Softball Coaches Manual. V1.5, April

Transcription

1 Sftball Caches Manual V1.5, April

2 Thank Yu! Caches, Welcme t Attlebr Fastpitch Sftball. Obviusly, yu have made a decisin t vlunteer t help guide the girls f Attlebr Fastpitch and help them alng their pathway t becme mre well runded sftball players and citizens. Frm the caching perspective, we fully realize that yur effrts require a lt f hard wrk and dedicatin. But it is als suppsed t be enjyable, rewarding and fun! This manual prvides suggestins that I hpe will help yu get mre ut f caching, and make the tasks assciated with yur cmmitment easier and mre rewarding. The cmmitment yu have made cannt be taken fr granted. Yu are t be cngratulated and thanked fr yur willingness t help. Beginning with this manual, I want t supprt yur effrts in any way pssible. Please d nt hesitate t cntact me fr anything, at any time. Thank Yu again, and let s get ready t PLAY BALL! Jasn Gittle VP f Sftball, SAGRA/Attlebr FastPitch 1

3 Table f Cntents Purpse f Cach s Manual... 3 Attlebr Fastpitch Philsphy... 3 Preseasn.Getting Ready. Getting Organized Cach Selectin... 4 Team Frmatin... 5 Ntificatin f Team Members... 5 Insurance... 5 CORI Frm... 5 PONY ACES Cach Certificatin... 6 Cncussin/Head Injury Certificatin... 6 Cde f Cnduct... 7 City f Attlebr Cde f Cnduct... 7 Caches Equipment... 7 Suggested Player Equipment... 7 Team Pictures... 8 Rainut Prcedure... 8 Incident Reprting Prcedure... 8 Sample Game Hitting/Fielding Lineup Sheet... 8 Sample Team Phne Tree... 8 League Rules and PONY Rules (Nrtheast Regin)... 8 Key Dates... 8 During Seasn Play Ball Be Organized Sund Caching Fundamentals... 9 Age Divisin Curriculum Shetland 6U and Pint 8U Mustang 10U Brnc 12U and PONY 14U Skill Set Drills Pst Seasn Help the League stay rganized. Equipment Return Playffs and Pizza Party Cnfidential Player Evaluatin Sheet Field Bx and Trailer Keys

4 Purpse f the Cach s Manual Our gal is t prvide caches with a tl that helps prepare them fr caching yuth sftball. That applies t the encuragement f all f ur caches, new r experienced, T Ball (6U) thrugh t 18U, t fcus mre n teaching girls the fundamentals f the game f sftball. We have included a variety f materials including: Sectins n rules f the game Psitinal verviews Practice planning aides Age apprpriate skill sets Cmmunicatin suggestins We suggest that yu view this manual as an ever evlving dcument. Please d nt hesitate t ffer suggestins n items fr inclusin in future versins f this manual. We wuld further suggest that yu read this manual each year yu cach, n matter hw lng yu have been caching. Fr the beginners, this dcument can be a guide, fr the experienced caches it can serve as a reminder t sme very imprtant cre principles (And yu never knw when yu will pick up n sme detail that will help yu). Attlebr Fastpitch Cre Philsphy Our philsphy is ne shared by many f the best rganizatins and caches in sprts: Winning isn't the gal. Learning the fundamentals well is the gal. Fstering enjyment f the game is the gal. Winning cmes frm thse things. The Attlebr Fastpitch gal is t help the girls in ur leagues develp. This includes develpment at sftball skills, develping life skills thrugh sprts and teamwrk, and having fun while ding it. Our hpe is t increase the amunt f time that each girl is interested in playing sftball, giving ur players gd pprtunities t cmpete as they mve up thrugh each level t the best f their abilities. If we can give the girls a gd sftball experience we hpe that an ever increasing number f girls will stay with the Attlebr Fastpitch prgram. 3

5 Preseasn.Getting Ready. Getting Organized Cach Selectin Each year Attlebr Fastpitch Sftball slicits caching staffs fr each f its Recreatinal and Travel teams. We endeavr t pick a Manager (Head Cach), and Assistant Cach and a Team Parent. The jb descriptins are as fllws: Manager: Head f Sftball Operatins fr the Team In charge f develping practice plans, practice schedules game lineups and strategies. Primary cntact with the Attlebr Fastpitch League Prvides guidance t athletes n the fundamentals f sftball and being a member f a team. Assistant Cach: Supprts Manager s practice plans and game strategies Accmplishes tasks f Manager when Manager is nt available Secndary cntact with Attlebr Fastpitch League Prvides guidance t athletes n the fundamentals f sftball and being a member f a team Team Parent: Assists Manager and Assistant Cach with daily activities f the team Primarily keeps cntrl and rganizatin f the dugut Helps tend t minr First Aid issues during practices and games Annunces Lineup and keeps batting rder prepared Is smetimes chsen t cmmunicate changes in schedule Keeper f the Team Phne Tree Organizes parents and cllects cmpleted Cde f Cnduct frms The league typically attempts t cmplete the Caching Rster by the dates f the scheduled Spring Evaluatins. While the decisin is up t the team Manager, the league wuld encurage the Manager t find as many Assistant Caches as needed. Parent participatin is key. In mst cases, returning Managers and Assistant Caches are apprached first, fllwed by a search f new candidates that expressed interest via their child s registratin frm. In rare cases, a Manager r Assistant Cach may be chsen that des nt have any children in the prgram. This will be dne after an interview prcess cnducted by Attlebr Fastpitch Bard members. 4

