SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6)...

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SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK UPDATED: SPRING 2010

Transcript of SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6)...

Page 1: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK

UPDATED: SPRING 2010

Page 2: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Opening DaySkills CompetitionAll team members must participate in at least 1 eventNo player may participate in more than 2 events

1. ROAD RUNNERFastest player from home plate to home plate (missed base=DQ)

2 players per team - (3 if necessary)

2. GOLDEN ARM4 throws from Centerfield marker to Home plate target • 1 pt for hitting board • 3 pts for hitting target • 5 points for going through bulls-eye

2 players per team - (3 if necessary)

3. HIT DERBY10 pitches per player (Coach pitches) • 1 pt for ball that land on grass on fly • 3 pts for long ball (past outfield markers)

2 players per team

4. AROUND THE HORNFastest time for ball to circulate to each team member • P-C-SS-3B-2B-1B-C • Each base must be tagged while having possession of ball • Time begins & ends on home plate

6 players per team

Page 3: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeagueGoals

OVERALL LEAGUE GOALS• Provide the opportunity for each kid to reach their potential• Develop age appropriate skills through positive and constructive instruction• Strive for good, balanced competition

PONY LEAGUE (14u-16u Team: AGE BEFORE MAY 1)• Competitive ball especially preparing them for high school or the next level• 1 team with a 35-40 game schedule in a Chicago area league• A higher level of dedication is expected

(i.e. Practice 1 time per week, Hitting 1 time per week, arm strengthening, conditioning, etc) - Hitting – Hitting a curve; hitting behind the runner; sacrifice hitting; understanding the count - Fielding – Emphasize 1-3 positions per player; playing in & out; communication; bunt defense - Base running – Lead offs; stealing; reacting to situations - Throwing – Curve; pick-offs; balks; holding runners on base

.....ALL-STAR TEAMS (10u-12u Teams: AGE BEFORE MAY 1)• Tryouts begin in Spring - team selected by coaches on Draft Day• Memorial Day tournament • Weekly practices/tryouts during house league season• All-star practice to take priority over house league practices

.....MAJOR LEAGUE (Ages 11-13)• House teams & all-star team• Outside umpires• Weekly practices (League limit of 1 required practice per week)• No lead-offs• Special instruction for pitcher & catcher - Hitting – Selecting pitches; bunting; hitting with form & power; intro to hitting a curve (All Star Team) - Fielding – Begin to narrow positions; errorless ball; double plays; efficiency in steps & motion; - Fly ball priorities – Backhand; 1st-3rd situations; communication - Base running – Intro to lead-offs; anticipation - Throwing – Fastball & change, stretch

Page 4: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeagueGoals

MINOR LEAGUE (Ages 9-10)• Hard ball• House teams & all-star team• Sheridan Park umpires• Weekly practices (League limit of 1 required practice per week)• No lead-offs• Special instruction for pitcher & catcher - Hitting – (emphasize form) making contact with live pitching; being confident in batter’s box;

getting hit; intro to bunting; understanding balls & strikes - Fielding – Field ball cleanly (emphasize catching throws & pop flys); Understand each Position & its responsibilities; backing up; 2 hands; cut-offs & relays - Base running – Sliding; stealing; tagging up - Throwing – 1) Accuracy with 4 seam fastball,

2) change-up (All Stars) 3) throwing with power (legs, pull mitt in, follow-through); using momentum

.....ROOKIE LEAGUE (Ages 7-8)• Pitching machines (keeps ball in play and makes for more action)• Rubber ball• 10 kids per team (no catcher & pitcher if necessary)• Define rules clearly to all coaches & parents• 1 coach per team on field; offensive coach has priority - Hitting – Stance; level swing; making contact (watch the ball hit the bat) - Fielding – Getting in front of ball (emphasize grounders); catching the ball (fingers to the sky); throw ball/don’t hold ball; know proper positions; forced outs - Base running – Over running first base; forced running; running on grounder/fly ball - Throwing – Rotate arm & hand back (fingers to the sky); elbow above shoulder;

make accurate throws; follow-through

Page 5: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeagueGoals

T-BALL (Ages 5-6)• Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs)• Teamwork, sportsmanship, field ground balls• No practices during season• 1st two weeks of season: practice only• 6 weeks of games - Hitting – Batting stance; eye on ball/hit ball - Fielding – Stop ball; share the field - Base running – Running the right way; touching & stopping at the bases - Throwing – Point shoulder/glove & step toward target

