How to Run a Youth Softball Practice
For the most part, a little knowledge and a lot of good will are what you need to get involved in coaching youth softball. But some practical tips can be useful too.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Softball Bats
- Softball Batting Helmets
- Softball Cleats
- Softball Equipment Bags
- Softball Fielding Gloves
- Softballs
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1
Have some playing experience yourself, or spend some time researching the game and coaching. There are books available for coaching that can help you structure practices and teach the rules in an appropriate way for the age group you're coaching.
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2
Keep the atmosphere flexible. If the players are bored or not having a good time, they'll be more likely to lose interest. If one drill doesn't grab their attention, have another one ready and switch to engage them.
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3
Teach them the rules of softball without overwhelming them. Maybe teach different concepts in separate sessions instead of doing it all at once. Walk them through the different positions, then let them play the positions to solidify the ideas.
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4
Start with a warm-up. This will make the kids less prone to injury and will promote a good habit for them before games. Stretching and small throwing drills can warm up players effectively.
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5
Gauge the skill level and attention span of your team before running them through a lot of drills. You want to keep them engaged. If they're looking tired, switch to a less taxing drill. "Have a lot of patience with the players," says Ray VanderMay, women's softball coach at Seton Hall University.
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"Make practice fun," suggests VanderMay.
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Get the kids used to playing with each other through scrimmages. Games keep them engaged in the activity while practicing their skills. You can even give out small prizes or other incentives.
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Tips & Warnings
Coach with a lot of love, showing players you care. Try to maintain open lines of communication with both the parents and the players. If there are problems, make it clear that they can come to you and discuss them.
Give constructive criticism and don't yell. Remember that these are kids playing for fun, and that coaching should be fun. You can support your players and instruct them at the same time.
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Comments
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looking forward to watching my grand-children play the sport.
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Aug 08, 2006
To teach players how far to lead off base and to watch where the ball is hit: If it is a fly ball they must return to their base if caught, on grounders they are free to run if next base is open. Here is what I do to make it fun and it also works on speed and agility. I place a blow-up Micky Mouse 7 to 10 feet off first, then Donald Duck at same space off 2 base, Minnie Mouse same space off 3 base, I have a runner on each base. I then hit a ball in the air or on ground and the runners have to get their blow-up partner safely back to their base or on to the next base. The girls laugh and have a good time but they do learn how and when to run and to where. -
Aug 08, 2006
I often find that coaches talk too much! While I don't dispute the importance of explaining something, you must keep it short and sweet. Especially at younger ages, the attention span is all of about 1-2 minutes. After that, they are not listening to you. Besides, it is better to give a high level explanation, and then have the player do the drill with you observing. Then give them immediate feed back.
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Aug 08, 2006
Get a few old softballs, drill holes through them and put them on a 25 foot rope. Ask someone to help by swinging the ropes around and letting the players bat at them. You can keep 2-5 players busy practicing while the other half of the team is practicing fielding. Then switch as often as needed so that each player gets a few licks in. The ball on the rope helps them with their eye coordination, as they get used to a ball coming at them at 30+ miles per hour and removes the fear of getting hit with the ball. You can get a lot of practice in an hour if it's well organized.
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Aug 08, 2006
I often find that coaches talk too much! While I don't dispute the importance of explaining something, you must keep it short and sweet. Especially at younger ages, the attention span is all of about 1-2 minutes. After that, they are not listening to you. Besides, it is better to give a high level explanation, and then have the player do the drill with you observing. Then give them immediate feed back.
