Practice and Game Management for Coaches 6U/8U
Set Your Goals for the Season Teach basic softball skills Basics of the game Throwing/Fielding/Hitting Pitching/Catching as applicable (8U) Promote a love of softball Make sure the girls have fun Avoid injuries I want everyone on my team to play softball with our league again next year. 2
Practice: Make a Plan Plan Ahead/Be Prepared What do I want to accomplish during this practice? What am I trying to teach? Pick drills that match your answers to those questions Make it fun Make it competitive Plan equipment needs Think through the whole practice Stations and Rotations Use smaller, Coach-led subgroups whenever possible Teaching Techniques Minimize lecturing and talking; demonstrate instead Get low, at their level One coach talking 3
Practice: Make it smooth Keep it Moving, Fun and Interesting Get There Early and Set Up 15 minutes early minimum Be Flexible: Improvise When You Need To Use black top area when fields are closed (do not allow players to use cleats on black top) 8U pitching introduction and rotation 4
Practice: Safety Batters/runners must always wear a helmet Tennis or sponge balls are good in general or to get over fright of ball Always have an adult monitoring batters Keep your eyes open Watch for unequal experience (8U) Girls should wear the catcher s mask when warming up pitcher Batting helmet okay to warm up but not during game situation 5
Equipment Practice; Bownets, Cones, floppy bases, throwing targets Lots of balls and buckets Bat sizing Keep your gear in good shape Check helmets & screws occasionally Fielding face guards 6
Game: Be Prepared Pre-Game Routine Have your line-up and defense ready before you arrive Be early to set up Encourage parents and kids to arrive on time Keep the Game Moving Start on time; in the dugout Encourage the umpire to take charge and keep the game moving Ask a parent to manage catchers and their gear (8U) Warm up pitcher while catcher getting gear on (8U) Gloves, visors and bats on bench - not in bag Coach pitch be ready, pay attention to the count Some thoughts on Coach Pitch Know the Rules 7
Game: Line Ups Batting Line Up (8U) Top to bottom style vs. Set line-up style Keep track of at bats during season to make sure it s fair Line Up in the Field Bench, infield, outfield Have the whole game planned and be ready to improvise for no shows 8
Game: Safety Adult on batting stick Catcher s mask Anticipate bat throwing One bat in the air at a time? Do you really need an on deck hitter at 6U? Look out for other team and unequal experience Example: third baseman/pitcher too close when your strong hitter is up 9
Final Thoughts Set a Good Example Don t be too competitive Be positive but honest (sandwich method) Be respectful of opponents and umpires Be respectful of parents Learn names of players and parents Take issues offline as much as possible 24 hr rule Coaches and managers work as a team A note about your daughter 10
Parent Survey Coach was incredibly encouraging and positive he focused on what the girls did WELL (even when a lot might be going wrong!). He was fantastic with the girls who were totally new to softball. Very inclusive, positive and taught the girls new skills too. His coaching style was wonderful for young girls. We had new 6U players, and he worked with them in a way wellsuited to their age & experience. They both liked and respected him, and he really helped them learn. 11
Parent Survey His attitude was really about the girls having fun and developing skills, there was no pressure of winning. He was very good at rotating all positions so that the girls who wanted to play catcher, pitcher, infield always had a chance, even if not the best/most skilled player. She was very encouraging and made sure all the girls felt successful and had fun, great communicator, very organized and responsible. 12
Parent Survey He had a great tone. He brought interesting drills each week. The practices were well run with all the girls getting the same attention and time to practice their skills. The coach was patient and encouraging with all the girls. Coach had the perfect attitude for coaching 6-year old girls. He was laid back but never let practices get out of control. He made sure the girls had fun and mixed in a lot of different activities to help keep the girls from getting bored. He taught at an appropriate level for the age. He was knowledgeable about many drills for beginning players. 13
Parent Survey Coach combines fun with teaching softball skills and a love of the game of softball. He creates a great environment for the girls and families on team. The whole experience was extremely positive. All the girls improved over the course of the season, and everybody loved being on the team. This was all due to excellent coaching. 14