6 Team Frmatin At an advertised time subsequent t the Registratin Perid, Attlebr Fastpitch will cnduct Player Evaluatins fr purpses f gauging the athlete s sftball skill set. These Evaluatins serve tw purpses: 1. T create, as much as pssible, evenly matched Recreatin teams. Typically, the team selectin prcess will try t create rsters that are similar in ttal player scre and age. Sme cnsideratin is given t spread ut pitchers and catchers evenly amngst the team. It is imprtant t nte that the athletes are nt trying ut fr psitins n Recreatinal teams. All athletes will be placed n a team. 2. T serve as a try ut fr Attlebr Fastpitch s Spring and Summer Travel teams. Nte: The evaluatin criteria and the Spring and Summer Travel team selectin criteria are psted n the league website Ntificatin f Team Members After the Recreatin teams are created, there exists a ne week perid f time in which the Manager s need t cntact their teams and ntify the league f any rster discrepancies. When trading r swapping players t answer a need, all changes must be apprved by the Recreatin Directr and/r the VP f Sftball. Nte: Many players make special requests fr varius reasns regarding team placement. The League s fficial plicy is NOT t hnr any requests fr team placement. Hwever, if the requests can be hnred in such a fashin as t keep t the cmpetitive balance criteria mentined abve, the Bard will endeavr t hnr as many requests that it can. Insurance The Attlebr Fastpitch Sftball League, via SAGRA, purchases a general liability insurance plicy fr the league, its athlete s, and its caches. A cpy f the plicy is available via request thrugh the SAGRA Treasurer and/r President. CORI Requirement Fr the upcming 2014 Sftball Seasn, all Caches and Vlunteers will need t be CORI Checked; CORI frms will be available n SAGRA/Attlebr Fastpitch is registered under the prvisins f M.G.L. c. 6, 172 t receive CORI fr the purpse f screening current and therwise qualified prspective Bard members, managers, caches, and vlunteers. A CORI frm is attached as Appendix #1 5

7 PONY Caching ACE Certificatin Attlebr Fastpitch Sftball is cmmitted t help its caches develp a deeper understanding f the game f sftball as well as psitive caching techniques. All Travel Prgram caches must be certified thrugh the PONY ACE prcess prir t being granted a psitin. In additin, any Attlebr Fastpitch Recreatin Cach wh wishes t gain level 1 certificatin will be reimbursed the $30.00 fee. A cpy f the certificatin must be submitted t the league t be eligible fr reimbursement. Instructins fr getting ACE certified are included as Appendix #2 The ACE (Achieve, Certify, Educate) Caching Certificatin Prgram is a caching certificatin prgram, develped and designed t prvide sftball caches f all levels frm beginning caches t experienced veterans an pprtunity t certify as a cach with a natinal sftball rganizatin. (PONY) The ACE Certificatin vides and the ACE Certificatin Manual are practical guides t the everyday situatins yu will encunter as a yuth sftball cach. After btaining yur ACE certificatin, yu will be well prepared t cach a yuth sftball team. The guiding principles behind the ACE Caching Certificatin Prgram are: A chieve: A certain level f knwledge. C ertify: T cnfirm that a cach has btained a level f understanding ver that which he/she has been tested n. E ducate: T assist with the gathering f knwledge and infrmatin. Heads Up Online Training Curse All Attlebr Fastpitch Caches are required t cmplete the Head s Up Cncussin Training nline curse prir t accepting a caching psitin. The curse is 30 minutes lng, and free f charge. A cpy f the Certificate must be submitted at the preseasn Cach s meeting. Heads Up: Cncussin in Yuth Sprts is a free, nline curse available t caches, parents, and thers helping t keep athletes safe frm cncussin. It features interviews with leading experts, dynamic graphics and interactive exercises, and cmpelling strytelling t help yu recgnize a cncussin and knw hw t respnd if yu think that yur athlete might have a cncussin. Once yu cmplete the training and quiz, yu can print ut a certificate, making it easy t shw yur league r schl yu are ready fr the seasn. Instructins fr cmpleting this n line training are included as Appendix #3 6

