Coaching Course READ FIRST 1. DOWNLOADABLE NOTES: SAVE THIS FILE some place on your computer where you ll be able to find it. Be sure to make note of the folder and location where you save it, so you can find these notes again later. PRINT THIS DOCUMENT out now and use the space provided on the right hand side of each slide image to jot down your own notes as you watch the online training. 2. WORKING WITHIN THE TRAINING: This training video now lives in your account on. To access the training video just: a. Go to b. Login to your account (My Account up along the top menu bar) c. Go to View Files & Training d. Click on the Product Name (i.e. Softball Excellence/Little League Coaching Course Level 1) View Files/Launch Training e. On the right-hand side of the screen click on View Video How to watch online training again: The viewable portion of this training now lives in your account on. So once you login to your account on, you can watch the video whenever you want and as many times as you want. To access the video training, follow the steps in a.-e. above. How to skip within the various sections of the training: Simply hover over the training until the Table of Contents appears then just click on one of the Section Titles along the left-hand side of the screen to jump to that section. How to pause and play any part of this eclinic: Click on one of the commands in the lower left section of the screen to either pause (double line), stop (black square) or play (black arrow). How do I see how long this course is: In the lower right hand corner of the player you can see the total duration of this course as well as the elapsed time (how far into this section you are).
Softball Excellence/Little League Coaching Course Level 3 Level 3 Coaching Course Section: COMMUNICATION Working with Parents Overview Eliminate Surprises & Mystery Understand Each Perspective Courtesy & Respect Schedules Costs Expectations Hold a Meeting All Rights Reserved 1
Eliminate Surprises & Mystery Remember How Much You Know Share What Matters Information Up-Front Helps Meeting Emails Phone* Perspective COACHES Team is #1, and Players are #2. PLAYERS They are #1, and? is #2. PARENTS Their child is #1, sometimes also #2, and Team is #3. Since Perspective is Different, View of Team Will Be Different! Parent Partners Courtesy & Respect 48 hr (or 24 hr) Dead Period: Won t Talk to the Coach About Game/Practice Before I Won t Talk About You to Her You Won t Talk About Me to Her We ll Talk to Each Other if Questions We ll Both Talk to Her with Kindness Period!* All Rights Reserved 2
Schedules Practice Schedule Dates, Locations, Directions Game Schedule Dates, Locations, Directions Post-Season Tournament Possibilities Dates, Locations, Directions Also: How Getting There? Costs Involved?* Costs Team Costs, if any Travel Costs Equipment Needs/Costs Other Expenses Requirements Give Money Help Raise Money* Expectations Transportation Costs/Fundraising Attendance Behavior Players & Parents Practices & Games Playing Time Discussions Is it an Option? Put Them In Writing Parents Sign & Agree? All Rights Reserved 3
Hold a Parent s Meeting Team Rules: Treat Everyone Fairly, Not Equally. They Aren t Equal Missed Practices or Games Playing Time Discuss 4 Rules for Communication: Solution Not Problem Remove Emotion Before Talking Discuss with Person First Before Others Communicate Personally The SIGNALS (?) Welcome their Support (of the rules, their kid, other kids, you, the team )* Communication Review Eliminate Surprises: Schedules Costs Expectations Each Perspective Hold a Meeting Everything Signals Communication Parent Partners Level 3 Coaching Course Section: THROWING All Rights Reserved 4
Tosses Around Bases Overview Forehand Toss Backhand Toss Kneel & Pivot Toss Forehand Toss Occurs When: Player Too Close for a Regular Throw Player is Moving Toward Base No Time for Regular Throw Keys: Bend at Waist Stay Down Show Ball - Open Hand to Target Toss is Straight, No Loop Backhand Toss Occurs When: Player Close or In Front of Base No Time for Regular Throw Usually 2 nd Base to SS Keys: Bend at Waist Stay Down Point Elbow/Palm to Target Swing From Elbow but Explode Palm to Target Show Ball - Open Hand to Target Toss is Straight, No Loop All Rights Reserved 5
Kneel & Pivot Toss Occurs When: Player Farther From Base Player Moving Away from Base Keys: Drop on Glove Knee, Turn Chest to Base Overhand Dart-Throw Toss Toss is Straight, No Loop Throwing Review Stay Down & Toss Straight Forehand Toss: Show Ball Open Hand to Target Backhand Toss: Point Elbow/Palm to Target Swing From Elbow & Open Hand to Target Kneel & Pivot Toss: Drop on Glove Knee, Turn Chest to Base Overhand Dart-Throw Toss Level 3 Coaching Course Section: FIELDING All Rights Reserved 6