.....GIRLS SOFTBALLOur goal for Sheridan Park softball is to offer a positive experience for young female athletes. In addition to the playing experience, our league’s overall goal is to provide the girls an environment which stresses the values of leadership, team-work, self-discipline, and cooperation. These life lessons go far beyond the playing fields. In addition, the younger girls' division will introduce the concepts of: hitting, catching, fielding and base running. Coaches will pitch to the girls. The coaches will emphasize the fundamentals in a fun filled environment. As the girls graduate into the older division they will experience a more competitive environment playing a variety of teams from various leagues. The girls will learn the nuances of: fast pitch, sliding, hitting-the-cutoff and other fundamentals.

Page 6: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeaguePractice Planning

• INVOLVE DADS & COACHES• HAVE A PLAN• PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT• ENCOURAGE DADS (OR MOMS) TO PLAY CATCH WITH SONS!

SUGGESTED FORMAT* Courtesy of UIC baseball

1. Play catch with purpose a. Utilize drills to enforce good mechanics b. Finish with some long-toss2. Individual defense skills & drills3. Team defense (cuts, relays, stealing, bunts, etc.)4. Base running5. Hitting/bunting6. Finish with a fun challenge

TEAM TALK (5 minutes)discipline & focus, fundamentals & drills to build habits, look for next play, “owies” & injuries

.....THROWING (20 MINUTES) Throwing: don’t let elbow drop below shoulder, follow through Catching: expect a bad throw; 2 hands, tap dirt on short throw- on knee-ball flips- on knee-sky, scratch, throw- on feet-step, sky, scratch, throw- long toss & back

.....FUNDAMENTALS(3 STATIONS; 3 MINUTES EACH) Hustle to ball, field in front, 2 handsA) Pop/pull groundersB) Pop/pull barehandC) Pop/pull pop ups

#1 RULE: STOP BALL, THEN MAKE PLAY #2 RULE: LOOK FOR NEXT PLAYA) Outfield grounders – knee down, hurry ball inB) Underhand toss box drill – show ball, extend armC) Catch-throw (2B-1B) – heels on base, step with catch

.....TEAM DRILLSCatcher - 2B SS straddle base/plant tag, 2B back-up on grass, catcher block ball to home

Cut-off drill (CF, SS, 2B) line up cut, turn toward mitt

Baserunning: 1) time 1 lap (left corner with left foot, straight line with short curl before base) 2) time to 1B-front part of bag 3) Steal second with pop up slide & look to coach to go to 3rd

Hitting:(3 pts liner, 1 pt for grounder or pop)Rotation 3B, LF, SS, CF, 2B, RF, 1B, Batting “T” into fence, Hit stick, 6 strikes

Rocket Relay competitionAround the horn competition

SAMPLE PRACTICE

Page 7: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeagueHitting

1. STANCE - Knees flexed, weight balanced - Shoulders, hips & feet “closed" - Bat vertical

2. STRIDE - Step forward (plant front foot before swinging!) - Hands back - Keep closed! - Shoulders level

3. SWING - Drive back hip and knee towards ball (raise up on back toe) - Drive hands down & to the ball - Keep head still & over back knee

4. CONTACT & FOLLOW THROUGH - Keep both eyes on the ball - Watch the ball hit the bat - Drive bat through the ball

Hitting Drills: - Batting tee (good for form work) - Stand on 2” x 8” x 4’ board with out falling off - Hitting stick - One knee - One hand swings (keep other hand on chest) - Front toss (underhand, from behind screen) - Tracking balls & strikes (look ball into catchers mitt)

“Closed” Hips, shoulders & feet at 90° from target

“Open”Hips, shoulders & feet facing target

Outside pitchHit lateHit to right field

Inside pitchHit earlyGet hands in front

Down the “Pipe”Line drive up the middle

HITTING(Courage & Confidence)

Page 8: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeagueFielding

• Move body to get in front of ball (Quick feet & hustle to make every play routine)• Receive ball in front & away from body• Keep elbow in front of body • Use 2 hands for quick release• Anticipate your play before the pitch!

