Instructional Coaching Guide March 2018 Final Version 2.0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The purpose of this coaching guide is to provide the Girls Softball League of Westfield (GSLW) Travel and Recreational League coaches with a framework to teach softball fundamentals. Our objective is to ensure that coaches use the same terminology and emphasize techniques in a consistent manner as they instruct players at every age group. This guide contains detail that outlines what is essential for players to learn by the time they enter high school. However, this guide was written in a manner where the age-appropriate basics can be extracted from every section. The GSLW will offer clinics on a regular basis in order to provide guidance relating to this guide to those who are interested in coaching. On behalf of the GSLW Board of Directors, we would like to thank the following people for their commitment and dedication to our softball program and for their significant contributions to this instructional guide - Becky Antonelli Jody D Amato Kathy Hrycyna Caitlin Macdonald Cyndil Matthew Maryann Soares We hope that all GSLW coaches find this guide useful. Thank you for volunteering and welcome to the GSLW. Joe Verga, GSLW President Tony Borg, GSLW Vice President and Travel Director 2
Table of Contents Section 1 Coaching Principles p.4 Section 2 Throwing p.7 Section 3 Fielding p.9 Section 4 Batting p.12 Section 5 Base Running p.19 Section 6 Pitching p.21 Section 7 Playing the Catcher s Position p.24 Section 8 Practices p.28 Appendix - Base Running Terminology p.30 3
Section 1 Coaching Principles 1. Be yourself a. Different styles can be effective b. Find a way to make a connection to the team 2. Always demonstrate good sportsmanship a. We expect a high-level of behavior with all people you interact with (League officials, umpires, opposing coaches, opposing parents, Westfield parents, etc.) b. Never argue judgment calls with an umpire c. Use discretion to ask an umpire for clarification of a call that involves rule interpretation d. Think of ways to avoid running up a score e. Openly compliment good plays made by the opposing team f. Be thoughtful about how to handle opposing coaches who cross the line i) Decide when it is necessary address your team, or to do nothing 3. Be thoughtful with your staff selection a. Select those with complimentary skill sets b. Aim for gender mix 4. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to every coach a. Establish Rules of the Road for games (e.g., setting defense, situational reminders, calling out to team when ball is in play) b. There should be an On-Deck coach for every Rec and Travel game c. Solicit assistance from non-coach parents for pre-game warm-ups and practices 5. Coach the whole team, not just the best players a. If the least skilled players on your team have a positive experience, then you did your job 6. Make decisions based upon what you think is best for the team (and the players individually) a. Solicit input from the staff (e.g., lineup options) b. Solicit candid feedback from the staff about your own daughter s skills c. Deal with parent challenges honestly, transparently and objectively i) Bring concerns raised by parents/players/umpires/opposing coaches to the attention of your League or Travel Director 4
7. Emphasize maximizing individual and team potential a. Under-emphasize wins and loses (leave that to the chalk talk amongst the coaches!) b. Be a better coach to your team during and after a loss than during and after a win 8. Encourage and reinforce a. Establish a culture whereby teammates encourage each other to get the next one after a player makes an error or strikes out b. Explain your rationale for making a tough decision to the impacted player 9. Make it fun a. Find ways to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere to help players stay loose, for example - i) End practices with a contest ii) Play music during warm-ups Equipment Bag requirements a. It is a common courtesy for coaches to clean out the equipment bags before returning them. You should only return equipment that was provided to you at the beginning of the season. Please discard trash, old raffle tickets, water bottles, old lineups, used scorebooks and ice packs, etc. b. In the event that equipment is damaged, inform the GSLW Director of Operations Equipment and Uniform (EquipmentOperations@westfieldsoftball.org) so it can be replaced immediately c. Contact the GSLW Director of Player Development (PlayerDevelopment@westfieldsoftball.org) should you have any questions about the practical usage of the practice equipment 5