8 Cde f Cnduct Prir t the beginning f each seasn, Cach s must distribute and cllect cmpleted Attlebr Fastpitch Cde f Cnduct frms. The frms must be signed by the athlete and a parent/guardian f the athlete. The Cach is required t keep the Cde f Cnduct Frms thrughut the seasn. A Cde f Cnduct Frm is attached as Appendix #4 City f Attlebr Cde f Cnduct The Attlebr Park and Recreatin Department issues Field Use Permits n an annual basis. In rder t btain these permits, Attlebr Fastpitch Sftball must adhere t the City s Cde f Cnduct. A cpy f this plicy is available fr review at Cach s Equipment: Prir t yur first practice yu will be ntified f a day/time t pick up yur equipment. Yu will be issued a caches bag with sme r all f the fllwing: A Screbk Lineup Cards 5 Umpire checks (Hme team pays umpire) PONY Rulebk Catcher s equipment Seasn Schedule 12 age apprpriate sftballs Official Team Rster Thrw dwn bases Player s Equipment: Yu shuld instruct each player t have the fllwing: Sftball glve Cleats (rubber, n metal spikes) Shrts, baseball/sftball pants r athletic pants (n jeans) An apprpriately sized bat Helmet with cage and chin strap (all mandatry) Facemask is encuraged fr use while playing all psitins, but is required fr 1 st Base, 3 rd Base and Pitcher. Attlebr Fastpitch supplies team unifrms such as shirts/visrs r headbands fr recreatin sftball r full unifrms fr travel teams. Muth guard r face masks. Muth guards r a face mask is mandatry fr players with braces 7

9 Team Pictures: Each Year, a team picture day is planned, typically during Opening Day. Participatin in Picture Day is nt ptinal! This is an imprtant event fr ur spnsrs and ALL players and caches must be represented s that plaques can be prvided. Rainuts: The VP f Sftball, alng with the Recreatin Directr, will decide if games are t be played by 4pm (Recreatin Ball). Once a decisin has been made, The VP f Sftball r Recreatin Directr will ensure psting t the website ( and Face bk. An may als be sent ut t the league. A quick warning n rainuts. NEVER assume. The decisin is mre likely t be made based n the cnditin f the fields. The fields at the Suth Attlebr Veteran s Memrial Park rain exceptinally well. Incident reprts: If a player is injured during a practice r game, there is a sprtsmanship issue, a player r cach has been ejected, r there is a significant parent issue; the head cach shuld fill ut an incident reprt and submit it t the directr f the league r the VP f Sftball. Cpies f the frm can be fund n ur website. A Cpy f the Incident Frm is attached as Appendix #5 Hitting and Fielding Line Up: It is strngly recmmended that yu create psitinal and hitting lineup prir t the game. Typically, yu team parent will direct the athletes where they shuld be. This helps ensure a timely turnver frm ffense t defense, and frees the caches up t cach. A Cpy f a Hitting and Fielding Lineup is attached as Appendix #6 Phne Tree: Please have yur team parent develp a Phne Tree. It will be very helpful t be able t launch an effrt t cntact yur team quickly. Rules: PONY Rules are fllwed. In all cases, League rules will supersede thse f PONY Natinal. A Summary cpy f the league rules will be handed ut and will be available n the website. A full set f PONY rules is available in each Field Lckbx. Key Dates A summary f key seasn dates will be issued at the first Cach s meeting. Please keep thse dates in yur team flder attached t this manual. 8

10 During Seasn Play Ball Be Organized Sund Caching Fundamentals Attitude: Be a psitive rle mdel fr the players pliteness, psitive attitude and great sprtsmanship are cntagius! Crrect and Praise. Every time yu crrect smething, prvide psitive reinfrcement. Overpraise lesser experienced players t build cnfidence. Umpires: Dn t argue with umpires during game play. If yu need t discuss smething with an umpire, call time and talk with them quietly n the side. Dn t make a scene. Unsprtsmanlike Parents: Parents sign a cde f cnduct t. If they becme unsprtsmanlike during a game, walk up t them and ask them plitely t keep it under cntrl. If they becme unreasnable ask them t leave the game and remind them f the cde f cnduct they signed. If they cntinue, ignre them and reprt the incident t the Recreatin Directr r VP f Sftball. Parent s expectatins: If a parent is unhappy with the time their child is playing at a certain psitin, be prepared t answer their questins. Give them suggestins f drills fr their child t wrk n t gain mre playing time in the desired psitin. Cmmunicatin: Yu will see this wrd ver and ver in this manual. Cmmunicating with parents and players saves a lt f headaches and ptential hard feelings. Yu cannt ver cmmunicate. Preparing fr a game is critical t success. Cmmunicate with parents n missing players in advance Prepare a line up based n the active player list Set equipment up and keep benches clean Assign ne f the assistants t keep bench area clean Bags hung n fence Helmets in bags r under r behind bench Glves and face masks in bags when nt in use Bats in bags r up against fence Catchers gear behind the bench Benches are fr players t sit and rest NOT equipment Have a set warm up schedule prir t game time: Thrwing (10 minutes) Team stretch (5 minutes) Batting practice (15 minutes) Pitching warm ups (during batting practice/wrk pitchers in and ut f BP) Swap ut batting practice time with a drill t help strengthen the team in a certain area fr imprvement 9

