AYBS Coaches Guide
AYBS Coaches Guide Rookie
Coaches Goals Coaches: To improve on basic skills that players learned in Tee Ball or their first year of Rookie in a team structured environment that is managed by the coaching staffs. To help prepare players for travel baseball. Coaches should keep in-mind the following during sessions: • Establish Good Communication • Demonstrate Patience • Promote a Fun & Safe Environment • Understand the Level of Play & Focus on Fundamentals • Prepare Practice Agenda
Communication • Identify & Validate Means of Communication Between Coaches & Parents – Phone VS Email • Share Rules, Expectations & Level of Play Goals for the Season with the Parents Directly and via Email Periodically • Inform Parents where more information can be obtained (i.e. web site) • Request Feedback from Parents & Players – “Any Questions or Concerns?”, “Did you have fun today?” or “What did you enjoy most about todays’ session?” – People like to be heard & we want to know what parents think. • Update the Coordinator on a weekly basis
Demonstrate Patience At this level players will temporarily lose interest so you will need to keep practices and games moving to keep the game interesting. Some players will be easier to coach than others. Keep in mind the following when patience is necessary: • Rated “G” Vocabulary • Tone • Body Language • Ask Parent for Assistance – Redirect Player
Promote a Safe Environment Position Players, Parents, Siblings & Coaches in Areas of the Field of Play where Injuries can be Avoided • Check First Aid Kit for Ice Packs & Band Aids Periodically • Keep Equipment Away from Field of Play To Avoid Tripping • Make Sure Players are Using the Correct Size Helmet & Bat • Keep Batting Area Clear • No “On Deck” Swinging • Position Fielders at the Proper Distance from Batter • Have Players Throw in the Same Direction during warm-ups • Due to insurance regulations ONLY registered players are allowed to participate
Level of Play Rookie League (7-8 year olds): Non-competitive level that instructs basic fundamentals and begins to build the foundations for more advanced baseball and softball skills. Games are played stressing team concepts and game strategies with coaches providing pitching and umpiring. Rudimentary baseball rules apply. Score or standings are not kept. The following fundaments should be the main focus: • Education • Throwing • Fielding • Base Running • Hitting • Pitching
Education - Strike Zone The strike zone at the Rookie and Minor Levels is at least 1 baseball width greater than the traditional strike zone. The purpose of this is get players to swing.
Education – Field Review different areas of the baseball diamond and emphasize basic defense responsibilities. Focus on specific areas each week to avoid information overload. Review or Repeat the following week to help players retain what was taught. Suggestions • • • • • • • • •
Infield vs Outfield Infield Base Covering Infield Backup Outfield Backup Cut-off Responsibilities Base Paths Batters Box Catchers Box Pitchers Mound
Fundamentals - Throwing Throwing: All practices & games should start with throwing after initial stretching & warm-ups. • Stretching: Arm Circles, Scissors, Triceps Stretch and/or Jumping Jacks • Warm-ups: Flick Drills, Throw from knee, Twist & Throw from Left/Right before full motion throwing. • Mechanics: Overhand, Four Seam Grip, Look & Step in the Direction of the Throw • Playing Catch: Pair-up players based on ability • Remind players to use two hands and to make sure that the other player is ready to receive the ball.
Fundamentals - Fielding Fielding: Players should be encouraged to field at every position that they can handle. • Rotate players to field different positions over multiple practices prior to games in order to not overwhelm players. Mix-in infield with outfield positions. • All players should have equal playing time in the outfield. • Players should play positions in a game that they practiced during the week. • Players should start fielding positions according to their strengths for safety & confidence purposes.