Safety Reminders 1. Every coaching staff must include at least one person who is Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. certified 2. Batting helmets must have facemasks for players in every age group 3. Players must wear batting helmets during batting tee and base running drills 4. The GSLW does not require players to wear facemasks in the field, but we do recommend it for all 8s and 10s and for pitchers in every age group 5. All players, in every age group, must wear a catchers mask/helmet when warming up pitchers in practices and games 6. DO NOT put a player in the infield if you believe there is a safety risk (especially at 3B and 1B). Notify your League or Travel Director in the event that you make this decision for any player on your team. 7. Make sure that the players adhere to any restrictions in place for taking practice swings (e.g., no practice swings in an on-deck circle that is not caged in). Instruct the 8s that they are not allowed to swing a bat during a practice unless supervised by a coach. 8. The players should not slide head first, except when getting back to a base (e.g. pick off attempt) 9. Remind the players that it is the base runners responsibility to avoid contact with a fielder 10. Remind the players that fielders must relinquish a base (standing clear of the base) if the fielder does not have a play on the base runner Safety Video This video covers five essential topics that parents and athletes need to be familiar with in the event of an emergency on the field - http://www.sportssafety.org/programs/parentvideo 6
Section 2 - Throwing 1. Four Seam Grip a. Find C shaped seams on the ball b. Index, middle and ring fingertips across the seam on the top half of the C c. Thumb on opposite seam on bottom half of the C 2. Crow Hop into Stance a. Short, jab, step with throwing-side foot towards the target. Toes land at 2:00. b. Full step with glove-side foot towards the target. Toes land at 1:00. 3. Stance a. Waist should be in an open stance (glove side hip facing target) b. Point glove at target c. Throwing arm in L shape directly behind ear i) Throwing elbow is the same level as the shoulder ii) Ball pointed away from thrower, knuckles facing thrower iii) Wrist cocked back 4. Throw a. Wrist snap over the top while pulling glove hand down and closing the waist i) Wrist snap should be straight down, to create backward rotation on the ball (correct if ball spins side to side) b. Waist should be in a closed stance at follow through (square to target) i) Follow through so the throwing arm should finish on the outside of the glove side hip 7
Recommended Drills Wrist Snap Progression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcn3azy8gdy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqbf3nimkae Wrist Snap Specialized Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vhipl-imbm Full Motion Throwing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpph2d1t9iy 8
Section 3 - Fielding 1. Catching the Ball a. Hold both hands with palms facing the thrower, shoulder height, with thumbs straight up and a few inches apart from each other ( W shape with hands) b. Arms should be a little more than half-way extended towards the thrower c. Position glove square to the line from which the ball is approaching (for backhanders as well) d. Look ball into glove and close glove with throwing hand (do not twist glove sideways as ball enters glove) 2. Infield (Grounders) a. Constant foot movement on pre-pitch. Stay loose. b. Softball-ready (ready) position as pitcher starts windup (do not go into ready position too soon) i) Glove low (the closer the fielder is to the batter, the closer the glove should be to the ground) ii) Throwing hand out in front, above the glove, with the back of the hand aimed towards the face c. Move feet to square up and center the body to the ball as it approaches d. Gradually lower body/glove when charging a grounder e. With glove scraping the dirt, field the ball out in front of legs (not in between legs) 9
f. Get set with glove shoulder pointed to target as fielding the grounder g. Short/Long hops i) Avoid in-between hops if possible ii) Stretch for (throw to 1B) or approach (while fielding grounders) short hop and position the glove slightly ahead of where you anticipate the ball to hit the ground. Catch the ball as soon as it trajects upwards. iii) For long hops, stay in ready position with glove low and raise glove to the level of the ball as the ball approaches you (i.e., wait for the hop without stretching or reaching) 3. Infield (Pop Ups) a. See Section 3: 3.2.a. and 3.2.b. b. Track the ball and determine landing spot c. Run towards landing spot with both arms pumping by your side (do not run with glove hand raised in the air) d. Call for the ball, but back off the ball and relinquish to any outfielder if she calls for it. It is the outfielder s ball if she calls for it at any time. e. Plant feet at landing spot f. Position glove extended above shoulder height, glove facing straight up towards the ball g. Look ball into glove and close glove with throwing hand (do not turn glove as ball enters glove) 4. Outfield (Fly Balls) a. See Section 3: 3.2.a. b. Ready position as pitcher starts windup - i) One foot set back, whichever is more comfortable c. Drop step and angle back (no backpedaling) d. Track the ball and determine landing spot (do not break for the ball after your drop step until you track it delay a split second if you have to) e. See Section 3: 3.3.c. - g. 5. Outfield (Ground Balls) a. Get your body squarely behind the ball b. Drop to one knee for safety stop c. Look ball into glove and close glove with throwing hand 10
