pee-wee baseball

Question
this is my 1st year as a coach. the team that i have won the championship last year. now the are the new guys what would you suggest i do to help get the kids to have fun and learn ?

Answer
Hi Jimmy,

welcome to the wonderful world of coaching!  

You may have it easier than most 1st time coaches.  Some of your players have experienced the thrill of championship playing.  Always remember that there are three main elements to making an athlete:  Motivation, skills, and support.

Your enthusiasm and dedication is part of the motivation these kids need.  You can develop team spirit by encouraging the 'seasoned' players to help the rookies.  The better players can set examples and become role models for the others.  Reward their participation with lots of recognition from you and the team.

Skill development comes from practice and planning. Keep your practice plans simple by focusing on just a few objectives.  I often plan my practices around 1 or 2 main objectives (ie. hitting and fielding, throwing and running).   I break the practice up into smaller segments and ensure that both objectives covered completely.  You may divide the 1st half of the practice for one and the 2nd half for the other.  After many years, I can mix the two up and still real my desired goal. Keep your drills within 10 to 15 minutes.  

Show the players exactly what you want and use some of the stronger players as examples for the others.  Provide support thru the assistants who help you or the stronger players who are interested in leading.  You can encourage leadership by setting the example.  Be fair and decisive. Ask questions and set aside some time at the end of each practice to answer questions.

Find some mottos that apply to how you coach, like "Practice like you play and play like you practice" or "Be quick but don't hurry".  Incorporate them into your coaching and keep them in the back of you mind as you plan your practices and games.  

Here are some websites that I know you'll find interesting:

Barton's Youth Baseball:
http://www.homestead.com/youthbaseball_e_zine/

eTeamz baseball instruction:
http://www.eteamz.com/baseball/instruction/tips/

Best of luck and have a great season,

JohnMc