Before each practice, figure out a way to get the players competitiveness going. I did this in two ways. The first was a throwing game that worked on consentration and competition. The second was pure competition. 1. One Step in Any Direction Game - This simple throwing game is done once the players are done with their pre practice warm up. - With a partner the players start at 10 ft apart and throw the ball. - In order to take a step back and lengthen the throw, both players must catch and throw the ball successfully at the same length. - After each player has thrown and caught the ball one player takes a big step back. - Coaches- monitor the line to make sure everyone is lined up since step lengths can be different. - Coaches- have the ball start on all on one side. - Coaches - throws only happen after you say “throw” 2. Rock Paper Scissor - Play Rock Paper Scissors - winners play each other - Others find a new person to play - Overall winner doesn’t have to cleanup equipment at the end of practice - Or doesn’t have the run at the end of practice.

Before each practice/ game be precise with what the goal is for that day. Limit the focus to no more than 3 things! Each game I would remind my players 3 things to focus on to ensure our best performance. 1. Routine plays are routine. 2. Attack the fastball. 3. Make good throw.

This is a really big decision and should not be left up to the player. The player will always want to play up. But, is that really going to benefit their development on the field. I do not believe any player should be playing up until they are 11/12 years old and here is why. First, the gross motor skill that is needed to play baseball and develop is not something that comes quickly. If the player is pushed up too fast they are not able to learn the fundamental movements that are needed to be successful. They will focus on the outcome and not the process. The process of hitting, throwing and catching. Second, when you push a player to play up the game can move too fast for them leading to habits that will only result in slowing down development and enjoyment of the game. Last, and in my opinion the most important, is why are they playing up? Are they moving up to hit last, run the bases, or get walked because they are smaller than the rest of the payers? The purpose of youth development is to allow players to develop at their own pace and feel success before putting them into a situation where winning is the main goal of the team. The goal of any coach is to ensure development. That looks different for each person, but if the player has the ability to play at their own age and be the lead off hitter, or play every game, or be allowed to fail without fear, the growth of that player will only benefit their playing career for years to come. At the youth level it should never be about the results. The only thing that matters is learning how to play, how to deal with failure, and how to develop the skills through a process focused approach and not the results.

No matter what level you are coaching baseball/ softball it is hard. I have been coaching high school baseball and college age players for 15 years and it is hard. What makes it hard is different at each level. This is a place to get the resources and your questions answered about how to teach the different parts of this game based on the skill and ages you are coaching.