11 Caching during the game. Keep the girls fcused Have a shrt meeting each inning as girls cme ff the field. Dn t be negative abut errrs r ther prblems in the field treat them as learning pprtunities and fcus n them in the next practice. Try nt t cach during the play, especially as girls get lder. Psitining and getting yunger players int the ready psitin as the play starts is imprtant. Train them t get int sftball ready psitins when the pitchers start the wind up. Keep adjustments brief, simple and psitive dn t give cmplex changes as they dn t wrk fcus n ne thing at a time. Dn t Frget the Pst Game. After the game it is imprtant t get the team tgether briefly t talk abut hw things went, and t keep them as encuraged as pssible. Try t leave them n a gd nte, whether a win r a lss. It s gd t ask fr the girls input abut what they did well, what they culd imprve n. It encurages the learning prcess. Ask each f them t pint ut smething that anther teammate did right during the game. If yu chse t give ut incentives after a game (game ball, great play pin. etc) this is the time t d it. Always try t find psitive things t say, bth the typical (pint ut gd hits, gd defensive plays, strikeuts, etc) and the nt s typical (be sure t pint ut hustle, r a player wh is always in the ready psitin as the play starts r is vcally supprtive f teammates, etc.) A helpful tip Always have the team clean up the dugut prir t dismissing the team. 10

12 (6U) T Ball and (8U) Player/Cach Pitch The Apprach: Fr all practical purpses these tw age grups have a similar skill set and experience. Bth are at the beginner level f Fastpitch Sftball and there basically tw gals: Prvide an enjyable sftball experience fr bth the players and the parents t encurage cntinuatin int the next age grup Prvide a slid fundamental understanding f the very basics f Fastpitch Sftball Suggested practice length <60 min (Once a week) Desired Skill Set Outcme: At the end f the seasn, each player shuld fully understand: Safety precautins Equipment management (Keep benches clean) The fundamentals f ball grip, thrwing psitin (skatebard), thrwing mtin and catching The prper bat grip and hitting stance The psitins in the field / and where t stand t play the psitin The basics f running bases, running after every hit (ful r fair) and listening t base caches Health and Safety: Safety Precautins Never swing the bat unless instructed by and in the presence f a cach in designated area. Always make sure yur thrwing partner is watching and ready t receive the ball. It s the thrwers respnsibility t pay attentin. Pre practice stretch Hydrate Makes sure they knw t bring water and keep them drinking and explain why Ensure yu have a first aid kit and ice packs Equipment needs: Helmet with face cage and strap. Batting glves Fielding glve Bat (apprpriate size) Muth guards r fielding masks mandatry fr players with braces. Fielding masks are highly recmmended (Required fr Pitcher, 3 rd base, 1 st Base) Equipment management The bench is fr players t sit n, nt equipment. The fence will hld bags with equipment. If the player des nt have a bag, equipment is placed n the grund behind the bench. 11

13 Shetland 8U and Pint 10U Specific Skills And Descriptins Prmte Hustle Hustle n and ff the field. Hustle t the next base Paying attentin t the game Keep their interest up Keep drills t 5 10 minutes per Utilize ther caches t break int grups if necessary rather than have large grups standing arund and waiting Basics f Fielding: Thrwing a ball prper grip (three fingers n laces). Intrduce ne knee wrist flicks fr prper technique and strengthening f wrist. This drill is als an pprtunity t prmte catching crrectly. (See D 1) Catching a ball hands up! (See D 2)) Teach alligatr, quick hands/ ball up t waste and skatebard ready t thrw psitin (See D 3 D 4 and D 5)) Glve rtatin Glve side / Thumb up Crss ver catch /Thumb Dwn Tp and Basket catch (See D 6 and D 7) Begin teaching the Sftball Ready rutine (See D 8) Pp ups tw hand catching The first fielding practice is t have the player s field and thrw t first. Eventually intrduce thrwing t ther bases with mre experience teams. Basics f Hitting: Safety Precautin: Never swing withut a caches instructin r in designated area Feet shulder width apart (describe batter bx and stance within it) Bat n shulder fr ready psitin (see D 9) Align kncking knuckles (see D 10) Prmte lse grip / play the flute (see D 11) Bend the knees slightly (sit in the invisible chair) Describe the lad and swing Shetland hitting will be frm a tee Basics f Base Running: Running ear t pcket (see D 12) Intrduce base caches Run thrugh first base Run t secnd base making the curl Run all the way hme 12