Fundamentals - Fielding Coaches should help players with the following: • Two Hands….Two Hands…Two Hands • Pay attention & get into “Ready” position. • Instruct players what to do if the ball is hit to them. • Instruct players what to do if the ball is NOT hit to them. • Move & field ground balls with two hands, cock and throw • Call & Catch Fly Balls Using Two Hands – Basket vs Normal
Fundamentals - Base Running Base Running: All practices should start with some type of warm-up drill (i.e. a slow jog). • No Leading • No Stealing • Review Proper Base Running Mechanics – Running Through 1st vs Rounding 1st – Running to 2nd, 3rd and Home
• Review Base Coaches Instructions • Teach Halfway to Base on Popups & Fly Balls • Review Proper Sliding Mechanics
Fundamentals - Hitting Hitting: Players should start to develop a level of comfort at the plat by understanding where to position themselves in the batters box as well as start getting a better idea of the strike zone. Players at this level should start developing a comfortable stance and level swing. Suggested Hitting Stations: • Tee: Players hit from Tee into a net • Soft Toss: Coach tosses a ball from the side and slightly behind the player and the player drives the ball into a net. • Coach Pitch: Coach throws a straight ball to player (minimize arc). You may want to pitch from one knee.
Fundamentals - Pitching Pitching: In order to prepare the more experienced players to pitch at the Minors level we would like to introduce basic pitching mechanics to the players half-way through the season during practices after holding a pitching clinic session. • Stretch Position: Pitching from the stretch position involves five steps: Set, Lift, Step, Throw & Field. • Mechanics: Four Seam Grip, Stride, Extension & Follow Through. • Distance: Minors pitching distance is 42’. Work towards that distance by starting at 36’, 38’ & 40’ to help develop consistency. Players should pitch from the pitching plate and coaches should catch from a distance of 36’, 38’, 40’ or 42’. • Batters: Start with no batters in the batters box. Once players show that they can consistently pitch within the strike zone, have coaches step into the batters box. • Evaluation: Identify players that can consistently pitch within the strike zone and notify Rookie & Travel Coordinators. • Player Pitch: Have players pitch in a scrimmage with coaches catching.
Preparation Coaches should communicate prior to practices and decide on what areas/drills should be covered. Practice Agenda • Warm-ups & Throwing • Fielding Stations – Group A: Infield Drills – Group B: Outfield Drills • Base Running • Game Situation • Hitting Stations – Tee – Soft Toss – Coach Pitch
Games • Knock-Out • Two/Four Base Pickle • Throwing & Catching to 21 • Fielding Relay Race • Cut-off Relay Race
Don’t try to cover too much in one practice. Scale back if necessary.
Coaches Goals Coaches: To improve on basic skills that players learned in Tee Ball or their first year of Rookie in a team structured environment that is managed by the coaching staffs. To help prepare players for travel baseball. Coaches should keep in-mind the following during sessions: • Establish Good Communication • Demonstrate Patience • Promote a Fun & Safe Environment • Understand the Level of Play & Focus on Fundamentals • Prepare Practice Agenda
Communication • Identify & Validate Means of Communication Between Coaches & Parents – Phone VS Email • Share Rules, Expectations & Level of Play Goals for the Season with the Parents Directly and via Email Periodically • Inform Parents where more information can be obtained (i.e. web site) • Request Feedback from Parents & Players – “Any Questions or Concerns?”, “Did you have fun today?” or “What did you enjoy most about todays’ session?” – People like to be heard & we want to know what parents think. • Update the Coordinator on a weekly basis
Demonstrate Patience At this level players will temporarily lose interest so you will need to keep practices and games moving to keep the game interesting. Some players will be easier to coach than others. Keep in mind the following when patience is necessary: • Rated “G” Vocabulary • Tone • Body Language • Ask Parent for Assistance – Redirect Player
Promote a Safe Environment Position Players, Parents, Siblings & Coaches in Areas of the Field of Play where Injuries can be Avoided • Check First Aid Kit for Ice Packs & Band Aids Periodically • Keep Equipment Away from Field of Play To Avoid Tripping • Make Sure Players are Using the Correct Size Helmet & Bat • Keep Batting Area Clear • No “On Deck” Swinging • Position Fielders at the Proper Distance from Batter • Have Players Throw in the Same Direction during warm-ups • Due to insurance regulations ONLY registered players are allowed to participate
Level of Play Rookie League (7-8 year olds): Non-competitive level that instructs basic fundamentals and begins to build the foundations for more advanced baseball and softball skills. Games are played stressing team concepts and game strategies with coaches providing pitching and umpiring. Rudimentary baseball rules apply. Score or standings are not kept. The following fundaments should be the main focus: • Education • Throwing • Fielding • Base Running • Hitting • Pitching
Education - Strike Zone The strike zone at the Rookie and Minor Levels is at least 1 baseball width greater than the traditional strike zone. The purpose of this is get players to swing.
