Coached my first t-ball practice today

Great job Larry D!!! More people like you should at least try coaching T-Baller's at least once. Just try and remember, these kids are only 5 & 6 YEARS OLD. There attention span will be very, very short. Have fun with it. Just be careful with who you put at the pitchers position, (make sure they can protect themselves), even though the ball is soft, some of the bigger kids can really hit.

One other thing, watch your outfield, it's a real kick to watch the kids watching the planes go by, digging in the dirt, playing with their hats, all the time the game is going on. Just be yourself, have fun with it, and don't take it too seriously.:applause:

 

next practice is tomorrow at 1:30. hope to have pics. thanks everyone.

 

T-Ball

I remember playing these games. By about the 4th or 5th game I learned not to hit to the pitcher or 1st base. I always got out when I did that. I actually still have a film that one of the parents put together of all the games we played and some of the stupid things I/we did back then. It's great to go home and watch. When ever I know I am getting to rapped up in the things that I am doing wrong on the field I watch the film of when it was just "fun". I know that since my dad was the coach of the team that he gave a game ball after every game. No one got more then one and everyone got one during the season. It least them know that they did something good. And you don't give it to the best players 1st even if they should get it. They know they should get it and the others that aren't as good need that the extra boost from someone other than their dad or mom.
1. FUN
2. how to get dirty (parents hate this but the kids love playing and the dirt and if you say that is part of the game they will do it)(but draw line bet. playing and getting)
3. spitting in glove and rubbing it in
4. teach them how to hit the ball off the tee not how to swing at the ball (that will come later in life and they don't care about it at the time)
5. run until someone says coach says stop (if they know that they have scored a lot then they will think they won and you don't have a fight over it)
6. throwing (defense is almost pointless and they can only bat 9 or 10)
7. and for the last one just ask the parents if they will not bring gatorade/water/snacks to their kid during the game and while they are out there with you that it is your time to be with them and their parents(1st part doesn't always work)

P.S.- some day some of yall might be able to watch the film of my team looking like weird, annoying kids

 

Make sure they learn "Take me out to the ball game". A good fourth inning huddle with some singing, usually lightens up the parents. Even those keeping score.

 

T-Ball Memories:

- Getting that first hit and not knowing which way to turn when they reach first base.

- A great bases loaded run-saving outfield "stop" inadvertantly made by a little girl who just happened to be watching an airplane flying overhead. The fly ball that hit her shoulder caused only a minor bruise and a few tears (Mom came to the rescue).

- The first baseman reaching up for a line drive, then looking frantically for the ball, only to surprisingly find it in his glove!!!!

- ....and of course, 'herd ball" in the outfield.

The good old days.......good luck with your team LarryD and thanks for the memories.

 

You can't forget "Put Me in Coach" while singing in the huddle.

 

just to remind everyone how much kids love to play baseball, here are the pics i took of our team during the season two years ago:

http://ldavidson.zenfolio.com/p448154219

ty turns 9 in a week or so, and has his first cub league practice on saturday!

YAY!

 

T Ball!

Congrats LarryD, this will be the job you love more than any other!
As most have said here, teach a little and have alot of fun!
One thing that I spent a little time on that I haven't noticed here that I thought was important was to teach kids to hold the bat thru the swing and set it down. Don't sling the bat! Surest way for someone to get hurt is slinging the bat.

Have a great time!

 

Get two quality asst. coaches, use stations, keep them moving. I would use 4 different hitting stations. Lots of different fielding drills. Variety, don't let them get bored. Train your coaches first on what and how you want them to coach. Keep it fun.

I can't coach a lick now but I think I did Ok with 5-10 year olds. After that it was parents and aau.

BTW, enjoy this. In my opinion it doesn't get any more fun than your age.

 

I disagree! What's more fun then when they get to the age where they are actually competing! Sure..it's adorable at the young age because you can see them develop. But there's as many bad players as good ones at the young age. It really gets fun as they get older...and remember..this is just my opinion..and we all have those.