14 Basics f Pitching (Pint Only): Bth feet n pitching rubber t start spread hip width apart Windmill mtin Snap wrist when ball reaches thigh Arm shuld cntinue fllw thrugh after ball is snapped Advanced: (Fielding) Feet first prmte mvement twards the ball, ALWAYS (See D 8) (Fielding) Think abut what t d if the ball cmes t yu (Fielding)Use the 3 secnd rule players nly need t be alert and in the Ready psitin fr three secnds, starting at the time the pitcher begins her wind up. This can be helpful fr fcusing players wh tend t mentally wander during games. (Fielding) Intrduce the three B s: Ball, Base r Backup. Fielders are always ding ne f the three (Hitting) Avid taking bat t ball several times prir t final swing (Hitting) Pitched ball hitting & bunting (See D 17) (Base running) Frced based running being pushed r nt (Base Running) Fcus n watching and listening t 1st/3rd base caches when running Advanced Practice 30 Minute Scrimmage with caches n the field 13

15 10U Player Pitch The Apprach: Within this age grup caches will find a mix f skill sets frm first year t 3 r even 4 years f experience. It is critical that in the first three r fur practices yu prvide the necessary drills t help the new players catch up t the experienced players. That is nt t say the skills will be at the same level, but the new players need an understanding f skills detailed in Desired Skill Set Outcme in the 6U 8U sectin. Yu are nt alne cach. Get the parents invlved and give them drill instructin fr backyard hmewrk during the week. And ask yur new players if they practicing at hme. Prvide an enjyable sftball experience fr bth the players and the parents t encurage cntinuatin int the next age grup. Prvide a slid fundamental understanding f the basics and sme advanced play f Fastpitch Sftball. Suggested practice length min (Once a week) Desired Skill Set Outcme: At the end f the seasn, each player shuld fully understand: Skill sets detailed in the 6U 8U sectins Offensive strategies such as the strike zne and when t swing and bunting An understanding f the three B s cncept f mvement during a play. Ball, Back up and Base. Nbdy stands arund. Everyne has a jb. Advanced base running such: Leading n every pitch Running thrugh first Nt verrunning secnd and third base Stealing bases Sliding Grund ball/pp up base advancement 14

16 Mustang 10U Specific Skills And Descriptins Prmte Hustle Hustle n and ff the field. Hustle t the next base Paying attentin t the game Keep their interest up Keep drills t minutes per Utilize ther caches t break int grups if necessary rather than have large grups standing arund and waiting Basics f Fielding: Begin skills by reinfrcing / teaching/reinfrcing ball grip, pint and thrw Prmte Sftball Ready Alligatr grund balls with quick up t hips Wrk int skatebard tward thrwing target Reinfrce the understanding f psitins in the field and where t play. Advanced players typically help the lesser experienced girls and yu can prmte that camaraderie. Intrduce frce plays at secnd and third base (where s the play?) Intrduce keeping track f uts and where the thrw shuld g Clean ball exchange frm catcher t pitcher Getting the ball frm in play back int circle (pitcher) Middle infield cverage (2B and SS) during steals Wrk n the three B s Run twards the BALL when hit in yur directin. Never watch it. Get int psitin t the nearest BASE in case f a thrw BACK UP a player r a base if yu can t get t the ball Get right field backing up first, Left backing up third and shrt and secnd understanding base cverage and back up respnsibilities Basics f Base Running: Cmmand f efficient base t base running Teach runners nt t verrun secnd and third base Making the curl hitting first base ging t secnd Hitting the inside crner with inside ft Intrduce signals frm cach Hld and/r advance t next base Leading The pre pitch psitining D it n EVERY pitch (this will need reinfrcement by base caches) Waiting n ball t leave pitchers hand (cnstant reminders by base caches) 15

17 Basics f Base Running (cnt d) Stealing N hesitatin n pitch release Head dwn, lking nly at next base, ear t pcket running, listening t base cach N lking at catcher Sliding / n verrunning next base Knw when there is a frce play and when there isn t Basics f Hitting Safety Precautin: Never swing withut a caches instructin r in designated area Feet shulder width apart (describe batter bx and stance within it) Bat n shulder fr ready psitin (see D 9) Align kncking knuckles (see D 10) Prmte lse grip / play the flute (see D 11) Bend the knees slightly (sit in the invisible chair) Describe the lad and swing Understand the strike zne Dn t wait fr walks, be aggressive when strikes are thrwn ATTACK THE BALL It s an aggressive actin. This is the age t begin prmting that. Basics f Pitching: Bth feet n pitching rubber t start spread hip width apart Windmill mtin Snap wrist when ball reaches thigh Arm shuld cntinue fllw thrugh after ball is snapped Advanced (Fielding) Cutff respnsibilities fr shrt and secnd When t run t utfield Lining up the thrw COMMUNICATION (Fielding) Catchers thrwing runners ut at secnd and third (Fielding) Duble plays, lking fr the extra ut (Fielding) Defending the bunt (Fielding) Hw t thrw t lead base, in frnt f lead runner, never behind (Base Running) Gd Sliding techniques (Base Running) Tagging up (Base Running) Lk t take the extra base first t third thinking duble advancing n drpped/pass balls Advancing n errant thrws t pitcher (Hitting) Prficiency at bunting (Pitching) prficient cmmand f strike zne (Pitching) Intrduce sptting pitches (znes 1 5) 16

