Coaching 8u Baseball & Softball
Expectations for Coaches
Create an environment consistent with CKAA Mission, Vision and Values.
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No one player sits the bench on defense twice until ALL players sit at least once in the recreational leagues.
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Give players the opportunity to play multiple spots, but not at the expense of safety.
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In recreational leagues, All players are in the starting batting order. If you have 12 players, then 12 players bat in order. Shuffle the order so all players bat similar number of times.
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Coach every player. Do not avoid any or assume they don't need it. Ensure they become the best they can be.
Communication is key!
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If communication is a strength of yours, then assume it. If not, then outsource it, maybe a dugout parent, assistant or other parent if the skills align.
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Create an environment of open communication and trust.
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If there are situations on the team or you are making a decision, then communicate with the parents so they know and understand.
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Put yourself in the position of the parent. They may be wondering why their son is playing every inning in right field. Let them know if there is a good reason, and there should be one…
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Know your players. Each one matters!
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Don’t avoid issues. They won't go away.
Responsibilities
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Please get to practice a little early and get set up. All coaches should do this and work together.
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Discuss the plan for the day with coaches.
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Unlock bathrooms.
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At end, ensure bathrooms are closed, locked, clean and lights off.
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Lock all locks on the field.
Best way for you to realize growth in fundamentals is by ensuring QUALITY reps.
Understand what each player needs and provide the right type of feedback.
Pre-Practice Chat
1. Plan of the Day - Complete before practice. Have a plan! See below Practice Plans!
2. Word of the Day - Decide before Practice
3. Reinforce what they need. i.e. 2 things in your control are effort and attitude, nothing else!
More Advanced Content
There are more advanced activities on the Dominate the Diamond. There is a section on Softball as well as Baseball.
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As coaches, we should continue to develop more advanced drills. This includes a more mental side of the game, increasing baseball/Softball IQ, and encouraging players to be their best! Most of the players that leave the game do so at this age and your coaching and knowledge on properly teaching makes it more likely the players will continue playing this great game! Spend time learning and see if additional materials are in the Video section.
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Click Here to Access Dominate the Diamond
Username:ckaajax@gmail.com
PW: King123#
Step by Step Instructions on Catching
Basic Fundamentals
More Advanced Content
There are more advanced activities on the Dominate the Diamond. There is a section on Softball as well as Baseball.
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As coaches, we should continue to develop more advanced drills. This includes teaching the catcher position and more advanced drills and skills for the outfield and catching fly balls! Spend time learning and see if additional materials are in the Video section.
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Click Here to Access Dominate the Diamond
Username:ckaajax@gmail.com
PW: King123#
Useful Tools/Gear
Use Fielding Pads/Pancakes to practice catching
Step by Step Instructions on Fielding Ground Balls
Useful Tools/Gear
Use Fielding Pads/Pancakes to practice fielding
Smush balls for wall ball
Throwing Checkpoints
Useful Tools/Gear
Dodgeball for connection ball drill
Tee with Dodgebll for Ready, Aim, Fire and Tee Drills
Useful Tools/Gear
Use Tee and approprite drills to diagnose issues
Heavy balls for players that stop swing in the middle
& BASERUNNING
Base Running Coaching Tips
Infield Hit, Running Through the Base
1. Hard 60 to First
2. Step on front side of the base
3. Breakdown on the line in foul territory
4. Look to the right
Rounding First Base
1. Know where ball is hit
2. Run hard
3. Use peek period to know ball cleared infield
3. Start rounding the base once it clears infield
4. Inside Corner (either foot, don't slow down)
5. Depending on situation, either go to 2nd if sent, or break down with chest to the ball.
6. If heading to 2nd, peek at 3rd base coach, if staying at first, get back to base.
SLIDING
Sliding Coaching Points
Make a lineup prior to arriving. Determine who will and will not be there by the RSVP on Game Changer.
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Arrive early and prepare the team. It is advised for Majors T-Ball on up arrival should be 1 hr before the game.
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Warm up with dynamic stretching in an open area.
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Take some Batting Practice in the cages with cage balls.
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10u and up have the starting pitchers warm up in the bullpen.
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Do not throw until you get on the field.
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Hit some practice grounders, fly balls, etc.
GAMETIME
Be a GREAT example - Players and parents are always watching you!
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Divide and conquer. Each coach should focus on a different part of the field/game to provide feedback and direction. One coach may look at 1B, 2B and RF, while another will watch Pitcher and Catcher. etc.
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Find moments to praise, but also ABC - Always be Coaching. Hold your team to standards when it comes to implementing what you have practiced. Do not hold them accountable for things they were not taught.
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Competition is good, but how we handle winning and losing matters. Instead of focusing on the end result, instead, focus on how your team executed the plays throughout the game. The team that does that better typically wins. Focus on what is in front of you now. This next play.
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Treat all players, coaches, parents, and officials with respect.
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No one player should ever sit an inning twice until all players have sat at least once.
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In rec ball, we bat all present players. Meaning if you have 15 show up for the game, then you will have a batting lineup of 1-15.
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10u+ there is a pitch count of 75 pitches per game, with no exceptions. Also, follow Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth guidelines for the amount of rest mandated in between games as well as the number of games allowed to pitch in a week.
Pre-Practice
Create the practice plan (earlier in day, or week)
Set up stations (20 min prior)
Coach discussion and review practice plan (10 min prior)
Sample Practice Plan
Practice Plan Template