Education – Field Review different areas of the baseball diamond and emphasize basic defense responsibilities. Focus on specific areas each week to avoid information overload. Review or Repeat the following week to help players retain what was taught. Suggestions • • • • • • • • •
Infield vs Outfield Infield Base Covering Infield Backup Outfield Backup Cut-off Responsibilities Base Paths Batters Box Catchers Box Pitchers Mound
Fundamentals - Throwing Throwing: All practices & games should start with throwing after initial stretching & warm-ups. • Stretching: Arm Circles, Scissors, Triceps Stretch and/or Jumping Jacks • Warm-ups: Flick Drills, Throw from knee, Twist & Throw from Left/Right before full motion throwing. • Mechanics: Overhand, Four Seam Grip, Look & Step in the Direction of the Throw • Playing Catch: Pair-up players based on ability • Remind players to use two hands and to make sure that the other player is ready to receive the ball.
Fundamentals - Fielding Fielding: Players should be encouraged to field at every position that they can handle. • Rotate players to field different positions over multiple practices prior to games in order to not overwhelm players. Mix-in infield with outfield positions. • All players should have equal playing time in the outfield. • Players should play positions in a game that they practiced during the week. • Players should start fielding positions according to their strengths for safety & confidence purposes.
Fundamentals - Fielding Coaches should help players with the following: • Two Hands….Two Hands…Two Hands • Pay attention & get into “Ready” position. • Instruct players what to do if the ball is hit to them. • Instruct players what to do if the ball is NOT hit to them. • Move & field ground balls with two hands, cock and throw • Call & Catch Fly Balls Using Two Hands – Basket vs Normal
Fundamentals - Base Running Base Running: All practices should start with some type of warm-up drill (i.e. a slow jog). • No Leading • No Stealing • Review Proper Base Running Mechanics – Running Through 1st vs Rounding 1st – Running to 2nd, 3rd and Home
• Review Base Coaches Instructions • Teach Halfway to Base on Popups & Fly Balls • Review Proper Sliding Mechanics
Fundamentals - Hitting Hitting: Players should start to develop a level of comfort at the plat by understanding where to position themselves in the batters box as well as start getting a better idea of the strike zone. Players at this level should start developing a comfortable stance and level swing. Suggested Hitting Stations: • Tee: Players hit from Tee into a net • Soft Toss: Coach tosses a ball from the side and slightly behind the player and the player drives the ball into a net. • Coach Pitch: Coach throws a straight ball to player (minimize arc). You may want to pitch from one knee.
Fundamentals - Pitching Pitching: In order to prepare the more experienced players to pitch at the Minors level we would like to introduce basic pitching mechanics to the players half-way through the season during practices after holding a pitching clinic session. • Stretch Position: Pitching from the stretch position involves five steps: Set, Lift, Step, Throw & Field. • Mechanics: Four Seam Grip, Stride, Extension & Follow Through. • Distance: Minors pitching distance is 42’. Work towards that distance by starting at 36’, 38’ & 40’ to help develop consistency. Players should pitch from the pitching plate and coaches should catch from a distance of 36’, 38’, 40’ or 42’. • Batters: Start with no batters in the batters box. Once players show that they can consistently pitch within the strike zone, have coaches step into the batters box. • Evaluation: Identify players that can consistently pitch within the strike zone and notify Rookie & Travel Coordinators. • Player Pitch: Have players pitch in a scrimmage with coaches catching.
Preparation Coaches should communicate prior to practices and decide on what areas/drills should be covered. Practice Agenda • Warm-ups & Throwing • Fielding Stations – Group A: Infield Drills – Group B: Outfield Drills • Base Running • Game Situation • Hitting Stations – Tee – Soft Toss – Coach Pitch
Games • Knock-Out • Two/Four Base Pickle • Throwing & Catching to 21 • Fielding Relay Race • Cut-off Relay Race
Don’t try to cover too much in one practice. Scale back if necessary.