Recommended Drills Clock Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uowc9wmhd0y Triangle Fielding Progression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmjqolk4vos Charging Ball and Short-hops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqnxjb7c5s Advance Skill Reps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdwfdr4gluq Selecting Glove Sizes The following is a guide to help select glove sizes - Player s Age Glove Size (inches) 11-14 11.50-12.50 9, 10 10.25 11.25 7, 8 8.00 10.00 11
Section 4 - Batting Section 4.1 - Hitting 1. Create your own batting routine a. Positive thinking and visualize 1 2. Grip a. Door knocking knuckles - line up the knuckles of both hands used to knock on a door 3. Stance a. Jump Into The Box - the stance is similar to when bracing to land after jumping i) Knees bent ii) Feet slightly wider than shoulders iii) Bend slightly forward from the waist b. Elbows make a V shape (do not raise back elbow like a baseball stance) c. Hands aligned slightly beyond back shoulder d. Bat at 45 o angle to the ground e. BOTH eyes facing the pitcher 4. Load a. Shift weight to back leg as pitcher begins windup b. Rest front foot on the ground without supporting any weight (as if you were stepping on an egg without trying to crack it) 1 See instructional video on p.16. 12
5. Soft Step a. To start the swing, keep front foot closed and softly step no more than 6 towards the pitcher, landing on the big toe. It is essential to keep the weight on the back leg after taking this step. 6. Back Knee Drive a. Use hips and torso when swinging by twisting hard on the ball of your back foot, with back knee slightly bent (Note: some coaches refer to this move as Squishing the Bug, which could imply to simply turn the back foot. Instead, emphasize driving off the back foot and knee and tightening the quad muscle) b. Front leg extended with knee straight 7. Hands to the Ball and Stay Inside the Ball a. Bottom hand - i) Pull bat knob towards the ball ii) Snap from the elbow straight out (Visual: like throwing a Frisbee) b. Top hand - i) Guides the bat towards the ball, with back elbow tucked up against back hip (Visual: like skimming a rock on a pond) c. Throw the Bat Head at the Ball i) Maximize bat speed by snapping the barrel of the bat right to the ball. SQUARE UP TO THE BALL AT CONTACT. d. Hit the ball out in front where hands and arms are fully extended 13
i) Bat head is approx. 12 ahead of both hands on contact for pitches on inside half of plate, a few inches less for pitches on outside half of plate 8. Follow Through a. Bat goes right from contact to over the shoulder, with hips square to the pitcher Common swing flaws and recommended corrective drills 1. Improper Weight Shift: The batter shifts all of her weight to her front leg as she swings, instead of turning and keeping her weight on the back leg. If the batter s head is over her front knee after her follow through, she improperly shifted her weight forward. Corrective Drill: a. Stand behind the batter at a batting tee with a five-foot batting stick. Place the ball-end of the stick several inches away from the batter s front ear (closest to the pitcher). b. Have the batter swing and her helmet should not touch the ball on the stick after she follows through. The batter s head should finish above her back knee after her follow through, front knee straight, back knee bent, just like this - 2. Casting: The batter s arms extend to the ball prematurely (she doesn t stay inside the ball throughout her back knee drive, until she snaps the bat head through the ball) Corrective Drill: a. Practice one arm swings with back arm, keeping back elbow tucked against the hip until she snaps the barrel of the bat to the ball Corrective Drill: 14
a. Face the batter at a batting tee, on the other side of home plate, while holding a batting stick. Stand far enough away from the batter so the ball-end of the stick is approximately 12 from the ball on the tee. The ball-end of the stick will, in essence, be a few inches off the outside corner of the plate, from the player s perspective). b. Have the player take a swing at the ball on the tee. If the player hits the ball-end of the batting stick, then she casted prematurely and did not stay inside the ball until she snapped the bat head through the ball on the tee. 3. Dropping hands/upper cut: The batter drops her hands below the plane of the ball as she starts her swing and then uppercuts to hit the ball ( baseball swing ) Corrective Drill: