Tee Ball season will be here before you know it. Being prepared for the upcoming tee ball season will increase the likelihood of a successful and positive baseball experience for the coaches and the players. To help you prepare for the season ahead, we've prepared a quick list of items to help you get ready for your youth tee ball season.
Rules of the Game
The first thing to do is get yourself acquainted with the rules of the game of baseball. Many new and experienced coaches take this for granted, only to find out they've made a wrong assumption. So, before the baseball season starts, study the rules.
Every league will have their own unique set of rules that will be followed during league play. Make sure that you reach out to the league and get the latest copy as soon as it is available. We have attached the Rules and Regulations for the East Marietta National Little League as an example. Click here to view.
Get to know the League Commissioner
This is your advocate for gaining insight to activities, training, and camps during the year. The baseball league may also provide you with support and guidance during the year regarding practice tips, league rules, and general information regarding baseball.
Build Your Coaching Staff
I recommend having at least four committed coaches. There are many aspects of tee ball that needs to be taught, including hitting, throwing, catching, pitching, fielding, and base running. Also, at this age, the attention span for younger players is minimal at best. Keeping the groups small and moving from drill to drill is important. Having enough coaches to assist with keeping the players moving and learning each skill is critical.
Prepare with Detailed Youth Baseball Practice Plans and Drills.
Preparing yourself with practice plans and baseball drills will keep your team moving from drill to drill. Coaches have limited time with players, so being efficient and organized will go a long way towards your team’s success. We have put together all you need to plan your practices. Visit our practice plans and drills HERE.
Secure Your Practice Field
You will need an adequate practice field. Younger players can typically get away with practicing in an open field. You will need an infield with bases, and an outfield that can is just big enough to hold the players. Your league, in some cases, may provide a baseball field for tee ball practices. If not, look into your neighborhood association, local elementary schools, and even some church facilities. Be sure to work out a practice schedule well in advance of the league play.
Communicate with Parents
Lastly, be sure to reach out to the parents to communicate your goals, expectations of the players, parent participation, along with practice and game schedules. Enlist the parents help and keep open lines of communication during the season. Que Publishing provides an excerpt from the book Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Coaching Youth Baseball, which provides great general information regarding establishing an open communication system with parents as the coach.
If you would like additional tips to help you have a successful season, here is a link to 15 Little League Coaching Tips from YouthBaseballInfo.com.
Don't forget to have fun this tee ball season. Having fun comes from learning the game… and learning the game comes from the coaches.
Good luck,
Pro Sports Plans
Comments