Fielding Overview Infield Covering a Base Force Plays Tag Plays Outfield Groundballs Game NOT On the Line Game On the Line Force Play (Infield) Throw from Outfield or Infield: Go to Throw-Side of Base Make Room for the Runner Give Big Target Toes on Base vs Heel INCORRECT INCORRECT Tag Play (Infield) Tag Runner, Not Base Cleats: Metal Tag & Get Out Rubber Hold Tag Longer Straddle Baseline: Feet Each Side Base Path Bend at Knees Better Position to Block Stagger Baseline: Both Feet to Ball-Side Bend at Knees Watch for Slide-Around All Rights Reserved 7
Infield Review Force Plays: Go to Throw-Side of Base Make Room for the Runner Give Big Target Toes on Base Tag Plays: Straddle Baseline Stagger Baseline Bend at Knees Tag & Get Out Groundballs Game Not on Line (Outfield) 2 Methods - Bend at Waist Riskier For Balls By You Can Track Ball Longer Faster for Any Throw Get Low Early Drop Down Knee Safer From Balls Getting By Slower Slower for Throw Wait to See Ball Path Block the Hole! Groundballs Game on the Line (Outfield) Bend at Waist Risk Removed Make Play or Lose Game! Faster Matters! SEE Ball into Glove Get Ball & Come Up Firing! All Rights Reserved 8
Outfield Review Groundballs Game NOT on Line: Bend at Waist Riskier for balls getting past Drop Down Knee Safer from balls getting past Groundballs Game on Line: Bend at Waist Risk removed make play or lose game! Faster Matters! Level 3 Coaching Course Section: HITTING Hitting Review Level 1 Hands Start Near Back Shoulder Soft Step Hands Back Slight Foot Plants Hands, Front Elbow Straight Forward Barrel to the Ball Contact: Palm Up, Palm Down By Front Foot Swing Direction Forward, not Twisting Sideways Long, Strong Follow Through All Rights Reserved 9
Lack of Power Overview Causes Corrections Causes of Lack of Power Short Hitting Zone & Short Follow Through Turning Hands with Chest Short-Arming the Follow Through No Weight Transfer Squishing the Bug Power Corrections Load to Explode Down or Back Cock Hands Stride & Stretch Long Hitting Zone & Follow Through All Rights Reserved 10
Hitting Review Lack of Power Causes: Short Hitting Zone No Weight Transfer Short Follow Through Power Corrections: Load to Explode Long Forward Hitting Zone for Hands Follow Through to Pitcher Level 3 Coaching Course Section: BUNTING and BASERUNNING Bunting and Baserunning Overview Bunting: Basehit Bunt Baserunning: Feet First Slide Pop Up Slide Head First Slide Hand Hook Slide All Rights Reserved 11
Basehit Bunt (Bunting) Start Bunt As Pitcher s Stride Hits Ground Top Hand Slides Chest Turns Toward Ball Bat In Front of Chest Bunt Before Run Sliding - Basics (Baserunning) If in Doubt, Don t Slide Slide Early Get as Flat as Possible Hands Should Go Back, Not Down Tuck Chin (feet first) Always Wear Helmet Head First Slides are approved for the Junior Division & above Sliding Feet First (Baserunning) Slide Early Tuck One Foot, Throw Other in Front Hands Go Up or Back, Not Down Batting gloves in hands/dirt can help Lie Back & Tuck Chin All Rights Reserved 12
Sliding Pop Up (Baserunning) Slide Early, Keep Upper Body Up At Base - Throw Hands & Head Forward Stand Up & Find Ball Lying Back for Feet First Sliding Head First (Baserunning) Slide Early Get Low and Long Reach Out & Chin Up Use Forearms & Thighs Slide Away from Throw Head First Slides are approved for the Junior Division and above Sliding Hand Hook (Baserunning) Feet First Basics Start a Little Later Slide Away from Ball/Fielder Slide Past Base & Grab with Hand Same as Old Hook Slide, Safer on Knees All Rights Reserved 13
Bunting & Sliding Review Basehit Bunt: Show at Last Minute Top Hand Slides Bunt Before Run Feet First Slide & Pop Up & Hand Hook: If in Doubt, Don t Slide Slide Early & Get Flat Get as Flat as Possible Hands Back & Tuck Chin Head First: Use Forearms & Thighs Wear Helmet! Level 3 Coaching Course Section: PITCHING Pitching Review Level 1 Start: Body Drives Forward Stride: Long and Strong Arm Circle: Long and Relaxed In Line to Target Fastest at Release Release: Fast and Forward Body is Upright Follow Through: Long and Strong All Rights Reserved 14
Pitching Overview Primary Speed Factor Secondary Factors Speed Inhibitors Primary Speed Factor Hand Speed at Release is the Main Factor! The Only Body Part Touching the Ball Can t Throw Underhand (or Overhand) Without Using the Hand Fast Follow-Through Helps Fast Hand Faster Release, Faster Pitch Ball Goes in Proportion to Hand Speed at Release* Secondary Speed Factors Other Things Can Impact Speed: Feet/Stride Weight Transfer Follow Through But They re All Helpers to the Hand If Taught as Primary Factors Speed is Not as Great None Touch the Ball & Ball is What the Pitcher is Trying to Control! All Rights Reserved 15