a. Practice one arm swings with the front arm, pulling the bat knob to the ball on its exact plane Corrective Drill: a. Place one batting tee directly behind another, with the tees at the same height and in line facing the pitcher. Place a wiffle ball on both tees. The batter should swing and, if her swing is level, she will hit both balls cleanly off of each tee. 4. Long swing: The batter pulls her hands too far back from her stance as she starts her swing, as if she is reaching back to generate more power ( baseball swing ) Corrective Drill: a. Use a batting tee to practice taking the hands directly to the ball, with the back elbow tucked against the hip, without pulling hands back from stance (Swing should be compact, with bat speed generated by hip and torso turn, quick hands to the ball and wrist snap). Instructional video: 15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on-hx6suieu Section 4.2 - Slap Hitting 1. See Section 4: 4.1.1-3 2. Drop Step a. Drop front foot back slightly and half way towards back foot, planting the front foot at 45 o angle towards pitcher 3. Cross Over Step a. Cross the back leg ahead of the front foot, planting the back foot so the toes face the pitcher b. Keep hips and hands together (aligned with back shoulder) on cross over step 4. Pull bat knob towards ball, keeping the bat head behind wrists (create bat lag ) 5. Break wrists to constitute a swing (as opposed to a bunt attempt), while tucking chin to back shoulder on contact with ball Instructional Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmmab84h174 16
Section 4.3 - Bunting 1. Stance a. As soon as the pitcher starts her windup, square feet towards the pitcher (feet can be side by side, or back leg staggers behind the front leg, as per picture below). Either way, feet (and waist) face the pitcher. When fake bunting, square earlier (i.e., when the pitcher gets set on the rubber) and toes should touch the inside line of the batters box in order to crowd home plate. b. Knees slightly bent c. Slide top hand to just above the bat grip, in between thumb and inside of tucked index finger. Other fingers tucked under. d. Hold the barrel at the top of the strike zone (slightly below shoulder height) with the bat head slightly above the level of the bat knob e. Position the bat out in front of the plate (cheat up in the batters box if necessary) 2. Striking the Ball a. NEVER attempt to bunt a ball that is pitched above the level that you are holding the bat b. Bend your knees to bring the bat down to the plane of the pitched ball (as opposed to moving your hands downward to bunt the ball) c. Aim to strike the top half of the ball with the bottom half of the bat d. As the ball makes contact with the bat, pull your bat back slightly (DO NOT STAB AT THE BALL), on the same plane as the ball (with soft hands, as if you are trying to catch the ball) e. Break for first base AFTER the bat makes contact with the ball 17
Bat Selection Before purchasing a bat, check the length and the weight of the bat. The difference between the length, in inches, and the weight, in ounces, is called the drop. So, a 30 inch bat that weighs 18 ounces will have a drop of 12. The ideal drop is 12 or 13. For reference, the current GSLW HS softball coach has indicated that almost all of her players use bats that are 20 ounces, therefore, unless a player can clearly handle a heavier bat, we recommend that the players in the GSLW use a bat that is 20 ounces or lighter. Start by measuring the appropriate bat length. Have the player extend an arm (directly to her right or left, not straight ahead) shoulder height and parallel to the ground. Place the knob of the bat at the middle of the chest of the player. Extend the tip of the bat to the end of the arm that is extended. The tip of the bat should be no more than an inch or so beyond (or before) the tip of the player s middle finger on the extended arm. Once the bat length is determined, use the general guide below to select the corresponding weight of the bat. If the player cannot hold that bat with one arm fully extended for 15 seconds, it is too heavy. Player s Age Bat Length (inches) Bat Weight (ounces) 13, 14 33 21/20 12, 13 32 20/19 11, 12 31 19/18 9, 10 30 18/17 8, 9 29 17/16 7, 8 28/27 16/15 18
