How to Coach Little League

Coaching boys and girls in baseball fundamentals takes considerable time and commitment. A little league coach must be a teacher of the rules, strategy and skills of the game, as well as a mentor who builds confidence and provides comfort after a strikeout, a play gone bad, or a loss. The coach also needs to understand how to interact with a group of children and their parents in order to build a solid foundation of trust, learning and fun.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Notebook

1. Set goals and establish basic team rules. Help players set realistic personal goals, such as becoming good teammates and becoming adept at one or two skills. Set team rules and discuss them with both players and parents. Explain acceptable behavior in the dugout and on the field, set up practices and tell players how soon before a game they should arrive.

2. Use practices to teach. Each player deserves coaching time, and some might require more than others. Each player wants to know that the coach is interested in his or her success. Build on a player's strengths and help him or her overcome weaknesses. This will help build the player's confidence. Drills should be conducted one-on-one, with split-squads and then with the entire team. Use part of each practice session to talk about a specific rule or strategy.

3. Share playing time. Though only nine players can be on the field at a given time, all players contribute to the team. In fact, some leagues let all players on a team bat. Keep a notebook in which you document playing time in case a parent asks why a child is not on the field. Let players know that balancing playing time means taking turns.

4. Move players around on defense. During practice, allow players to try different positions. Some children initially will not like fielding, pitching, or catching, but they should be encouraged to try each. With guidance, they will gain confidence at every position they play and understand how they can contribute. Tell players to let you know when they want to try a new position.

5. Teach sportsmanship. Tell players that they should treat teammates, the opposition, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect. Also explain to them that every player should expect the same behavior from all adults involved in the game. The coach must be a model for sportsmanship.

References

• More information about coaching from Little League Baseball.