Coaching Tips

Teach / Coach: Teach in practice, coach during the game. Pitchers can’t learn new pitches on the mound during the game. During the game, you want your players to focus on the task at hand. Instead of giving instruction during the game, make mental notes for post-game talk or some specific skills work during the next practice.

Practice for games: Put your emphasis during practice on situations you actually face in games.

Want it to happen? TEACH IT: You can't ask players to do something in the game that they've never practiced. If you expect a player to bunt, you need to have taught them how to bunt. The same holds true for basics like base running and backhand fielding. No one wants to try something for the very first time in a pressure situation, with an audience.

Don't say "Don't": If you want a batter to keep their eye on the ball, the instruction is not "don't look up". Always keep your comments positive and encouraging.

Be Open: Be willing to try new drills, switch player positions, call steals, etc. Young players like to challenge themselves. Coaches need to share that enthusiasm. Practice with intensity. Players need to leave practice pumped with a desire to test what they've learned in a game. Allocate time in every practice for each drill or skill station. Keep practice moving and keep the players focused. This is the best way to build a team that wants to excel.

A Little Praise, Please: Every improvement, however small, deserves a compliment. One of the best things about coaching is seeing your players do better - individually and as a team. Let them know it! Praise even minor accomplishments because they may only be minor to you, but major to them!

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