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Message
Need advice - coaching a 9-10 Y.O. baseball team
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:27 pm
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:27 pm
I stuck my foot in my mouth this weekend and volunteered "under the influence" to coach my girlfriend's 10 YO's team.
Now the league director is calling her trying to convince me to do it. I only played baseball a couple of years as a kid, but have a full understanding of the game. I've expressed to her that my concern is putting a competitive team on the field that knows what the hell they're doing and doesn't get steam rolled, while making sure I'm not damaging the kids skills. The coach that we had last year was awful and we went 0-19 while keeping only one opponent within 5 runs.
Looking for advice from the others out there who have experience coaching little league. Am I over thinking it due to lack of on field play?
Now the league director is calling her trying to convince me to do it. I only played baseball a couple of years as a kid, but have a full understanding of the game. I've expressed to her that my concern is putting a competitive team on the field that knows what the hell they're doing and doesn't get steam rolled, while making sure I'm not damaging the kids skills. The coach that we had last year was awful and we went 0-19 while keeping only one opponent within 5 runs.
Looking for advice from the others out there who have experience coaching little league. Am I over thinking it due to lack of on field play?
17
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:28 pm to AHM21
quote:
Am I over thinking it due to lack of on field play?
Not at all. You're going to get housed.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:28 pm to AHM21
Get some parents to help as assistants.
Sounds like talent sucks too. You're gonna have a bad time.
quote:
The coach that we had last year was awful and we went 0-19 while keeping only one opponent within 5 runs.
Sounds like talent sucks too. You're gonna have a bad time.
This post was edited on 2/29/16 at 2:30 pm
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:30 pm to cas4t
I've already got one parent committed to coaching pitching and I'm thinking about talking to another who coached her kid a few years back.
The problem is that it's an up and coming league that had way more players sign up and they are overwhelmed by the lack of coaches and assistants.
Plus, I've never coached any little league before. However, I've been around it enough to see the drama and bullshite that comes with it. Not sure I want to deal with it.
We switched leagues this year. Last year, he got stuck on a shite team where the coach refused to hold practices.
The problem is that it's an up and coming league that had way more players sign up and they are overwhelmed by the lack of coaches and assistants.
Plus, I've never coached any little league before. However, I've been around it enough to see the drama and bullshite that comes with it. Not sure I want to deal with it.
quote:
Sounds like talent sucks too. You're gonna have a bad time.
We switched leagues this year. Last year, he got stuck on a shite team where the coach refused to hold practices.
This post was edited on 2/29/16 at 2:32 pm
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:33 pm to AHM21
quote:
Looking for advice
quote:Win ONE game and they will be erecting statues of you
we went 0-19
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:34 pm to AHM21
9-10 year olds just need the basics. You'll be fine. It sounds like all you really need to do is give a crap since the last coach sounds like he was a shithead.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:35 pm to cas4t
Sounds like expectations aren't too high so you have that going for you. The main thing that you will need to do is manage practice time well. Have a rotation of 4-5 kids doing different drills, not just the same hit 5 and run while the rest of the team dicks off and shaggs balls kind of practice. Also, make it clear from the beginning you just want the kids to have fun. That's what rec ball is for. Also a good tip, print practice schedules/game schedules to give to the parents. THEY WILL CALL YOU...ALOT!
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:38 pm to AHM21
Get them to run the bases well. Just keep them running during games. Only way to win if your team sucks
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:39 pm to AHM21
If Keanu Reeves can do it, you can do it.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:46 pm to AHM21
Your son is the pitcher for every game this season. Also, make sure he's batting first.
Only instruct him at home so that only he knows how to correctly play.
Insist parents buy a bat that costs $300 minimum.
Make sure it's not fun for any of them.
ETA: obviously joking, I'm blessed to have a really good coach for my son. Good luck man
Only instruct him at home so that only he knows how to correctly play.
Insist parents buy a bat that costs $300 minimum.
Make sure it's not fun for any of them.
