Tee Ball Coaching Tips in Australia.
Tee-ball associations generally allow children between the ages of four and seven to play in their leagues. Whether you are a parent whose child is about to start Tee Ball for the first time or you are about to take on the responsibility of coaching a Tee Ball team, the key to be followed is being prepared and organized.
A tee-ball coach sets the team lineup and fielding positions in the team's score book. The positions that get the most action in tee-ball are pitcher and first base, followed by the rest of the infield positions. In some leagues, catcher is also a special position due to the added gear that is worn; in other leagues, there is no catcher.
In tee-ball, the pitcher is usually used for defensive purposes only, though gently pitched balls may be used with older or more advanced players in place of the fixed tee.
The ball is placed on an adjustable tee atop the home plate at a suitable height for the batter to strike. In some clubs, adult coaches give the batter an opportunity to try and hit a few pitched balls before going to the tee in the hope that this will further develop batting skills.
Most of the other rules are similar or identical to those of baseball, though the game is played on a smaller field, typically one used for Little League or other youth baseball. In addition, for the youngest tee-ball players, runs and outs are often not recorded, and every player gets to bat each inning. A young catcher crouches behind the tee.
Many parents assist during the game by coaching players in the dugout, in the field, on the bases, and at the plate. They often also perform the task of umpiring.
Coaching Tips:
Prepare for practice before you arrive to the baseball field.
Once you arrive at the practice location, you will be bombarded with kids, parents, other coaches, along with the task of setting up. Once you arrive, you will not have time to prepare activities, drills, etc.
Be clear of the goals and expectations of the day and season.
Coaches quite often will assume that every player understands what they are supposed to do, and how they’re supposed to act. Be sure to state the plans for the day and expectations as practice starts. This is also important to address at the beginning of the season when addressing the coaches, players and parents.
Ask for help.
Be sure to invite others to be assistant coaches. This will be valuable for practices and games. The players will enjoy there experience and will get better instruction, if they can split up into small groups to run the drills. I recommend having a total of 4 coaches. One head coach and 3 committed assistant coaches.
Keep the practice moving.
Many coaches like to talk (too much). Depending upon the age group kids typically have a short attention span and will lose interest. Be prepared to quickly explain the drill and then get it started. The more the kids are moving to various stations, the less likely you’ll have to deal with other issues.
Focus on the fundamentals.
Always keep player development at the top of the priority list. Many coaches play to win, and often forget they have 12 kids on the team. If you work to develop every kid by the end of the year, your team will be better prepared than others. If each player leaves the season better than when they arrived, you have succeeded.
Encourage effort.
Practice is practice. The kids are going to make many mistakes, some more than others. The players will be trying new things and advancing in their development at different paces. The one thing they can all be good at is EFFORT. This will instill confidence in the players and provide them with a base for getting better.
Don’t worry about the small things.
Kids will be kids. There is nothing you or I will do to change that. There should be certain guidelines for conduct, but kids being kids is going to happen. Set basic guide line, and reinforce during practice.
Coaches are there for the kids, the kids aren’t there for the coaches.
If you missed you chance to play pro ball, coaching youth baseball is not the replacement.
Coaches are role models.
Remember to always talk positive about players, parents, other teams, and coaches. Kids look up to the coach, so it’s important to provide them with a positive image. What we say, how we say it, and how we act can leave a lasting impression on a young player. Always be positive, even on those days that seem most challenging.
Have Fun!
Coaching kids should be enjoyable. Try to have fun, and keeps the season in perspective.
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