2015 FIRST LEAGUE GAME PLAN

S- swings bat only in appropriate areas A- always wears a helmet when appropriate F- follows coaches instructions E- equipment is properly used T- throws ball only to those in proper “ready” position Y- you practice safety, and have fun!!

Warm Ups-Stretching Begin all activity with warm ups and stretching exercises. They will give you greater flexibility, aid in injury prevention, and will help keep you healthy. Long, slow, fluid movements when stretching that put constant pressure on your muscles will help them to stretch much better too. Remember to hold the stretches and avoid “bobbing motions”!!

Hitting Station () 1. Hitting off tee into the fence 2. , after ball, replace on tee, next player bats 3. hit off tee from home plate, runs the bases 4. coach soft toss to player 5. Live Hitting: a. Coach pitches b. Have a batter c. Have an on deck batter d. Have 3 players shagging balls e. Coach gives each batter 3 pitches, everyone rotates one position: batter to fielder, one fielder to tee hitter, tee hitter to on deck batter, on deck batter to batter up Coaches are stressing keeping eye/head on ball, timing the swing, and proper mechanics

Fielding/Catching Station () 1. fly ball from self 2. Catch fly ball from coach 3. Catch fly ball from partner 4. Catch fly ball from coaches bat 5. Catch fly ball from coach and throw to cut-off player 6. Catch fly ball from cut-off and throw to catcher 7. Mix in one hoppers Coaches are stressing the importance of communicating/ “calling it”, why we hit the cut off, backing up outfielders, and judging fly balls.

Catching/Throwing/Running Station (Infield) 1. Throw-Catch: to and from coach (pop ups, line drives, grounders) 2. Throw-Catch: to and from partner (pop ups, line drives, grounders) 3. Field grounders from coach off bat 4. “Run Downs” (Game of Pickle) 5. Running the bases 6. Sliding (on grass) 7. “Around the Horn” Coaches are stressing staying low and in front of the ball, where to throw, proper sliding mechanics, and how to run the bases

Pitching/Catching Station (Outfield/along fence) 1. Practice pitching without the ball 2. Practice throwing to target (on fence)-20ft, 25ft, 30ft 3. Learning to catch a. 2 players pitching b. 2 players are catchers (with gear) c. 1 player can pitch to coach Coaches are stressing proper mechanics when pitching (ie; ball grip, arm work, foot work, follow through), hitting target, and blocking as the catcher

Gorham Baseball/Softball Coaches Guide

THROWING

To develop the player's arm and shoulder strength for throwing: Each player kneels on the ground 10 yards apart facing each other. (Right handed players kneel on right knee with the left leg in front, while left handed players kneel on left knee with the right leg out in front.) Each pair has one baseball/softball. The players throw the ball back and forth to each other for a desire time period. Then the players are moved apart another 5 yards, and they continue to throw back and forth to each other for an additional time period. The drill continues to proceed in this manner for as long as desired. The distance the players are moved apart depends on their arm and shoulder strength.

This works on the outfield keeping stopping the ball and making the throw into the infield. Also works on base-running and sliding. Line up three, four or five players at the following positions. Right field, first base, and third base. The player's at first base take turns as base-runners and try to make it safely to third base. On the coach’s signal, the player from first takes off, heading for third base. Every time the runner gets to third base they need to go in sliding. The coach hits the ball behind the runner to the right fielder, the right fielder makes the stop and try's to throw the runner out at third. The third baseman needs to stop the ball and make a low tag. Rotate the players after each periodically so that each child has an opportunity to experience each position.

FIELDING

Teach young players how to catch the ball correctly. Have each player lay flat on his or her back. Have a coach stand over each player with a ball. Explain to the player that if the ball is above their hips they should catch the ball with the fingers up and if the ball is below the waist they should catch the ball with their fingers down. Then have the catch drop the ball into the player’s glove from different positions. This will help the player under stand proper glove technique.

To provide players with an opportunity to field a large number of ground balls. Drill has one fielder, who stands 40-60 feet in front of the hitter (depending on their age), and one shagger, who stands on the right side of the hitter. (Three person groups.) Drill can have as many groups as desired. The hitter hits 10 ground balls to the fielder. The fielder fields the ground balls and throws them to the shagger. After fielding 10 ground balls, the fielder becomes the shagger, the shagger becomes the hitter, and the hitter becomes the new fielder. The drill continues to proceed in this manner for as long as desired

SLIDING

A great sliding drill for teaching beginners how to . Line up your player in a line, space arm length apart. Talk to them about the cadence of the slide. Left, right, left sit. Then have the player's start walking left leg first, right leg, left leg and then have them fall to their butts with the right leg extended and the left leg folder underneath in a figure four. Once the players get better and cadence then begin having them slowly run the three steps, left, right, left sit.

FUN STUFF Relay Race Line half the team up on 2nd base and the other at home. On the start, each player runs around the bases, see if one team can “catch” the other team.

Cutoff Relay Race Divide the team evenly. Instruct them how to properly cut the ball off from the outfield. Have a relay race first team to go up and back wins.

What time is it Coach? Good warm up game. Have the kids stand at home plate and you (Coach) starts in centerfield. Have the kids collectively yell, “What time is it coach”. You yell out a time, and the player takes the corresponding number of steps. When you yell “Gametime” chase them all back to home. Whoever you tag becomes an extra coach. Continue playing until everyone becomes coaches.

Tips on Running a Youth Baseball/Softball Practice

1. Plan short drills with many repetitions 2. Make sure that every child gets to play every position 3. Do your best to have every child doing something at all times 4. End practices with a fun activity 5. Expect the unexpected 6. Set out the necessary equipment before practice 7. When talking to players, kneel down so they are at eye level 8. Don’t display negative criticism, hostility, abuse or anger 9. Remember the 4 “P words”: a. Preparation: Plan a routine/agenda for practices/games b. Patience: Take the time to build self-esteem and confidence in each player c. Poise: Maintain your composure and remember that mistakes will happen d. Praise: Recognize effort and performance verbally