Section 5 - Base Running 2 Westfield High School 9th Grade Softball Essentials 3 1. Stance when on base a. Left heel on base, left toes on dirt, facing the next base. Right foot flush to dirt, a half step behind left foot, facing next base 2. Never give yourself up. Get into a run down or stop (don t back up). 3. See line drives THROUGH the infield before advancing 4. Be aggressive on passed/bobbled balls 5. Do not return to a base until the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitcher s circle (Be ready to run if there is a bad throw back to the pitcher) 6. Run everything out. Always touch 1B no matter what. 7. Avoid contact with fielders 8. Slide by base/plate and touch base/plate with hand when necessary 9. Make good cuts (round as you approach each base when advancing to the next base) 10. Situational (always have players wear batting helmets during base running drills) a. Runner on 1 st and 3 rd ; Walk with runner on 3 rd i) Runner stealing 2 nd should jog to draw throw, then get into a rundown long enough to allow runner on 3 rd to score b. Runner on 1 st, less than two outs i) Foul Ball in air: Tag up! ii) Ground ball: Go, runner is forced iii) Line drive: Freeze and see ball through infield before advancing iv) Fly to RF: Stay at lead length, turn to face ball v) Fly to CF: Advance a few steps from your lead, face the ball vi) Fly to LF: Advance half way to 2B, face the ball c. Runner on 2 nd, less than two outs i) Foul Ball in air: Tag up! ii) Ground ball behind you (middle or right side of infield): Go iii) Ground ball in front of you (left side of infield): Wait for throw and go, or stay, based on depth of infielder, how hard the ball is hit, etc. iv) Fly to RF: Tag up 2 See Appendix A for base running terminology and guidance on taking leads. 3 Westfield HS 9 th Grade Softball Essentials throughout this manual are predominantly sourced from Caitlin Macdonald, Westfield High School Head Softball Coach. 19
v) Fly to CF: Stay at lead length, turn to face ball vi) Fly to LF: Advance a few steps from your lead, face the ball d. Runner on 3 rd, less than two outs i) Fair OR Foul pop up/fly ball: Tag up! ii) Grounder to pitcher: Wait for the throw and hold iii) Grounder to 2B: Go, unless 2B is playing in iv) Grounder to SS/3B: Wait for the throw and go, or stay, based on depth of infielder, how hard the ball is hit, etc. Go if SS is playing deep. v) Slow grounder to any infield position: Go, if runner gets a good jump vi) Passed balls/wild pitches: Depends on game situation. Runner should consult with 3B coach before the batter steps into the box. 20
Section 6 - Pitching 4 1. Grip: See Section 2: 2.1. 2. Stance 5 a. Feet shoulder width apart, right heel on rubber on the Power Line, toes of left foot on the rubber b. Hands apart (we recommend holding the ball in the throwing hand, especially for beginners) 3. Start Motion a. Weight on right foot, rock back on left foot (do not lean back) b. Bring two hands together approximately 4 under chin (keep this movement simple) 4. Weight Transfer Forward/Load a. Rock forward b. Keep two hands together while sliding them straight down along shirt into the load position c. Separate arms, reach back and finish in an X position i) Right arm stays long, do not lock right elbow d. Bend right knee and bend forward at the waist e. Push down on the ball of the right foot, keeping it straight as weight is transferred forward f. Hips are closed (waist square to home plate) 4 Predominantly sourced from Softball Pitching Jody D Amato, NJ Fastpitch. 5 Instructions are for a right-handed pitcher throughout this section. Reverse footwork for a left-handed pitcher. 21
5. Stride/Land a. Lift left knee and raise both arms up at the same time i) Glove pointed towards target b. Pivot right foot so the outside of the foot is square up against the rubber c. Turn hips to open position (waist facing square to 3B) d. DRIVE right foot forward off rubber e. Land left foot on Power Line, with toes pointing at a 1:00 angle from the line f. Keep head straight throughout windup, until the ball is released Note: At this point in the pitching motion, as the pitcher completes her stride, she should be in the K position, just like this - 6. Drag a. Ball in right hand should be facing 3B, with wrist cocked i) Lead with right pinky as right arm comes down from X position ii) As both arms come down together, brush right arm against the front of the right leg b. Drag the ball of right foot on the dirt straight ahead on the Power Line c. Lift the right foot off the ground, ending behind the left calf 22
7. Release/Follow Through a. As the right arm brushes against the front of the right leg, keep the fingers behind the ball through release. This should be the case if the pitcher leads with the pinky as stated above. Visualize pointing the inside of the right wrist towards the catcher. b. Whip the arm through and release the ball just ahead of the hip c. Keep right arm loose on follow through, finishing with the elbow pointed towards the batter d. Stand tall on release, do not bend waist e. Hips finish in closed position (facing square to home plate) f. Set yourself to ready position Westfield HS 9th Grade Essentials 1. Always have a sweaty warm-up 2. Aggressively field your position on bunts, pop-ups and grounders. It is your ball until someone calls you off 3. When the batter squares to bunt, throw a high fastball 4. Change ups are most effective when they are shown early, avoided in the middle and reappear late 5. Pitch out of the strike zone when the count is 0-2 or 1-2 6. Don t be afraid to throw inside Instructional Video (Advanced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzojfaucgei 23
