convenient reference of key points to be covered in the instruction of basic skills: hitting, fielding, throwing and running, This outline was developed as a reminder for experienced coaches and as a guide for coaches new to the sport. The actions listed are equally important for boys and girls beginning tee ball and for those wanting/needing to improve their existing skills.
Hitting: The starting point for any hitter is finding the right bat size. Have the player grip the bat at the end of the handle and lift it, with arm fully extended, straight out from their body. They should be able to hold it level with ground for 3 seconds without wobbling or shaking. If they cannot then find a lighter bat.
A good training aid can be useful to help a beginner learn the proper stance in the batter’s box. Try a flat piece of rubber approximately 19” long and 5” wide, like the pitching rubber that is included with many “practice bases”. Place the aid in relation to the tee where you want the toes of the batter, feet shoulder width apart. This will allow the player to assume the proper position quickly and with minimal assistance.
Improve hitting power for a young player by helping them get the feel of using their hips during their swing. Use this drill as they are warming up during hitting practice. Have the batter place a bat behind their waist, horizontal to the ground. While holding an end of the bat in each hand, assume a normal batting stance. Lift the lead leg as they would in a normal swinging stride and let them turn their hips using the bat. Try this several times before batting.
For the safety of your players, set a rule during the first practice that no player is to pick up a bat during practices or games unless instructed to do so by a coach. Young players get excited and start swinging bats without paying attention to others around them. Also, remind your players to never go near another player that is holding a bat.
Batting -- the stance, swing and follow-through
Adjust the tee with ball set even to the hitter's waist.
1. Face tee with feet spread shoulder-width apart.
2. Bend knees, body in slight crouch.
3. Weight on balls of feet.
4. Grip bat; hands together above knob.
5. Hold bat firmly; don't squeeze.
6. Bring bat up and away from the body.
7. Keep shoulders level; bat and head steady.
8. Eyes on the ball.
9. Short step with the front foot at start of swing.
10. Swing level and bring the bat through the center of the ball.
11. Watch bat hit ball; keep head down.
12. Weight shifts to front foot; back foot stays on the ground.
13. Extend arms and follow through; swing around.
14. Drop the bat; do not throw it
Key points: eyes on the ball, no cross-handed hold, position of feet
stride [weight shift], rotation, the swing.
Fielding: With groups of three or four, teach beginners how to field by
showing them the proper hand and body position for fielding grounders. With their gloves off, have them hold their hands in front of them and place their pinkies side-by-side, in a cupped position. Next, demonstrate for them how to bend their knees and get their hands near the ground while keeping their pinkies together. Remind the players to keep their backs as straight as possible. With their gloves still off, hand-roll grounders to them from eight to ten yards away. Roll it as slow as necessary for them to be successful. By trying this drill at first without gloves, it will allow you and the players to make sure that their pinkies are together and with palms up. Let them have several turns and then try it.
To help young players develop quick hands and learn to hustle for a past ball, use a fun drill that encourages speed. Have three or four players line up side-by-side with enough space between them that they can’t touch each other with their arms out. From about ten yards away have a coach hand-roll balls to each one, in order, as many times as they can in one minute. Count how many balls they can field and throw back during that minute. Do it again and try to increase the number each time you do it. Have them run for passed balls and make it fun with their gloves.
Fielding Ground Balls
Eyes on the ball.
Watch the ball go into the glove.
Cover the ball with the other hand
Stand legs apart, shoulder-width or wider.
Bend knees. Get low. Lean forward.
Run to the ball.
Keep body in front of ball.
Glove low to the ground.
Scoop or catch the ball and cover it.
Fielding Fly Balls
Run to where the ball is going.
Call for the ball: "I've got it."
Stop and wait for the ball.
Hands together, fingers up, shoulder high or over the head.
Watch ball into the glove and cover.
Fielding Thrown Balls
Bend knees slightly.
Watch the ball.
On a ball thrown to player above the waist:
Hands together facing out; thumbs up.
Catch and cover.
On a ball thrown below the waist:
Hands together facing down; little
fingers touching.
Catch and cover.
Throwing: Ask your players to point the “bill” of their cap toward their target before and during the throw. That will help them focus on their target. using the same hand position as before. Foot position is critical for consistency in throwing. Make sure your players are stepping and pointing their lead foot at the target. The lead foot is always the one on their glove side. Call it their “pointer” foot to help them remember its purpose. When giving instruction on the throwing motion, assist them with the moves and demonstrate for them. Then let them mimic the motion on their own to get the feel of it.
Throwing
Grip and motion
Thumb under the ball.
Two or three fingers on top.
Don't worry about the seams.
Eyes on the target.
Legs apart; foot on throwing arm side behind the body.
