Thanks to fantastic people like you, our kids have the opportunity to play ball! Here are a few important things to know for a successful coaching season:
Children look up to us as leaders, mentors, and coaches as they develop their skills. Coaching can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to witness the direct impact of your guidance on your team.
Forest Hill T-Ball offers a Coach’s Clinic for each league before the start of the ball season. The clinics provide tips on effective coaching. This section contains much of the basic information.
Tips & Drills
Blastball
Welcome to Blastball!
Many new coaches feel nervous or think they need prior experience. However, it’s important to recognize that the essence of Blastball is to introduce young players to essential skills. The game focuses on mastering how to hold a bat and throw and catch a ball. With teams typically consisting of 5 to 7 players, there’s plenty of room for individual attention and growth.
Pre-game practice is a valuable time for players to enhance their skills. Use this opportunity to demonstrate the correct way to hold and swing the bat and encourage them to engage in throwing and catching exercises with each other. This is a chance to teach them the fundamental techniques for catching and throwing. Your guidance during these moments will help build their confidence and skill set!
While some kids may seem “natural,” they learn through repetition. It’s important to encourage children as they respond positively to praise. Since some children have short attention spans, we suggest using team cheers and quick play activities.
T-Ball
Welcome to T-ball!
Incorporating pre-game practices is vital for the children’s individual growth and the team’s overall development. Most games consist of three to four innings, so players have limited opportunities at bat. Before the game, having the kids practice hitting 5-10 balls against the backstop is beneficial for refining their swing technique.
It’s important to teach proper batting techniques as well. Encourage the children to keep their hands together on the bat with their index fingers pointing in the same direction. Remind them to keep their hands up and not rest the bat on their shoulder when they swing. A a squared position to the tee and a clean, level follow-through is essential. As players progress, you can teach them how their stance can affect where the ball goes! Additionally, stress the importance of not throwing the bat, as this can pose a safety risk.
The “ready-stance” drill is another effective way to enhance the children’s focus and speed when the ball is in play. For catching, instruct them to get in front of the ball for grounders by keeping their glove low and having it open at chest level for receiving throws. During gameplay, coaches can guide players on where the ball is and encourage them to communicate about the next play, reducing confusion on the field.
Since most hits in t-ball games are grounders, it is essential to teach the children to position themselves correctly with gloves down, allowing the ball to roll into their gloves. The “gator grab” technique is also a valuable skill to practice.
When it comes to throwing, you can use the point-and-throw method: the child should point their opposite hand toward the target, step into their throw, and follow through, ensuring their throwing hand finishes pointing at the target. For added comfort, teaching underhand throws can help alleviate players’ anxiety about receiving throws from nearby teammates.
Familiarity with the bases (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home) is key. A simple pre-game practice could involve having them run around the bases and call out their names, reinforcing their understanding.
Teaching these skills will significantly enhance the players’ abilities while fostering confidence and teamwork. Remember, the essence of this game is to have fun, which should always be our top priority!
If you have any questions about your role as a coach or assistant coach, please contact our office (office@foresthilltball.com) or speak to one of our board members.