T-ball is a fun exercise introduced for kids and amateurs as a start up to develop skills in the game of baseball. This game has its origins from the province of Albion. This article provides information on the important aspects involved in the training schedule of this game.
In T-ball, there is no pitcher, and the ball is kept on an adjustable tee top over the home plate. The tee top is adjusted to a height where the batter can strike it easily. It is played on a small field, and a majority of the rules are identical to that of a baseball game. The game is designed in a way that a maximum number of children can participate. The score is not a part of the game play in a few organizations where they coach for T-ball. One inning does not end before each batter has tried his hand at hitting the ball, while the others from the defending side rally around in the outfield.
Tips for Coaching T-Ball
Coaching for any game involves a basic framework, which ideally incorporates mental toughness, physical strength, and stamina. Team building and bonding are also crucial. It also involves instilling confidence in the players along with motivation. The primary criteria for a t-ball coach should be an unquestionable knowledge of the game. His knowledge and understanding of baseball game should be quite thorough. He must be equipped to explain the different aspects of the game to the children in a simple way.
Home Plate
It is a term used for team meetings for developing a plan and schedule. They are significant for communicating the team information. Printed bills are prepared for assessing the team development. Even parents can go through the schedule and plans and be a part of the daily routine. This is the foundation of any coaching procedure. The schedule and the game plan cannot progress without team meetings.
Base Number 1
It could be a good practice to give analogies that the children can relate to, while teaching the basics of the game. The children can learn quickly this way. Even if it's meant to be fun and as a stepping stone for polishing skills for playing baseball in the future, the coach has to be serious enough about his part in the exercise. A coach should be decisive and considerate. In case of an injury, he should be caring and must be able to motivate them, prodding them to maximize their inputs to the game. All kinds of humiliations on account of a mistake made by a player must be avoided at all costs. A harsh rebuke may deprive the player of his confidence. The game must be a fun exercise.
Base Number 2
In many instances, the children tend to throw the bat down after a hit and they start running. In that case, a padded glove can be kept at the spot so that they don't hurt themselves. Over a period of time, the children would automatically stop dropping the bat. A rule can be made that unless the coach says so, no player will pick up the bat. This practice might prove beneficial to avoid any injury to the players.
Base Number 3
Drills and rigorous practice are crucial activities involved in coaching a game. Practice can be equivalent to repetition. Practicing the game would include, telling them what a proper stance is, increasing the strike force by grounding one of the feet like an anchor, throwing the ball, catching the ball, coaching them for running through bases, etc. The children might not be aware of the order of events arranged in the game, and they may fumble, skip a base, might not pitch the ball properly or make other mistakes. Being patient with them is the key to success.
Involving children in an activity which will help them in sharpening their game skills indirectly will cause them to show interest. A good example of this is to make the children throw a ball into a bucket with its open end towards the players.