18 12U Player Pitch and 14U Player Pitch The Apprach: Within this age grup caches will find a mix f skill sets frm first year t 4 r even 5 years f experience. It is critical that in the first three r fur practices yu prvide the necessary drills t help the new players catch up t the experienced players. That is nt t say the skills will be at the same level, but the new players need an understanding f skills detailed in Desired Skill Set Outcme in the 6U 8U 10U sectins. Yu are nt alne cach. Get the parents invlved and give them drill instructin fr backyard hmewrk during the week. And ask yur new players if they practicing at hme. Prvide a slid fundamental understanding f the basics and sme advanced play f Fastpitch Sftball. Suggested practice length 90 min (Once r Twice a week) Desired Skill Set Outcme: At the end f the seasn, each player shuld fully understand Majr rule changes: Drp third strike, stealing hme, cntinuus steal. Pitchers advancement f pitches and when t use them. (these pitchers are mst likely taking private lessns t learn the pitches but caches help advance the knwledge f what t thrw/when t thrw) Catchers are beginning t call games at these levels with cach assistance and withut. Defense shuld be learning hw t keep base runners frm the delayed steal Understand the imprtance f the clean exchange t the pitcher and the necessity t blck balls at the plate t prevent runner advancement. Knwledge in ffensive game strategies such as the duble steal, cntinuus steal, the delayed steal, the squeeze play, bunting t advance runner, drp third strike advancement, verthrw advancement. Fielders shuld have a slid wrking knwledge f the three B s n defense. Run twards the BALL when hit in yur directin. Never watch it. Get int psitin t the nearest BASE in case f a thrw BACK UP a player r a base if yu can t get t the ball 17

19 Brnc 12U and PONY 14U Specific Skills And Descriptins Reinfrce the understanding f psitins in the field and where t play. Advanced players typically help the lesser experienced girls and yu can prmte that camaraderie. Begin skills by teaching/reinfrcing ball grip, pint and thrw, skatebard, sftball ready, batting stance. Infield Fundamentals in stepping frward, alligatr, quick t hips, skatebard all in ne fluid mtin Defending the bunt with runners n and cleared bases Defending the duble steal Defending the cntinuus steal Defending the suicide squeeze Defending the delayed steal Outfield Run ready psitin with ne ft in frnt f the ther ear t pcket ready. First step back Ging back n fly balls, the crss ver step vs. the sprint Cmmunicatin Hitting the cut ff Backing up the bases Pitching The windmill mtin Hitting spts When t thrw Junk Defense in the psitin Defending the pass ball/wild pitch Catching Psitining fr the steal Blcking the ball Defending the pass ball/wild pitch 18

20 Basics f Base Running Leading The pre pitch psitining D it n EVERY pitch (this will need reinfrcement by base caches) Waiting n ball t leave pitchers hand (cnstant reminders by base caches) Stealing N hesitatin n pitch release Head dwn, lking nly at next base, ear t pcket running, listening t base cach N lking at catcher Sliding / n verrunning next base The delayed steal The cntinuus steal The suicide squeeze Tagging up Basics f Hitting Slap bunt Bunting Squeeze plays Drp third strike effect Advanced Pitchers wrk n 2nd r 3rd pitch upn cmmand f fastball Catcher Signals may be relayed frm the cach thrugh the catcher t facilitate learning Runners/Catchers Stealing & pick ffs Catcher Mastery f blcking/stpping Catcher Call a game independently 19

21 Skill Set Drills D 1 Sftball Grip : Find the C in the sftball stitching. Hld ball s that the tips f index, middle and ring finger verlap a stitch seam. There shuld be separatin f the ball and palm when in crrect psitin. D 2 Sftball ready psitin knees slightly bent, bent at waist, hands in frnt. The tp hand shuld be separated frm the glve. This is called the sftball ready psitin r the alligatr. D 3 Catching: Hld glve in frnt, thrwing hand behind glve, catch with glve, then cver with secnd hand t secure the ball. Cmmunicate the psitin f the glve as ball is thrwn in fur psitins Glve side/crss Over/UP/dwn (basket catch) D 4 Wrist flicks: This is a fantastic drill fr beginners and t crrect pr thrwing mtin with thers. With girls lined tw rws facing their partner players kneel but d nt sit right knee bent, glve n right knee, right elbw in glve, girls flick the ball t a partner, thrwing frm the wrist Teach the girls grip n the laces. D 5 Pint, make the L and thrw: With girls lined up in tw rws facing their partner still in the kneeling (nt sitting) psitin, girls slightly further apart, pint glve hand tward partner, right arm directly behind at a right angle t frm an L, ball facing away frm the player as she thrws t partner D 6 Sft Hands: Pair up players (NO GLOVES) and space abut 8 10 feet apart. In the sftball ready psitin the rll the ball sftly t each ther. The receiver bare hands the ball and accentuates the pickup t the hip, then reciprcates by rlling ball back t their partner. D 7 Skatebard: Split girls int small grups evenly based n the number f caches available. Rll grund balls t them and have them jump t the skatebard psitin each time. Once mastered, challenge them with rlls t either side and practice feet first cncept. up in back, have nly. 20

