AYBS Coaches Guide
AYBS Coaches Guide Travel Baseball & Softball
Coaches Goals Coaches: To refine the skills that players have developed and advance their skill set by introducing more challenging drills. Educate the players on the rules that are applicable to the level of play. Educate & prepare players for common situations that can occur at their league level. Coaches should keep in-mind the following during sessions: • Establish Good Communication – Players, Parents & Coaches • Demonstrate Patience • Promote a Respect for the Game • Promote a Safe Environment • Understand the Level of Play • 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 Travel games have a tendency to get too competitive so try to keep you and your players emotions in check. Not Every Game is the World Series! Everyone makes mistakes (Coaches, Players, Parents & Umpires) so show restraint.
Help players understand that they can play more advanced positions if they put the time and effort in/outside of practice. Not all players learn & develop in the same manner or at the same pace. What may work for one player may not work for another. Keep in mind the following when patience is necessary: • Rated “PG” Vocabulary • Tone • Body Language • Contact Coordinator When Situations Become Difficult
Promote a Safe Environment Position Players, Parents, Siblings & Coaches in Areas of the Field of Play where Injuries can be Avoided • Check Emergency Numbers • Check First Aid Kit for Ice Packs & Band Aids Periodically • Remind Players To Remain Hydrated • DO NOT put players at risk. Have them play positions where they can succeed. • DO NOT let players play hurt – Even if it means a forfeit • Keep Batting Area Clear • Due to insurance regulations ONLY registered players are allowed to participate
Level of Play - Softball 3rd/4th Grade Softball For softball players in grades 3 and 4. This level is the first travel league, but maintains an instructional focus as there is no scores kept or playoffs. Games have live pitching and umpiring. Average time commitment: 3 sessions per week.
5th/6th Grade Softball For softball players in grades 5 and 6. This level is an intermediate competitive, travel league with advanced play compared to the 3rd/4th grade level. Teams are likely to participate in playoffs at the end of the season. Average time commitment: 3-4 sessions per week. 16U Grade Softball For softball players that are 13-16 years of age. This is the highest level of softball, best suited for those who have mastered the basic fundamentals and are ready for a greater challenge. Average time commitment: 3-4 sessions per week.
Level of Play - Baseball Cal Ripken Minors Baseball (9-10 year olds) For players in their first year of competitive, travel baseball. Minors baseball gives players their first experience with live pitching and umpiring. Games are played with modified Cal Ripken League rules. This is also the first level that standings are kept and a playoff format is followed. Average time commitment: 2-3 sessions per week. Cal Ripken Majors 70 Baseball (ADVANCED 11-12 year olds) Reserved for advanced 11 and 12 year olds. Major baseball is the highest level of baseball for players 12 (before 4/30/13) and under. It is an exceedingly competitive travel league played with actual baseball rules on a modified diamond that features a 50’ mound and 70’ base paths. It is reserved for highly developed players who have mastered the basic fundamentals and are ready for a far greater challenge. Average time commitment: 4 sessions per week. Cal Ripken Majors 70 Baseball (ADVANCED 11-12 year olds) Reserved for advanced 11 and 12 year olds. Major baseball is the highest level of baseball for players 12 (before 4/30/13) and under. It is an exceedingly competitive travel league played with actual baseball rules on a modified diamond that features a 50’ mound and 70’ base paths. It is reserved for highly developed players who have mastered the basic fundamentals and are ready for a far greater challenge. Average time commitment: 4 sessions per week.
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 Situations • Hitting Stations – Tee – Soft Toss – Coach Pitch – Player 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.
Check List Coaches should check the following prior to practices and/or games: • Email Reminder: Start Time, Est End Time, Location, Dress for Weather & Bring Water • Rules: Rule Book & League Rules • Code of Conduct: Signed by Coaches & Players • Roster: Complete Team Roster with Emergency Contact(s) • Practice Agenda or Line-up Card with Positions • First Aid Kit: Ice Packs, Bandages & Band Aids • Equipment Bags: Helmets, Bats, Gloves & Catchers Gear • Practice/Game Balls: 2 Game Balls Per Game • Umpire Fee for Home Games
Line-Up Sheet Here is a sample line-up sheet that can be posted prior to the game: Player/Inning
1
2
3
4
5
6
Steven
P
P
SS
3rd
C
C
Rachel
3rd
LF
P
P
Gregg
LF
SS
CF
Matthew
1st
Craig
SS
1st
Lisa
C
C
David
RF
2nd
Billy
2nd
CF
Meghan
CF
3rd
1st 2nd
SS
1st
RF
P
P
2nd
SS
3rd
CF
3rd
LF
LF
2nd
RF
SS
2nd
1st
LF
LF CF
Chris
3rd
1st
RF
CF
Nick
RF
C
C
RF
Coaches Goals Coaches: To refine the skills that players have developed and advance their skill set by introducing more challenging drills. Educate the players on the rules that are applicable to the level of play. Educate & prepare players for common situations that can occur at their league level. Coaches should keep in-mind the following during sessions: • Establish Good Communication – Players, Parents & Coaches • Demonstrate Patience • Promote a Respect for the Game • Promote a Safe Environment • Understand the Level of Play • 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 Travel games have a tendency to get too competitive so try to keep you and your players emotions in check. Not Every Game is the World Series! Everyone makes mistakes (Coaches, Players, Parents & Umpires) so show restraint.
