The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Softball

1st Edition
0071368256 · 9780071368254
Coaching Youth Softball is written especially for the unprepared parent thrust into the role of coaching his or her 8- to 12-year-old child's softball team. Upbeat and inspirational, it schools new coaches in the fundamentals of controlling, motivat… Read More
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Preface: Play Ball!

Introduction: So You Said You'd Be the Coach, Huh?

How to Use This Book

A Word on Coaching

Part One. Coaching 101: The Coach's Start-Up Kit

Chapter 1: Creating an Atmosphere of Good Habits

Establish Your Identity as Coach

Maintain Routines

Positive Peer Pressure Is Effective

Be Patient and Positive

Drills to Promote Teamwork

Questions and Answers

Chapter 2: Before Hitting the Field: Softball in a Nutshell

Basic Rules and Positioning

The Ball Is in Play

Basic Safety Measures

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Season

Create the Practice and Game Schedule

Meet with Parents

Finding an Assistant

Appropriate Numbers of Players on the Team

Equipment

Questions and Answers

Chapter 4: Essential Skills--and How to Teach Them

Catching

Throwing

Infield Defense

Outfield Defense

Team Defense

Playing Catcher

Pitching

Batting

Bunting

Baserunning

Sliding

Chapter 5: The Practice

Preparation Is Key

Practice Format

Other Considerations

Questions and Answers

Chapter 6: Sample Practices

Basic Beginning Practice

Intermediate Practice

Advanced Practice

Pitching Practices

Chapter 7: Game Time

The Mental Aspect

Be Prepared

Coaching the Game

Taking Stock

Questions and Answers

Chapter 8: Dealing with Parents and Gender Issues

The Role of the Parents

Gender Issues

Questions and Answers

Part Two. Drills: The Foundation for Development, Success, Happiness, and a Coach's Peace of Mind

Chapter 9: Warm-Up: Throwing, Fielding, and Baserunning Drills and Drills for Pitchers and Catchers

Throwing Drills

Fielding Drills

Baserunning Drills

Drills for Pitchers

Drills for Catchers

Chapter 10: Defensive Fundamentals: Infield Play, Outfield Play, and Team Defense

Infield Drills

Outfield Drills

Team Defense Drills

Chapter 11: Batting Practice

Batting Drills

Bunting Drills

Appendix

Umpire Signals

Sample Scorebook

Glossary

Resources

Associations and Organizations
Websites and Electronic Newsletters

Index

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Coaching Youth Softball is written especially for the unprepared parent thrust into the role of coaching his or her 8- to 12-year-old child's softball team. Upbeat and inspirational, it schools new coaches in the fundamentals of controlling, motivating, and encouraging a disparate group of kids in the art and science of softball.

Parents learn the logistics of running a youth team and the specifics of coaching softball. They learn how to match drills to a player's skills and motivation level and gain a wealth of detailed instructions on such specifics as how to run a successful practice and manage during a game.

  • Takes a drill-based approach to teaching basic skills
  • Reviews softball fundamentals for inexperienced parents