You made it—welcome to the Pack Baseball & Softball Academy online community! Whether you’re here to level up your game, grow as a coach, or just hang out with fellow baseball and softball fanatics, you’re officially part of the family now. We believe in high-fives, hustle, and helping each other get better every day. This is your space to ask questions, share your wins (big or small), and learn from the best—on and off the field. Let’s kick things off: Drop a quick intro below! Tell us who you are, what you love most about the game, and one thing you’re hoping to learn or share here. Don’t be shy—every Pack member’s story makes us stronger. Ready to run with the Pack? Let’s get to know each other and make this the most supportive dugout in youth sports!

Youth softball is about so much more than wins and losses. It’s about first catches, first hits, nervous smiles, big emotions, and the moment a young athlete starts to believe, “I can do this.” As coaches, we have the privilege—and the responsibility—of helping girls fall in love with the game while building confidence, resilience, and joy in learning. This space is for sharing what truly works at the youth level. Let’s learn from each other: What’s your go-to drill for building confidence in young players? Something simple, repeatable, and fun that helps kids feel successful early and often. How do you help players bounce back after a tough game or a big mistake? What language, routines, or team habits help turn disappointment into growth? Have you used a team-building activity that made a real difference with your group? Something that improved chemistry, effort, attitude, or belief. Youth athletes need structure—but they also need encouragement. They need expectations—but they also need freedom to fail safely. They need coaching—but they also need connection. The best programs find ways to balance all of it. Let’s use this thread to: - Share beginner-friendly drills - Talk about practice structure for young players - Exchange ideas for keeping practices positive and productive - Explore how to teach fundamentals without killing the love of the game - Strengthen the way we communicate with young athletes If you’ve found a way to keep energy high on tough days, share it. If you’re trying to figure out how to build confidence in a shy player, ask the group. If your team just had a breakthrough moment, tell the story. The more we share, the stronger our collective coaching becomes—and the better the experience becomes for every young girl who puts on a glove for the first time. Drop your favorite confidence-building drill, team activity, or coaching tip below and let’s keep growing together.

It’s the little wins that keep girls coming back to softball—making contact, a clean fielding play, or just speaking up in the dugout. Recognizing these moments builds trust and confidence that lasts far beyond the field. Reflection: - How do you highlight small victories in practice? - What’s your favorite way to celebrate effort, not just results? - Can you recall a moment when a quiet player stepped up? Prompt: Share a story of a player’s small but meaningful victory. Let’s inspire each other to spot and celebrate these every day.

Girls’ softball is about more than mechanics—it’s about belonging and self-worth. In my book, I wrote about the importance of listening, encouraging, and helping every player find her voice. A great coach sees the whole person, not just the player. Reflection: - How do you build trust with your athletes? - What’s one way you help girls support each other? - How do you handle tears, nerves, or tough losses? Prompt: Share your best tip for building confidence in young female athletes. Or, tell us about a breakthrough moment with a player who needed extra encouragement.

Softball coaches—this is your space to swap ideas, celebrate wins, and support each other through the challenges unique to youth softball. - What’s your go-to drill for building confidence in young athletes? - How do you help players bounce back after tough games or mistakes? - Share a story where a team-building activity made a difference for your squad. Let’s fill this thread with practical tips and encouragement. The more we share, the stronger our collective coaching game becomes! Who’s got a favorite way to boost team spirit or keep practice positive?