Greg Geiser greg@geiserlaw.com (763) 412-0870 Game Management
Purpose/Background Develop consistency in the development of players across levels Help new/returning coaches with tips, ideas, skills Ensure that we develop a talented bunch of coaches to help in furthering the goals of the league
Keys to a Successful Season Organization Communication Keep kids engaged, active, and involved
Keys to a Successful Season Organization Be prepared for games and practices-plan ahead Practice - Think about what you want to accomplish at each practice and develop a plan, be detailed and share it with other coaches Game-Write down positions and batting order ahead of time Don t need to show it to team, but can Think about how you are going to handle pitchers/catchers Allow for flexibility for injuries, pitch counts Understand the rules and if you have questions ask for help Know your pitchers pitch count limit before he takes the mound
Keys to a Successful Season Communication Parent Meeting-Starts with Introductory Email and culminates in group meeting Discuss expectations for players and parents Clearly communicate dugout policy coaches and only authorized people, respect the boundaries Identify and communicate additional expectations to coaching staff to ensure consistency 24 hour rule good idea Equipment-what to wear, ie shorts on hot days, etc. Team Parent weekly email outlining practice/games Utilize the ngin calendar and direct parents to it GVLL website has add l information
Keys to a Successful Season Keep kids engaged, active, and involved Utilize stations when possible End practice with a competition/challenge During games assign tasks to bench players Warm up outfielder Warm up pitcher Catch next pitcher in bullpen Ask kids for their input at the end of a practice Find out what drills/games they like
Early Season First practice Establish a set warm-up that you will do at every practice and game- focus on getting arms loose before throwing. Evaluate your players -see what you have, think safety, and determine who can throw strikes, try out everyone, establish guidelines for pitching (6/7 strikes out of 10 at decent velocity)-coach on the side with each player Start right away on team defense, get kids thinking about their positions and moving towards the proper position during a play. Introduce basic signs. Incorporate bunting early when working the defense I always start the season with a team defense handout before practice begins Think about your talent and how you want to handle, bunts, cuts, and first and 3 rd situations Save your pitchers! It is a long season!
Warm-up Don t begin until start time, work together as a team, keep it organized, if kids are early hit grounders and have them put them in a bucket Suggested Warm-Up (Jog, Squats, Jumping Jacks, Pushups) [From Chris Johnson] Throwing progression -15 minutes a. Wrist Flips on knee lead with palm then flip wrist 10 each. b. One Knee-goal post- arms spread in position, nonthrowing elbowpointed to target, throwing hand palm away, focus on follow through 10 each c. Rocker Throw rock into position, focus on arm slot 10 each d. Stationary Throwing focus on technique and proper receiving position e. Build to long toss (with step throw and crow hop) come in to short hop incorporate change up grip
Early Season A typical early season practice plan Warm-up Ground balls, players SS, 2B, bucket at 2 nd Introduce feeds Move to 3 lines w/ throwing, 3B, SS, 2B, and 2 1B (one down the line) Fly Balls, two lines in OF, bucket (no throws) Hit 3 stations, soft toss, t into net, live Player on bucket w/helmet rotates in All balls in field go to bucket End with baserunning
Have a plan Game Time Remember your pitch count limits Differ by age Utilize a magnet/white board/post a line-up for batting order at minimum Use parents for field prep, if first game, get to field earlier than normal to chalk, etc. Remember to bring game balls, have a couple of spares Keep a coaches bag for your stuff
Game Time Have set arrival time 30 min early for 5:30 games 45 min for later or weekend games Plan pregame Cage, heavies, hit-stick, wiffles Throwing progression warm-up Grounders Flyballs If tight for time, a couple less swings Warm-up starting pitcher and catcher 15min before game start-keep it light-10-15 pitches max
Game Time Games are fun, let them play teach/instruct specific things individually after play is over in dugout or after game. Take notes for what to work on in practice Keep a positive attitude Utilize Game Changer for stats www.gc.com
Mid Season Practice (90 mins) Warm-up 15 mins Follow-throw drill 2 rotations Ground Balls Fly Balls Walk through cuts, team defense, correct mistakes Hit, multiple stations When live hitting, 7 swings, 1 st one is a bunt, bunt until it is down Arizona State game
Suggestions/Tips Emphasize effort and attitude Try to keep playing time as fair as possible Not necessarily the same, but fair Some ideas sit everyone for 1 inning, use the inning off to prepare your next pitcher have two kids split time, so not just 1 player playing the least Don t play kids the minimum unless it is for a violation of team rules or behavioral issue In non-league games, move kids around, experiment, rest regular pitching, use them as carrot for the kid that keeps asking to play a given position or to pitch [some teams are very good, so keep kids safe]
Suggestions/Tips Respect the umpires and never use them as an excuse If you are in majors, these are the same umpires for allstars and they remember you-trust me! Ask for help if you need it Use the little league coaching tools www.littleagueu.org Go to youtube for drills, suggestions Utilize buckets for fielding drills, when throwing isn t the emphasis and to keep things organized Utilize all of your coaches and the batting cages, if available
Suggestions/Tips Practice everything at least once Including running on and off of the field Have kids put hats in gloves and get first baseman/centerfielder to put balls in their gloves for next inning Make the dugout your sanctuary Limit distractions and keep kids focused I have restricted sunflower seeds if kids can t hands out of back pocket Throw strikes however you need to keep practice moving Use L-screen and move close, underhand, pitching catapult in shed Keep all the reps the same, don t keep throwing until contact Lower levels, work on throwing to their bat If you can t fungo consistently, roll the ball
Suggestions/Tips Equipment I always use Lots of balls and buckets, typically 2 full buckets of balls and four empty buckets Soft toss net Adjustable T Wiffle Balls Heavy Balls Fungo On light days or hitting only days, play some music during the BP session Utilize nets or screens to protect players & coaches Go to a Twins game early and watch
Field Maintenance Guidelines Golden Rule: Leave the field in the condition you would want it in at the beginning of your next game Every team will have field maintenance responsibilities at every practice or game
Field Maintenance Guidelines NEVER ALLOW YOUR PLAYERS TO HIT BASEBALLS INTO THE FENCE (The league has provided teams with nets for tee and soft toss work) No exception, if you see anyone doing it you are responsible for stopping it
Field Maintenance Guidelines All equipment should be replaced to the correct location If you are the last manager leaving Isaacson, verify that the concession stand is sealed and locked as well
TIPS Drag mats should be kept 12 from turf KEEP THE DIRT OFF THE GRASS To avoid creating lips and edges along the baselines, rake/drag from the plate towards the base Players raking, monitor them and inspect the field after they are done
Practices When there is practice AFTER yours Estimated time 10-15 minutes When you are the last team of the day Estimated 20-30 minutes
Game Day Who is responsible for the field prep and clean up Chalking the fields
Questions/Comments/Ideas