Grounders - Lead slightly with glove side foot - Get mitt down early - Smother ball with throwing hand - Move forward to gain momentum for throw - Knee down & block ball for outfield grounders

Throws - Expect a bad throw - Step towards throw - Glove hand: “fingers to the sky” - Quickly remove ball from mitt…or… - Hold on to ball inside of mitt for tag - Turn toward glove side hand for relay throw

Pop-ups - Get under ball! Quickly!! - Use two hands and get rid of ball…Quickly! - Catch on throwing side of body if possible - Use glove to shield sun (if necessary) - Call ball: “mine, mine, mine” - Run after ball with mitt tucked - Short pop-ups are IF responsibility, but OF priority

Fielding Drills: - Bare hand drill (no glove) - Rocket Relay - Pop/Pull drill (good for grounders, catches & pop-ups) - Ground ball circle (5-6 players) or triangle (3 players) - 5-4-3 drill - Pass patterns (running pop flys) - Around the horn drill - Baseball Hockey

#1 Fielding Rule:Stop the Ball!

#2 Fielding Rule:Ball must never go underneath you!

Cut-offsGet out on grass.Line up between ball & base.Be a big target.

RF hit (RF & RC):2B takes cut-off

LF & CF hit (LF, LC):SS takes cut-off

FIELDING (Awareness & Anticipation)

Page 9: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeagueThrowing

1. STANCE - Back foot perpendicular to target - Knees flexed - Shoulders, hips & feet “closed"

2. BALANCE - Knee to waist - Hands “quiet” (together in front of body) - Chest over standing foot

3. READY - Step towards target (keep “closed” until release) - Rotate arm down, back & away (“Thumb to thigh, Fingers to the sky”) - Fingers to the sky - Ball facing away from body - Elbow above shoulder - Glove outstretched - Stand tall - both elbows elevated

4. RELEASE - Glove to chest - “love the glove” - Elbow above shoulder - Keep fingers on top of ball - Release at farthest point from body (away) - Bend at the waist (down)

5. FOLLOW THROUGH - Arm across body - Step through to good fielding position

Throwing Drills: - Ball flips - 1/4 throws - Arm levers - One knee toss (from open position) - One knee throw (from closed position) - Flip & throw (from closed position) - Twist & throw (facing target)

“Closed”Hips, shoulders & feet at 90° from target

“Open”Hips, shoulders & feet facing target

Sky - Scratch - Throwball away - elbow high

Sky - Scratch - Throwbend at elbow with out dropping –keep loose

Sky - Scratch - ThrowExplode & release

- Rocking throws - Figure 8’s - Step & Throw - Long toss - with “crow hop”

THROWING(Focus & Discipline)

Page 10: SHERIDAN PARK COACHES HANDBOOK - Amazon S3 · Sheridan Park Little League Goals T-BALL (Ages 5-6) • Have fun! • Learn basics of the game (3 outs an inning, scoring runs) • Teamwork,

Sheridan Park Little LeaguePositions

PITCHING • Throw strikes! • Throw strikes!! • Throw strikes!!! • The next strike is the most important pitch! • Throw to the glove; not the batter • Don’t focus on things you cannot control

(errors) • Keep ball low • Breathe • Take your time • Keep motions simple �

CATCHING • Toughest position - must have energy! • Be brave! (trust the gear; don’t turn to side) • Be a servant to your pitcher; help him all you

can • Give a good & open target • Catch the ball! • Keep throwing hand behind thigh

or behind glove • Block pitches in the dirt (get down on both

knees, glove between knees, angle body toward plate

• Step out to wide pitches; don’t just reach • Take command of field-you have

the best view • For potential plays at the plate, step out in front

of plate

1B • Hustle to the bag • Step towards ball with glove side foot while ball

is in the air (Step, catch) • Expect a bad throw • Come off the base for wide throws • Scoop or get down on low throws • If you can get a grounder, get it; let your pitcher

or 2B cover the base

2B • Always cover or back up throws to 2B • Back-up on grass • Generally, let SS take throws from catcher

SS • Communicate! You are captain of the infield • Always cover or back up throws to 2B • Back-up on grass • Take throws from catcher

3B • Cover your base!

You are never a cut off man! • At first sign of bunt, rush home

OF • Centerfielder has priority • Get rid of ball quickly! • Don’t hold on to ball for any reason. • Get knee down on grounders to block ball