22 D 8 Grunder Alligatr and Feet First drills: With girls lined up in tw rws facing their partner ball is rlled t partner as a grunder, ther girl catches the grunder with tip f glve tuching the grund and ppsite hand psitined well abve the glve as an alligatr s muth, ppsite hand secures ball in glve An advanced versin f this drill is teaching feet first side t side mvement. Face a player and have her in a sftball ready psitin. First grunder is straight n, she return thrws, cach thrws grunder t glve side. Get her t mve quickly t accept ball straight n. Third thrw is grunder ppsite side. This is the tughest play teaching them t back hand the ball. D 9: Hit ff a tee: Shw player where t stand in relatin t hme plate with tes pinted tward the plate/tee, feet apart When gripping bat middle rw f knuckles (kncking knuckles) n each hand shuld line up (desn t have t be exact) Have the player extend their arms as in mid swing t make sure fat part f bat is centered ver hme plate/tee, adjust feet t crrect the distance The player shuld lad by shifting weight t back ft and then t frnt During swing back ft shuld remain in place, twisting slightly (like squishing a bug ) During swing frnt ft may step frward tward pitching mund but shuld nt step ut tward third base Players shuld keep their eye n the ball (head dwn) at all times during swing D 10 Running Ear t Pcket: Preparatin fr base running. Running lw and arms pumping alternatin ear t pcket. D 10.5 Leading ff a base: There are basically tw acceptable methds. The frnt base lead get the player clsest t the next base. The behind the base leads enables the runner t start the mtin during the pitch, but can t leave until ball is released. 21

23 D 11 Base Running: Run thrugh first with players understanding ear t pcket running skill. Have player pretend t hit the ball and run t first base, the player shuld run at full speed until after she has tagged the range side f the base and is well beynd the base. Once the cncept is understd, intrduce a base cach and teach them ging t secnd base as well. Mix it up s they learn hw t listen t base caches. This is a gd drill t end a practice with. D 12 Base Running Making the turn: Draw a line like a banana curving twards first base. Teach the player t hit the left inside crner f the base and run twards secnd listening t cach. Line up girls at hme and have them run. Cach alternates run thrugh r lk at tw cmmands. D 12 The base running stance and taking a lead. Dn t leave base until ball leaves pitcher s hand. Shw the player hw far f a lead t take and nte base caches will help determine that length depending n situatin. D 13 Base running n fly ball. This is a fun the players have a lt f fun with. D 14 Knw the field and the bases demnstrate the lcatin and tell the name fr each field psitin, have them repeat the name f the psitin, then say a field psitin and have the girls run t that psitin as a grup D 15 Thrw t base fr frce ut: Begin by keeping it simple and making the thrws t first base t recrd an ut. Once mastered, intrduce the cncept f getting the lead runners. Caches shuld let infield knw where t thrw prir t play. This intrduces the very imprtant cncept f NEVER THROW BEHIND THE LEAD RUNNER. D 16 Catching pp ups (thrwing): Begin sft tss pp up drills r even whiffle ball drills t initiate cnfidence. Advance as the level f cmfrt and cnfidence grws. Fr mre skilled athletes increase the height mre t present mre f a challenge. Fr less experience athletes, decrease the height. Fr advanced athletes, 10U and up, hit the ball ff a bat. 22

24 Fr advanced utfield wrk, face the player six feet apart. Cach hlds a ball in thrwing hand. Hld it up t signal start, player shuld step back nce (first step is always back) then cach hlds ball abve head left, then right, alternating while utfield adjusts tracking using crss ver step running backward. After three r fur shifts, thrw the fly ball t the utfielder. D 17 Batting practice Hitting live cach s pitching. Mst everyne knws this drill. Caches pitch t batters fr practice. The trick is t keep all girls invlved. Have sme as base runners and have fielders play as if a game situatin. At yunger levels where there is nt a lt f utfield play, have anther cach wrk with a grup n pp ups, grunders, hitting tee and wrk players in and ut f infield psitins. Keep everyne invlved and mving. Bunting Practice Have the players bunt apprximately 20% f the pitches thrwn t them. Align defense accrdingly fr practice. D 18 Bunting: Pivt, hand slide and bat angle. D 19: Defending the bunt: Catcher and Pitcher have center lane respnsibilities. Third base plays in and has the line First base plays in and has the line Secnd base cvers first Shrt cvers third Left backs up third Right backs up first Center Fielder cvers secnd base (in sme cases LC r RC cvers secnd when fur utfielders are playing) D 20 Infield / Outfield practice: Anther cmmn drill mst caches are familiar with. Place players int psitins and hit t bth infield and utfield frm hme plate. Be sure t tell players the situatin and where the thrw will g. This intrduces the cncept f KNOW WHAT TO DO IF BALL IS HIT TO YOU BEFORE THE PITCH. Be sure t have a pitcher and catcher in psitin and cver bunts. 23

