Coach's Page

Continuous improvement through clinics, classes, interaction with other coaches, reading and keeping up-to-date are all part of coach development. Finding ways to be the best you can while respecting the impact you have on young lives is what it's all about.

The following are ways to help you become more prepared and to become a better coach overall, both on and off the field:

• To be on time for all practices and games
• To always do their best whether in the field or on the bench.
• To be cooperative at all times and share team duties.
• To respect not only others, but themselves as well.
• To be positive with teammates at all times.
• To try not to become upset at their own mistakes or those of others ... we will all make our share this year and we must support one another.
• To understand that winning is only important if you can accept losing, as both are important parts of any sport.

• To be on time for all practices and games.
• To be as fair as possible in giving playing time to all players.
• To do my best to teach the fundamentals of the game.
• To be positive and respect each child as an individual.
• To set reasonable expectations for each child and for the season.
• To teach the players the value of winning and losing.
• To be open to ideas, suggestions or help.
• To never holler at any member of my team, the opposing team or umpires. Any confrontation will be handled in a respectful, quiet and individual manner.

What Do I Expect From You As Parents And Family?

Creating a positive relationship with the umpires that work your games can make everything a lot more enjoyable for both you and your players. Here are some things that may help you to create that good relationship. First of all, keep in mind that umpires are human. They are out there trying to do their job just as hard as you are trying to do yours. They are going to make mistakes just as you might. Umpires should not be looked upon as adversaries but rather as an important part of the game. The more that you communicate with them in a positive, respectful manner, the better they will work with you.

• Neat and professional appearance. Most organizations require their umpires to wear a specific uniform.
• Complete knowledge of the rules.
• Desire to be in the right position to make the call.
• Friendly and professional attitude.

• Know the umpire's first and last name. Most umpires do not like to be referred to as "blue." Never use profanity.
• Be brief and speak to the umpire in a controlled voice. After making a point, a coach should then listen to his/her response.
• Keep his/her distance and never attempt to go toe to toe with the umpire. (This kind of behavior only tends to put the umpire on the defensive. He/she will then become more concerned with how you are acting and not in listening to what you have to say).
• Never get personal with comments or attempt to show anyone up.
• Keep all comments respectful during the game. A coach should try not to continually "pick" at the umpire. (Asking the umpire between innings to be aware of something is much more beneficial than constantly yelling at him/her from the bench.)
• Know the rules. A coach should make sure that he/she has the rule right when protesting on a call.
• Not bring a rulebook onto the field. If a coach is not satisfied with a call, he/she should ask the umpire for an explanation. If a coach still doesn't agree, there is the choice of protesting the game. A coach should never use the protest as a threat, and should always remain calm and professional.
• Treat the umpire with mutual respect.
• Have a clear understanding that umpires are there for the good of the game.

Score keeping is a job that many people enjoy. Yes, believe it or not, there must be something therapeutic about keeping score, because usually it is not that difficult to find a volunteer. Or, in many cases, the coach or manager will do the job themselves.

• Have all equipment set up and be ready to start at the designated time.
• Meet with your team as a group. Talk about what you want accomplished today in practice. . Go over the previous game or practice.
• Stretch as a team.
• Go through warm up running drills as a team.
• Throw as a team.
• Execute your practice plan utilizing your assistant coaches (if they're available) in stations or groups.
• Try to cover one aspect of hitting, pitching, and individual defense. Don't try to do too much in one-day.
• Have some type of team activity. Example: situation drill or controlled scrimmage.
• Team running on the bases.
• Meeting for announcements. Discuss the time and place of the next practice or game and hand out any info to be taken home.
• Assign equipment responsibilities to players (pick up and put away). Make up a list of equipment that has to be picked up or help in field cleanup. Then draw the players' names out of a hat with the team present. Repeat this every couple of weeks so that the players aren't stuck with the same task.

• Drag and rake infield dirt, remove any water ponding using rollers.
• Put out bases. (if playing on a field that doesn’t have previously marked off or pre-measured base locations please be prepared to do so in accordance with division rules. )
• Scoreboard setup. (optional)

• Prepare line up prior to game start.
• Pitching.
• Review Coaches signs.
• Motivation

• Post game meeting positive remarks, constructive comments, and announcements.
• Pick up and put away equipment. Return all field equipment and bases to sheds and insure that everything is secured and locked.
• Clean up all trash from dugouts & bleachers
• Sweep out all infield edges (lips) & drag and rake infield dirt.
• Remove bases and install plugs

Players develop at different paces, so some players will reach goals ahead of others. Whatever the rate of progression it's important that all players improve their skills during the season.

Select your team’s age group for suggested skill development goals. Use these as a guide in developing a progression plan for your players.

Five to nine-year-olds are generally an energetic and enthusiastic age group to coach. Socially, they are starting to become more interested in playing games. Within these few years, their attention spans increase dramatically. Most kids are growing into their arms and legs, which tend to be somewhat awkward with their own bodies. While not at their most coordinated stage, most baseball players in this age range can achieve these objectives.

Feeling socially accepted is a big part of what concerns ten-to-twelve year-old kids. It's typical for kids to have a best friend at this age. Physically, their bodies are developing and changing and growing at an extremely rapid rate. This age range sees the biggest difference between boys and girls. Between nine and twelve, both boys and girls are beginning to get more and more interested in competing.

Not unlike younger children, thirteen-year olds yearn to feel connected and accepted by their peers. Unlike the younger age groups, they are more concerned with the world around them and about trying to understand how they fit in. They are at the beginning of preparing to leave their protective home environment. By sixteen-years old, baseball players should have the ability to achieve these objectives

Coaches and managers are the key individuals in Little League. They are on the field hundreds of hours during the season, during practices and games and are ultimately responsible for providing a safe and supportive environment to learn and play. It is important they know how to organize the practice and drills in a way that provides each player with an effective, safe way to learn and improve.

Little League is about having fun playing baseball or softball. Players have fun when they know they are improving and feel successful. The best way for players to improve is to receive excellent instruction from their coach and then, during practice and at home, work on improving their skills.