Section 7 Playing the Catcher s Position 6 1. Stance a. Feet slightly wider than hips b. Elbows aligned with or slightly outside the knees c. Protect throwing hand by making a fist, tuck thumb inside fist and place throwing hand behind glove (preferable to placing the throwing hand on player s back) d. Down position until pitcher starts wind up e. Up position (weight on balls of your feet, back almost parallel to ground) on every pitch, just before pitcher starts wind up 6 This section is dedicated to the late, great, Thurman Munson. 24
2. Receiving the Ball a. Catch the ball just in front of the knees. Do not extend arms towards hitting area. b. Catch the ball while remaining in your stance, if possible (e.g., do not stand up on low pitches) 3. Throwing a. Base Stealing i) Explode from stance ii) Quickly plant throwing foot, step toward target with glove foot iii) Ball behind ear (adjust to grip the seam if you can) iv) Snap overhand throw with follow through, on a line v) Look runners back and make good pump fakes with runners on base (Base runner may tip off whether she is looking to break on pick off attempt, or go back to the bag). Consult with coach to get guidance on when/if coach wants you to try to pick off runners. vi) Consult with coach to get guidance on what to do when a batter walks with a runner on 3B (to address runner continuance to 2B). b. Bunts/Balls hit in front of home i) Explode from stance ii) Circle the ball so your feet are positioned towards the base that you will be throwing to as you field the ball iii) If ball is still rolling, place glove ahead of ball as you field it iv) If ball has stopped rolling, pick up the ball with two hands c. Don t get lazy on throws back to the pitcher. Stand up and throw back to the pitcher when runners are on base. Watch delayed steals. Remind 2B to back up your throws. 4. Balls in the Dirt a. Drop to both knees b. Tuck chin c. Glove grounded between legs and pointed down, throwing hand behind glove d. For inside/outside pitches, step out with lead leg and drop back knee towards the ground e. Keep shoulders square towards pitcher in order to have ball deflect in front of body f. Block the ball, do not try to catch it. 25
5. Plays at Home a. Force play i) Set receiving position (1) Throwing foot on the front of the plate, glove foot in fair territory (2) Give big target in fair territory, especially for throws from 1B and 3B ii) Stretch towards throw as ball approaches and then step off plate towards infield after catching the ball b. Tag play i) Set receiving position (1) Left heel against the front corner of the plate on 3B side, left foot just inside and parallel to the foul line, toes pointing towards 3B (2) Crouch and give low target ii) Receive the throw (1) Receive ball while in receiving position for balls that reach home on a fly and for balls that come in on a LONG HOP. (2) For balls that come in on SHORT HOP, leave the receiving position and go get the ball by catching it on a fly (to prevent a short hop) and then bring the ball back to make the tag iii) After taking the throw, drop the right knee, shift body left and brace to make the tag iv) Protect ball w/two hands and let runner slide into grounded glove v) Relinquish home by stepping forward off the plate if no play at the plate will be made 6. Dropped Third Strike a. Know the situation, especially with runner on 3B (the coach should advise ahead of pitch, e.g., check 3B, eat it, go 1B, etc.) 26
b. Remind 1B to cover the bag when there are two strikes on batter, especially with two outs (sometimes they start to run off the field). Work on 1B giving targets in foul and fair territory, to adjust to where you will be throwing from and to avoid having to throw over the runner. c. Sense of urgency to retrieve ball d. Throw confidently to 1B 7. Take Charge a. Situational reminders after every pitch b. Call out and line up relays c. Yell Call it and two hands on all pop ups and fly balls d. Know your pitcher and constantly communicate with her 27
Section 8 - Practices 1. Warm-Up (15 minutes) a. Stretch b. Throwing/Receiving with a purpose i) All coaches should be involved to teach proper technique 2. Batting Station (Continuous until every player rotates through) a. Tee work/batting stick (players must wear batting helmets) i) 8s: Grip; stance; load ii) 10s: Weight back on turn; whip bat head iii) 12s/14s: Stay inside ball; Inside/outside corner b. Toss drill (All ages) c. Coach pitch (8s only) d. Bunting (10s and up) e. Slap hitting (10s and up, selective) 3. Repetitions (30 minutes) a. Infield/Outfield Stations i) Infield Station: Rapid Fire Four or five players take turns to take three grounders each from an infield position and then they make the throw to home plate. Continue repetitions until time elapses for this station. a) 8s: Coach/parent receives at home