25 D 21 Base running n a pp up This is a drill players have a lt f fun with. Have a runner n at first base. Cach stands between third and hme in the field f play with a ball. Cach thrws ball int the air t themselves. While ball is in the air, runner takes a lead and watches cach. Cach either catches the ball, lets it drp r lets it hit their glve and fall fr an errr. If caught, runner ges back t base. If ball hits the grund, runner tries t advance as a frce play ensues. D 22 Stealing bases Simulate a pitch n the mund. Have girls steal and teach the fllwing. Start in a running psitin when n the base Dn t step ff base until yu are sure ball leaves pitchers hand Get lw and run ear t pcket t the next base D nt lk at anything except the base and base cach in frnt f yu Slide if in the apprpriate skill set Once n the base, then turn attentin t ball r cach fr further advancement until yu are sure play is ver. D 23 Sliding This is a drill where safety is number 1. The player must first be cnfident t be cmfrtable sliding. Shw the sliding psitin in a mtinless seating psitin. Resting n the left thigh n the grund, the left lwer leg shuld be bent while the right leg is straight and n tp f the left ankle. This is called the figure fur psitin. Have players sit and practice this stance. Teach: Mmentum needs t stay frward; Hands UP; in figure 4, cleat n tp leg stays ff grund; Dn t lean back; NEVER head first slide. T practice sliding, btain a brm stick r smething similar. Practice n dirt r grass (n stne dust). Have a cach n either side f the stick hlding it abut chest/belly level f player. Player runs tward stick, grab it t supprt themselves, psitins legs in a figure fur and hit the dirt. There are training aids such as sliding mats that make it easier fr players. Als, in warm weather a slip and slide is a great way t gain cnfidence and enthusiasm in sliding as well as having sme great fun! 24

26 D 24 Fur crners This is an advanced thrwing, receiving and mvement drill. Split yur squad evenly at each base. Fr 12 players put three at hme, three at first, three at secnd and three at third. Start at hme and have the first player thrw t first as hard and accurate as pssible. Once she thrws, she mves t the back f the line at first. The first player at first receives the ball and pivts t thrw t secnd as hard and as accurate as pssible. She then mves t secnd at the back f the line. The bject is t get quick accurate thrws. After a bunch f runds, reverse directin. D 25 Arund the hrn grunders An advanced drill fr agility, strength and stamina. Line up players at third base. First player takes third base psitin. Cach hits a grund and player thrws t hme. Player immediately shifts t shrt and cach hit grunder there. D nt wait fr player t be set. The idea t keep them in mtin. G arund the hrn and hit tw at first base. One in nrmal psitin and ne guarding the line. This intrduces that cncept as well. Fr an intense wrk ut have the player make ne cmplete rund frm third t first, and then make them immediately make a return rund back t third. 25

27 Pst Seasn Help the League Stay Organized. Equipment Return On the afternn f the Recreatin Finals and Pizza Party, all Caching equipment must be returned. A table near the equipment trailer will be set up fr return. This shuld include all issued keys t the equipment trailer and field lck bxes. Timely return f equipment bags is required. This is imprtant as we must make an inventry assessment within a mnth f the end f the seasn. Playffs and Pizza Party The final Saturday f the Recreatin seasn will cnsist f a rund rbin turnament including all Recreatin teams, and an nging Pizza Party. The athletes will receive an award fr their participatin and finish. There is n extra cst, as this event was included in the athlete s registratin fee. Pst Seasn Evaluatin Sheet Beginning in 2014, the Caches will be required submit a simple t use, 1 page evaluatin sheet fr all players n the Recreatin team. The purpses f these evaluatins are several; 1. It will help define age specific areas f skill develpment that can be planned in the ffseasn. 2. It will create a better picture fr the fllwing year s cmpetitive landscape when creating teams. 3. IT will help identify which athletes will benefit frm a mre cmpetitive sftball envirnment. 4. It will ffer the Caches an pprtunity t critique the prgram, ffer advice n imprvement, and cmment n any successes. Remind Them Let them knw that sftball desn t have t end. Attlebr Fastpitch ffers Summer and Fall Leagues, and Winter Training pprtunities! Find Attlebr Fastpitch Sftball n Facebk 26