Arm back and up, front shoulder turned toward target.
Step toward target with foot opposite the throwing arm.
Right-hander with left foot; left-hander with right foot.
Push off on back foot as throw begins; end with weight on forward foot.
Release the ball in front of body and follow through.
Running: Remember that beginning players don’t know to run to first base after the ball is hit. Try something very simple that teaches them base running skills. At the end of every practice, line up all the players on the first base side of home plate. During their first practice just let them take one turn running to first base and all the way around the bases and back home without stopping. Make sure the players in line at home plate are not blocking the runner’s path. With each practice, add something else.
Add base coaches at first and third and stop the runners randomly at different bases. That will get them used to watching for instruction from their coaches and the need to be on a base when they stop. Later, let them hold a bat before they start and be sure they drop it at the plate when they run. This seems very basic but for beginning players, it really does help.
One good way to get runners in the habit of running through first base is to have a base coach give the runner a signal when they should run through the base. Have the first base coach stand about four feet past the base and give the runner a high five when they pass by. Have another signal for rounding the base to advance to second base.
Base running
Run on the balls of the feet. Pump arms back and forth. After the ball is hit Run behind the tee, unless left-handed.
Look at first base, not where the ball has gone.
Run outside the foul line.
Run straight through first base; don't jump on it or slow down.
Watch and listen to coach for instructions.
When on base Keep one foot touching the base until the next batter hits the ball.
Lean forward; when ball is hit, push off base.
Know where the ball is.
When passing a base, try to touch it on the side without stopping.
Sliding:
Start about four to five feet from the base.
Arms up, fingers bent, chin down.
Bend one leg under the other.
Lower leg hits the ground, then the butt and back.
Top leg [the extended one] touches the base.
No head-first sliding.
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| 5 | Tom Emanksi
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 22:23
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Just buy my DVD!!!
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| 6 | Perm Dude
Dude
ID: 030792616
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 23:16
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Christ, Mike D!
I've coached t-ball and baseball with kids, and I find it's much more important to teach fielding than hitting at that age. The self-control and confidence the kids get from staying in position and fielding balls helps them in hitting.
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| 7 | Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Thu, Mar 02, 2006, 23:28
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Hey, it was a copy and paste job from my old Word documents......anal, I know, but I still have stuff like that.
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| 8 | revvingparson
Sustainer
ID: 059856912
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 07:24
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Mike you forgot the number one rule to learn trade, trade, trade...:)
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| 9 | GO
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 07:28
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You can trade when you are a little league manager? I think I may need to look into this!
Hey Mike, I am looking for more speed - you need a little more pop in the middle of your order - lets make a deal and the post-game hot dog and soda are on me! :)
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| 10 | Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 251116277
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 08:19
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My experience with groups of 5 year-olds is that you can expect it to usually take 10 minutes to get their collective attention for about 3 minutes.
So pick drills that can work within that limitation.
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| 11 | Mike D
Leader
ID: 41831612
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 09:31
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Yeah, and they LOVE running the bases, even if just solo at the end of practice. And the parents appreciate it too. Tires them out (a little).
GO and Rev, great stuff. Little League is all about rules, rules, and rules, unfortunately. Though I've made draft day trades, which is ok. ;)
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| 12 | Khahan
ID: 411211610
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 10:44
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Would it be wrong of me to trade my daughter?
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| 13 | JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 11:09
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Great info. Just remember, if the kids have fun, they will enjoy the practice and get more out of it.
I have a 7 year old daughter who was in t-ball last year and I was the assistant coach. This season they move up a level and the coaches pitch to the kids. I definitely agree about the running the bases being the thing they liked the best.
One thing our coach did at the beginning of every practice before stretches, he got everyone in a circle and asked the kids what was their favorite part of the prior practice or game. It helps since you still want to make it as fun as possible. Plus you can see what you can use as a reward and say something like 'Ok Yankees (or fill in team name), as soon as each of you field 5 grounders without dropping, you can all run the bases'.
Oh, and make sure each parent knows that each kid should come to practice with a water bottle, and have a different parent bring munchkins or something comparable for the kids at the end of practice. Bring a few extra waters for the kids who forget.
And of course, make sure you have bandaids, ice packs, and other first aid essentials with you.
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| 14 | angryCHAIR
Donor
ID: 98192416
Fri, Mar 03, 2006, 14:48
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Try to mix live pitching every other game or something.
I feel T-ball is great, but seeing the ball come in betters
ones hitting in the long run. Honestly, you often have to
aim fo rtheir bats, but they are still highly successful. I
am assuming they cannot strikeout.??? Anyways, have
fun.
Oh yeah, they do love to run the wrong way around the
bases...put a parent at each base.
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