Speed Inhibitors Tension Rushing Beginning Arm Swing Hip Turn Lack of Power Transfer Small Step Weight Stays Middle Weight Ends Back Elbow Up Follow Through Pitching Review Primary Speed Factor Hand Speed at Release Secondary Factors Stride/Feet Weight Transfer Follow Through Speed Inhibitors Tension Rushing Hip Turn Lack of Power Transfer Elbow Up Follow Through More Speed Help For More Help on Increasing Speed eclinic: Improving Your Pitcher s Speed DVD: Breaking Down the Pitching Motion Fastball Mechanics All Rights Reserved 16
Level 3 Coaching Course Section: CATCHING Catching Overview Ready Position with Runner/s on Base Fast Feet Fast Hands Catching Times Ready Position with Runners On Higher Ready Position Hips Higher Chest Toward Plate Expect Runner to Run Catch First, Then Throw* All Rights Reserved 17
Fast Feet Feet Explode into Throw Throwing Speed s in the Feet* Pop & Replace Pop Out, Stay Low Forward & Low Replace Your Feet, Don t Skip A Race, Not a Dance* Fast Hands Release Speed is Main Goal Shortest Clock Wind Possible Catch, Split & Explode* All Rights Reserved 18
Catching Times Touch to Touch Times: EXCELLENT = 1.6 sec or less GOOD = 1.8 sec AVE. COLLEGE = 1.9 sec to 2.1 AVE. HS = 2.3 Catching Review: Ready Position with Runner/s on Base Slightly Higher Ready Position Expect Runner to Run Catch First, Then Throw Fast Feet Throwing Speed is in the Feet Feet Explode into Throwing Position Pop & Release into Throw Shorten Up Arm Circle Release Speed is Main Goal Shortest Clock Wind Possible Catch, Split & Explode Level 3 Coaching Course Section: GAME STRATEGY All Rights Reserved 19
Game Strategy Overview 3 B s of Defensive Coverage Throw to 2 nd Rule of 3 3 Main Bunt Coverages 3 B s of Defensive Coverage Ball Base Backup Rule of 3 for Throws to 2 nd Throw Goes to 1 st Base if: Fielder Takes More than 3 Steps Ball Bounces More than 3 Times All Rights Reserved 20
Bunt Coverage - Corners In (Cone) USE: Batter Will Likely Bunt SS has to hold to play the batter for a hit/slap, then cover 2nd for steal + bunt. LF 3B is open & will have to be covered By LF, P, 3B or C SS 3B CF P C 1B 2B RF STRENGTHS: 2 bases covered (1 st & 2 nd ) 3 outfielders 4 short game fielders Bunt Coverage WEAKNESS: 3 rd base is open SS has to be quick & disciplined Bunt Coverage - 1 st Base Back (1 Back) 2B can play USE: Slapper or Lefty Hitter Up deeper & more up the middle, and, since 1B is back 2B can also help CF cover 2B on a steal. RF 2B LF SS can play the batter & doesn t have to worry about covering 2B. SS covers 3rd on a bunt in case the Runner at 1st tries to go from 1 st to 3 rd on a bunt. SS 3B P C 1B P must cover bunts on 1B side since 1B is back & holding runner close STRENGTHS: 3 bases covered (1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd ) 3 outfielders 3 short game fielders 1B at 1 st incase of slap (anchor) WEAKNESS: P must cover bunts down the 1B side SS has to be quick to hold for hit & also cover 3rd on bunt Bunt Coverage - 3 rd Base Back (3 Back) USE: R Power Hitter Up, Speed at 1st LF 3B is back with more time to react to hits & cover 3rd on bunt if Runner goes from 1st to 3 rd (fast runner at 1 st ) SS 3B P must cover bunts down the left-field line. CF P 1B C Since 3B is back SS can play deeper & more up the middle, & can cover 2nd on a steal 2B RF STRENGTHS: 3 bases covered (1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd ) 3 rd is covered if runner goes from 1 st to 3 rd on Bunt 3 outfielders 3 short game fielders WEAKNESS: P must cover bunt on 3B side vulnerable to soft slaps on left side All Rights Reserved 21
Game Strategy Review Go to 1 st If: 3 Steps to Ball 3 Bounces Corners In (Cone) If: Batter Will Likely Bunt Trying to get out at 2 nd 1 st Base Back If: Slapper Lefty Hitter Up 3 rd Base Back If: R Power Hitter Up Speed at 1 st SS 3B 2B P 1B C More Bunt Defense Help For More Help on Bunt Defenses eclinic: Essential Bunt Defenses Level 3 Coaching Course Section: PRACTICE All Rights Reserved 22
Practice Overview 1% Rule 100% Rule 1% Rule Get 1% Better From Today s Practice! Makes Improvement Seem Possible Adds Up: 30% better after a month Effort & Results: Go from 5/10 to 6/10 effort Get Specific Individually 1% Better At: Backhands in the Hole Throwing Changeups for K s When Behind Pitch Selection for 1 st Swing Team 1% Better At: 1 st Back Bunt Defense Times on Home to 1st SS 2B 3B P 1B C All Rights Reserved 23
100% Rule Give 100% of Whatever % You Have Today! 110% Isn t Realistic 100% of 70%, 75%, 80%, 60%... Demand It! From You From Them Not Just Game Day Effort: Practice Giving Effort Out Effort the Other Team Effort Through the End Practice Review Make Improvement Possible by 1% & 100% Rules Get 1% Better Every Day! Give 100% of Whatever You Have That Day! All Rights Reserved 24