Help players understand that they can play more advanced positions if they put the time and effort in/outside of practice. Not all players learn & develop in the same manner or at the same pace. What may work for one player may not work for another. Keep in mind the following when patience is necessary: • Rated “PG” Vocabulary • Tone • Body Language • Contact Coordinator When Situations Become Difficult
Promote a Safe Environment Position Players, Parents, Siblings & Coaches in Areas of the Field of Play where Injuries can be Avoided • Check Emergency Numbers • Check First Aid Kit for Ice Packs & Band Aids Periodically • Remind Players To Remain Hydrated • DO NOT put players at risk. Have them play positions where they can succeed. • DO NOT let players play hurt – Even if it means a forfeit • Keep Batting Area Clear • Due to insurance regulations ONLY registered players are allowed to participate
Level of Play - Softball 3rd/4th Grade Softball For softball players in grades 3 and 4. This level is the first travel league, but maintains an instructional focus as there is no scores kept or playoffs. Games have live pitching and umpiring. Average time commitment: 3 sessions per week.
5th/6th Grade Softball For softball players in grades 5 and 6. This level is an intermediate competitive, travel league with advanced play compared to the 3rd/4th grade level. Teams are likely to participate in playoffs at the end of the season. Average time commitment: 3-4 sessions per week. 16U Grade Softball For softball players that are 13-16 years of age. This is the highest level of softball, best suited for those who have mastered the basic fundamentals and are ready for a greater challenge. Average time commitment: 3-4 sessions per week.
Level of Play - Baseball Cal Ripken Minors Baseball (9-10 year olds) For players in their first year of competitive, travel baseball. Minors baseball gives players their first experience with live pitching and umpiring. Games are played with modified Cal Ripken League rules. This is also the first level that standings are kept and a playoff format is followed. Average time commitment: 2-3 sessions per week. Cal Ripken Majors 70 Baseball (ADVANCED 11-12 year olds) Reserved for advanced 11 and 12 year olds. Major baseball is the highest level of baseball for players 12 (before 4/30/13) and under. It is an exceedingly competitive travel league played with actual baseball rules on a modified diamond that features a 50’ mound and 70’ base paths. It is reserved for highly developed players who have mastered the basic fundamentals and are ready for a far greater challenge. Average time commitment: 4 sessions per week. Cal Ripken Majors 70 Baseball (ADVANCED 11-12 year olds) Reserved for advanced 11 and 12 year olds. Major baseball is the highest level of baseball for players 12 (before 4/30/13) and under. It is an exceedingly competitive travel league played with actual baseball rules on a modified diamond that features a 50’ mound and 70’ base paths. It is reserved for highly developed players who have mastered the basic fundamentals and are ready for a far greater challenge. Average time commitment: 4 sessions per week.
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 Situations • Hitting Stations – Tee – Soft Toss – Coach Pitch – Player 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.
Check List Coaches should check the following prior to practices and/or games: • Email Reminder: Start Time, Est End Time, Location, Dress for Weather & Bring Water • Rules: Rule Book & League Rules • Code of Conduct: Signed by Coaches & Players • Roster: Complete Team Roster with Emergency Contact(s) • Practice Agenda or Line-up Card with Positions • First Aid Kit: Ice Packs, Bandages & Band Aids • Equipment Bags: Helmets, Bats, Gloves & Catchers Gear • Practice/Game Balls: 2 Game Balls Per Game • Umpire Fee for Home Games
Line-Up Sheet Here is a sample line-up sheet that can be posted prior to the game: Player/Inning
1
2
3
4
5
6
Steven
P
P
SS
3rd
C
C
Rachel
3rd
LF
P
P
Gregg
LF
SS
CF
Matthew
1st
Craig
SS
1st
Lisa
C
C
David
RF
2nd
Billy
2nd
CF
Meghan
CF
3rd
1st 2nd
SS
1st
RF
P
P
2nd
SS
3rd
CF
3rd
LF
LF
2nd
RF
SS
2nd
1st
LF
LF CF
Chris
3rd
1st
RF
CF
Nick
RF
C
C
RF
