Basic Softball Game Plan

It is always important for a coach to come to the diamond ahead of time and prepared. By extension, it is also important for the players to have an idea what the coach expects out of them each and every game. I have embedded a basic game plan below that goes through basic pre-game prep (e.g. dynamic stretching), concepts to help guide you throughout the game (e.g. positive encouragement and feedback), and finally the post-game which includes a debrief and cool down.

Game Plan - Squirts

Keeping Kids Engaged And While Teaching/Coaching Age/Developmentally Appropriate Skills/Movements

Which of these group of kids do you believe will become better at sports and learn more?

OR, these kids...

Let's also ignore the age difference - the pictures simply depicted the dichotomy I wanted to discuss :P

So.. which kids will become better athletes?

Which of those two pictures will ultimately produce the next superstar?

Did you pick the second picture? The one where they are doing drills. If you did, I am sorry to say you are incorrect. Well, that isn't quite true. The more accurate answer is there is no way for us to know.

The key point, however, is that doing drills and constant skill work at a very young age is NOT, I repeat. Doing drills, skills and technique work at a young age IS NOT what will determine how successful of an athlete your young child will become. Although I will disclaimer that Canadian Sport for Life does acknowledge the early specialization allotment for gymnastics, diving, and figure skating.

Recently, I came across a young mother that was coaching for the first time her young four year old boy. He would get upset that mommy was paying attention to others (a feeling I know all to well with an only child), the lack of response and seeming involvement from parents, and teaching these children how to play ball. The following was my take on it, and my advice (mind you, it was unsolicited, but we all know that's the best kind :P).