ETA: obviously joking, I'm blessed to have a really good coach for my son. Good luck man
This post was edited on 2/29/16 at 2:53 pm
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:52 pm to AHM21
Assess every kids skills the first couple practices. Make sure that by the end of the season every kid has improved in some way and keep it fun. Put someone that isn't afraid of catching the ball at first base, regardless of their size. That's all I got.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:54 pm to AHM21
9-10 is kid pitch, right? Get 3 kids that can throw accurate and teach them to throw over the plate (not at the glove but in the zone). Get them throwing as hard as they can while doing it. You want kids to throw strikes but it's good for them to learn how to throw hard strikes eventually.
Start everyone on 3rd and see who can make the throw to first...keep 1 or 2 kids there and move everyone to short...do the same thing at 2nd and see who can catch balls consistently at 1st. You're going to need to determine your IF ASAP. Once you do, get your OF catching flys and most importantly keeping everything in front...then work on cutoff stuff.
For hitting, get them all on the fence to start, give them 3 pitches to hit and then get quickly to the end of the line. Do that a few times, then go a couple of times where they only get 1 pitch per turn. Get them watching the ball. This also prevents a lot of standing around when they only have 3 / 1 pitches to hit. One BIG thing that kids need to do it loading up. A lot of times they want to start their swing as the ball crosses the plate...they are going to be late every time. Have them try to make contact before the ball gets to them, and make sure they are loaded up so they just have to come forward. I tell mine to load up when the pitcher has the ball above his head coming forward.
Also, at this age you can still win / lose games on base running. Teach them through the bag (at first)...make a turn, and go 2. They need to know to pick up their third base coach when rounding first.
Most teams are already together so you are essentially taking on the leftovers. You'll likely have a last place team so focus on building the kids' confidence and make big deals out of base hits and runs scored. If I were you, I would try to focus on being the best base running team in the league and going from there. It's probably overlooked the most but it will keep you in games and even win some for you. Good luck.
Start everyone on 3rd and see who can make the throw to first...keep 1 or 2 kids there and move everyone to short...do the same thing at 2nd and see who can catch balls consistently at 1st. You're going to need to determine your IF ASAP. Once you do, get your OF catching flys and most importantly keeping everything in front...then work on cutoff stuff.
For hitting, get them all on the fence to start, give them 3 pitches to hit and then get quickly to the end of the line. Do that a few times, then go a couple of times where they only get 1 pitch per turn. Get them watching the ball. This also prevents a lot of standing around when they only have 3 / 1 pitches to hit. One BIG thing that kids need to do it loading up. A lot of times they want to start their swing as the ball crosses the plate...they are going to be late every time. Have them try to make contact before the ball gets to them, and make sure they are loaded up so they just have to come forward. I tell mine to load up when the pitcher has the ball above his head coming forward.
Also, at this age you can still win / lose games on base running. Teach them through the bag (at first)...make a turn, and go 2. They need to know to pick up their third base coach when rounding first.
Most teams are already together so you are essentially taking on the leftovers. You'll likely have a last place team so focus on building the kids' confidence and make big deals out of base hits and runs scored. If I were you, I would try to focus on being the best base running team in the league and going from there. It's probably overlooked the most but it will keep you in games and even win some for you. Good luck.
This post was edited on 2/29/16 at 4:23 pm
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:54 pm to BigEdLSU
Without talent it won't matter if you're a good coach or not. I'm coaching a 8 year old team, and I am amazed at the lack of basic coordination, and athleticism of some kids. These chubby little video game freaks can't even throw a baseball 10 feet. Must less catch it.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 2:57 pm to AHM21
You can learn the basics of what they are suppossed to do but if they aren't practicing at home or have natural talent then they will suck.. Baseball is all about reps to gain a comfort level..
Posted on 2/29/16 at 4:01 pm to AHM21
With 9-10 year olds don't overthink it. Focus on fundamentals but also having fun. Teach them the basics and make sure everyone gets some playing time. Don't take it too seriously. It'll be fine.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 4:04 pm to AHM21
You may be better off than you think. Hopefully they had several 9s last year who are now 10. Pitching. Pitching. Pitching. Be aggressive stealing bases. Keep practicing pitching. Most batters will walk or strike out........let players know when they are doing something wrong, but give praises also. If not, they will tune you out eventually.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 4:54 pm to AHM21
At that level, most runs are scored on walks and errors. If you can get your pitchers to throw strikes, and your infield can convert ground balls into outs, you'll be in good shape.