plate b) 10s: Rotate players so every player takes a turn to receive at home plate. Teach the receivers the correct technique to take throws on force plays. This will also help you identify/develop first basemen c) 12s: Only rotate catcher s and first basemen to receive at home plate d) 14s: Play must be completed within four seconds. Count out loud on every ball and have players tally to make it competitive ii) Outfield Station: One coach hits/throws fly balls/pop ups from left field foul line, another coach instructs players in center field. Continue repetitions until time elapses for this station. a) 8s: Coach/parent throws fly balls/pop ups and coach/parent receives b) 10s: Coach bats fly balls, player receives c) 12s/14s: 1) Relays 2) Two outfielders and one calls for ball 28
iii) Other drills to work into these stations: a) Calling for Short Fly Balls 1) Triangle Drill: Position a SS/LF/LC and 2B/RF/RC and throw short fly balls towards the middle of the three players. SS and 2B bust for ball until called off by an outfielder. Good drill to have a contest for three-player teams. b) First Basemen Drills: 1) Have a coach throw wiffle balls into the dirt and work on footwork and glove positioning 2) Foot work to field drop third strikes and bunts (target in fair or foul territory, depending upon where catcher is throwing the ball from) c) Diving for balls: Show how to gradually lower toward ground, then extend 4. Situational (30 minutes) a. Four player teams rotating for batting and situational base running, the rest of the players in field (players must wear batting helmets) i) 8s: a) Coach bats ball to all fielders b) Players on team base run c) Fielders work on Beginner Situational Defense: Covering base on force plays ii) 10s: a) Coach pitch to batters b) Introduce sliding and bunting c) Defense: Covering bag on tag plays; backing up throws iii) 12s: a) Live pitching b) Intermediate Defense: Relays; looking back runners who are not forced at 2B and 3B iv) 14s: Advanced Defense: Pick off plays; defending with runners on 1B and 3B; continuation on walks with 2B open) 5. Contest (15 minutes) a. 8s: Two minutes of wiffle ball pop-ups (bare hands); base running race b. 10s: Pepper; Two minutes of throw/receive c. 12s/14s: OF relays to home 29
Appendix A Base Running Terminology The following is terminology that should be used by 1B and 3B coaches when instructing base runners, both before and during plays on the field. When Approaching a Base 1. Run through (1B) a. Full sprint until two full steps after you touch 1B on a grounder 2. Make the turn a. Round the base by a few steps and find the ball b. Hold until ball is back to P, ready to advance on bad throws back 3. Slide a. Slide into base you are approaching. Don t come off base when sliding into 2B or 3B. b. For plays at 2B or 3B where defender has the ball after sliding safely into the base, stay on the ground and on the base, call time out, then get up off the ground 4. Stand Up a. Go into base standing up and stay on base (i.e. don t make the turn or overrun 2B or 3B). When on Base (Pre-Pitch Reminders) 1. Get a good lead a. Generally, +3 or 4 steps off 1B, +5 or 6 steps off 2B, +3 steps off 3B b. Hold lead until ball is back to P on every pitch, ready to advance on bad throw to P 2. You are forced a. Must advance on a grounder 3. You are not forced a. Do not have to advance on a grounder 4. Go on contact a. When there are two outs, advance to next base as soon as ball is hit 5. Watch the line drives a. Don t advance on a line drive until ball clears IF 6. Wait for the throw a. When not forced on 2B or 3B, advance immediately after an infielder throws the ball to at least one full base behind the runner (e.g., Advance from 2B to 3B on a grounder to SS immediately after SS throws to 1B) 30
7. On your own a. Coach is leaving it up to the base runner to decide when to advance, particularly on wild pitches. Otherwise, only go on coach s instruction (Essential to know when you are on 3B). When on Base (After pitch is made) 1. Go c. Advance to next base 2. Wait a. Either wait for the throw, or hold until ball is back to P, ready to advance on bad throw to P 3. Back! a. Get back to the base. Your lead should be big enough so you can get back safely by diving back, hand first, to the base. 4. Tag up! a. Return to base immediately after fly ball or pop up is hit, advance to next base as soon as ball is caught (unless held up by coach) 5. Half way a. For fly balls to OF when tagging up is not instructed, advance (roughly) half way to the next base and watch the ball until OF catches it or until the ball hits the ground (The distance to advance will vary, depending upon the base you are on and where the ball is hit. Leave yourself enough time to be able to safely return to the base if the ball is caught) b. Advance if ball hits the ground (or when you are sure that it will hit the ground), return to base if ball is caught 31