Coaching Instructional T-Ball
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.
Instructional T-Ball is the most basic level of baseball. The main key is to ensure the kids are having a great time.
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It is essential to have games for them while they learn. CKAA recommends only using stations with small groups and small timeframes to keep players engaged.
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The program is set up to meet once weekly to complete about 20 minutes worth of practice and 30-40 minutes of the game depending on how the players are doing.
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Occasionally there will be a practice during the week and it is best to have stations on basic skills to keep the players engaged and not idle.
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We may even combine team activities during the practice sessions on both game days as well as off-day practice sessions.
Useful Tools/Gear
This is NOT about catching. It is about hand position!!! Also about eyes on the ball to the hand.
Look
Point
Step
Throw
Hang Hula Hoops on Fence as Targets
Put Balls on tee and use as target practice.
The most important thing at this age is to get in front of the ball and stop it. We will not focus too much on the mechanics of fielding. You can use different color cones to separate the field to teach the players to only go after balls hit to them.
Only goal here is to help the player learn how to stand when batting. swinging at a pitched ball, but making any contact and running to first and stopping unless they are the last batter.
Determine who will be the last batter and ensure it rotates. There is not a need for a batting order, nor positions outside of the last batter who gets to run around all of the bases once they hit.
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PREGAME/PRACTICE
Arrive early and prepare the team. It is advised for instructional T-Ball arrival should be 20 min before the game. During this time set up your practice stations and get players gathered for the practice/game. Organization and good use of time is key for the players to have a great time so you are not wasting time setting up while they wait.
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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 direction.
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POSTGAME
Praise your team, gather all players for high fives, ask if they had a great time, and do a hey-hey cheer.
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