Your priorities should be
1- Have fun
2- Teach fundamentals
3- Win, if you can.
Your priorities should be
1- Have fun
2- Teach fundamentals
3- Win, if you can.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 5:50 pm to AHM21
Get those Fred McGriff hitting videos...
That's a tough age. You are still very much learning fundamentals - especially with kids pitching and kids hitting a kid pitching. Most umps have a YUGE strike zone at that age, otherwise, you would have nothing but walks.
Get some parents to help. Focus on fundamentals. Try to get the kids to hit, run, and field (and for some, pitch) at every practice.
I've coached my daughters who are younger than 9-10, and I really try to focus on skill development. Most practices, especially early on we warm up, then divide the kids into three groups, and have each group do a station for about 10 min, then bring the team together for a team session.
So we might have some kids working on fielding, others on hitting, and others on throwing. They rotate through the groups. They come together, and we'll have each kid hit a few balls while everyone else is in the field, and then we'll end with baserunning.
This of course means you will have to have assistant coaches to help.
That's a tough age. You are still very much learning fundamentals - especially with kids pitching and kids hitting a kid pitching. Most umps have a YUGE strike zone at that age, otherwise, you would have nothing but walks.
Get some parents to help. Focus on fundamentals. Try to get the kids to hit, run, and field (and for some, pitch) at every practice.
I've coached my daughters who are younger than 9-10, and I really try to focus on skill development. Most practices, especially early on we warm up, then divide the kids into three groups, and have each group do a station for about 10 min, then bring the team together for a team session.
So we might have some kids working on fielding, others on hitting, and others on throwing. They rotate through the groups. They come together, and we'll have each kid hit a few balls while everyone else is in the field, and then we'll end with baserunning.
This of course means you will have to have assistant coaches to help.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 6:05 pm to TROLA
quote:
You can learn the basics of what they are suppossed to do but if they aren't practicing at home or have natural talent then they will suck.. Baseball is all about reps to gain a comfort level..
I agree with this. There are only so many things a coach can do during practice at this age to get the kids better. If they aren't practicing at home, chances are you wont improve them that much. They just dont allot enough time for the coaches. It's not your fault. There may be 2-3 kids that will catch on just through your teachings.
With that said, if I had to focus on 5 things with the kids, it would be these.
- fielding a ground ball & catching a fly ball. The proper way to hold your glove based on the angle of the ball. Keeping your glove down and eye on the ground ball. Same thing with the fly ball.
- base running. Teach them how to run through the bag. Then teach them how to round 1st. Teach them to angle around 3rd. How to tag up. How to get a secondary jump.
- hitting. Instill in them not to be afraid of the ball. Be confident, swing confident. Head down on the ball. Repetitious soft toss, batting cage hitting is ideal for developing hand/eye.
-pitching, teach them it is like a free throw. You want to throw strikes, and when you do, attempt to process exactly what you did right. It's a "feel" thing, some 10year olds will understand this once they get some innings under their belt. Teach them to throw to the catchers mitt. A good way to teach them to hit corners is to have the catchers over exaggerate outside corner by setting up out there with his whole body, not just the glove. The corners are a kids best friend. Umps have wide zones at this age.
-positions. You are going to want your best player at SS. He should be the kid that can command the field over his peers. Best fielder, strong arm. First baseman and catcher should be similar. Guys that can catch. You cant afford extra outs at this age by 1st baseman dropping regular throws. Or catchers continually letting balls go by them. You want your LF and CF as your best at catching fly balls. RF is the weakest position. Put your worse player there.
Posted on 2/29/16 at 6:38 pm to Lester Earl
quote:
- base running. Teach them how to run through the bag. Then teach them how to round 1st. Teach them to angle around 3rd. How to tag up. How to get a secondary jump.
This especially. In that age group, we won a ton of games with base running. It's the great equalizer when you don't have a lot of talent. And it cost our 12 year olds this past weekend. We have a few new guys that have never led off before and got caught stealing multiple times due to bad jumps. Definitely fixable but when one of your fastest kids can't steak 2nd with a lead, there's some work that needs to be done.
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