Simsbury Little League
Coaching Development Program
Guide
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
2010 Spring Season
Simsbury Little League
SLL Vision Statement
Committed to develop the best teaching oriented youth
baseball league in the State of Connecticut, devoted to
providing thought provoking leadership and continuous
improvement for coaches and players.
SLL Mission Statement
To provide a safe and positive learning environment for
every player that allows them to improve their individual skill
level, knowledge of the game and ability to work well within a
team!
2
The Mission of Little League
Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit
organization whose mission is to "to promote, develop,
supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the
interest of those who will participate in Little League
Baseball and Softball."
Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the
Little League program assists youth in developing the
qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical
well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage
and loyalty, the Little League Baseball and Softball
program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than
superior athletes.
3
Coaching Development Program
“Coaching is Preparation”
-Pete Carril, Men’s Head Basketball
Coach, Princeton University
As the Mission of our League states, and as a Manager or Coach to one of
the Simsbury Little League (SLL) Teams, we all have an obligation to teach
the basic baseball skills necessary to enable each player to reach their
potential. It must be remembered that being selected as a Manager or
Coach of a SLL team is a privilege and not a right. Each Manager has a very
unique opportunity, a gift, to instruct the youth players of our league. As
Managers in our league, it is expected that we will lead by example, be a
positive influence to our players, and re-enforce the life lessons learned. It
is unacceptable for our Managers to be arrogant, negative or set
expectations which are not achievable. After all this is youth baseball, not
the Major Leagues.
Please utilize this document for what it was intended to accomplish, simply
as a guide to help illustrate some best practices and basic principles around
managing a youth baseball team. It is not intended to be a rule book. One
of the best aspects that each Manager will bring to their team is their own
style. This Manager's guide is not, in any way, an attempt to hinder each
one's unique perspective and coaching style.
I’d like to personally thank each one of you for the time, dedication and hard
work you will put into making this Season a success. Please enjoy your Team,
and Have Fun!
Michael A. Sinacori
President, Simsbury Little League
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Table of Contents
I.
Title Page
II.
League Mission & Vision Page
III.
Little League Mission
IV.
President’s note
IV.
Table of Contents
V.
The Program…“What it is” and What it is not” page
VI.
How do you want to be remembered?
VII.
The Coach
VIII.
Setting your expectations
IX.
Getting Started
X.
Forms to Assist you
XI.
Practice Organization
XII.
Sample Practice Plans
XIII.
Practice Drills
XIV.
Game Time
XV.
Game Day Sheets
XVI.
Resources
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Coaching Development Program
What it is:
This program is designed and developed to provide
Little League managers and coaches a fundamental
approach regarding the philosophy and tools to assist
in the development of Simsbury Little Leaguers and
Simsbury Little League.
What it is not:
This is not a how to guide on how you must manage
and run your team.
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How do you want to be remembered?
By Nicholas Caringi
Director of Operations
Little League International
My experiences as a player in Little League are memories that are "priceless" to quote a
popular credit card advertisement. But let's examine why.
Here is what I don't remember:
I don't remember how many hits, home runs, (probably not many) wins, loses, strikeouts,
league championships, all star wins or loses. For whatever reason, these just must not
be important enough to remember.
Here is what I do remember:
I remember how it felt when our phone rang and the coach informed my dad that I was
drafted to be a member of the Bastian Tires team. I remember the feeling I had when I
first put the uniform on. I remember our coach rewarding us with a snow cone if we
committed fewer than four errors in a game, regardless of whether we won or lost.
I remember my all star coaches, Mr. Cioffi and Mr. Hieber, who put so much time in
working with us as kids that we often forgot we played baseball. We seemed to gel as
friends first that happened to play on the same team. Mr. Cioffi's practices were filled
with interesting, fun drills that reinforced sound fundamentals.
My point is that too often people get caught up in the winning and losing of games and
often lose sight of why they are there. Staying true to reason adults volunteer for the
children of their community is most important. The reason should be to provide a safe
fun atmosphere for kids to learn and grow as individuals. Learning how teamwork and
dedication can help them accomplish any goals that they set for themselves.
I now see Mr. Cioffi from time to time as he is a volunteer team host at our Little League
World Series as well as my daughter's third grade teacher. Visiting with him reminds me
about all that is good about Little League and how much of an impression he has made
on me as a child that carried through to adulthood.
Now, let's get back to my original question. How do you want to be remembered?
Wouldn't it be nice to have one of your former players approach you with their son or
daughter and say "Let me introduce you to my Little League coach!"
7
The Coach
The Little League Coach is the critical link between the players and the game of
baseball. The tone you set influences each player’s experience in a powerful way and
impacts their love of the game for a lifetime.
The successful Little League coach is a leader by example, who models the positive
attitude, effort and behaviors that will be expected from players during their ball playing
careers – and throughout their lives.
The best coaches are what Little League and our partner, Positive Coaching Alliance, call
Double Goal Coaches who prepare their teams to win on the field and their players to be
successful in life after their Little League playing careers are over.
Good coaches are true role models. They are upbeat and energetic. Be prepared and
knowledgeable. Most of all, they are fair, patient and respectful of players, parents,
opponents and everyone else they encounter between the lines.
And good coaches show players – and parents – how Little League strives to “Honor the
Game” by teaching players to respect:
- The rules of the game
- Their opponents
- Officials including umpires and league administrators
- Teammates
- SLL facilities
- Equipment
- And themselves.
A good coach is a positive teacher who sets clear expectations and rewards each player’s
effort and improvement more than their batting averages and strike out percentages. The
values that coaches hold close – and insist upon – will be reflected in the way that their
teams play and compete. How do you handle close umpire calls?
Coaches are motivators who strive to bring out the best in each individual player and the
team as a whole.
And when fair, positive discipline is required, the coach is there to correct – and redirect
– the player without embarrassing them or making things worse.
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Perhaps most importantly, coaches are communicators who bridge the gap between the
challenging skills of the game and the fun that must be a constant part of the entire Little
League experience.
Great communication begins with active listening - to understand the difficulties that
individual players face and to look for creative ways to help each player to overcome
their challenges and achieve their potential as ballplayers and young people.
Being a Little League coach is one of the most important roles many people will ever
play. You are leaders and role models who are giants in the eyes of your players.
You are teachers, motivators and patient disciplinarians who positively influence the
lives of your players.
Begin by listening to your players and striving to communicate your goals and
expectations clearly to them. Be patient and kind and strive always to do what’s best for
the player in the great traditions of Little League Baseball and Softball.
9
Setting your expectations
The member of your team for whom you should have the highest expectations is yourself,
the coach. Begin your season by asking yourself what can my players, and their parents,
expect from me this season?
Child safety is your highest concern. Commit to ensuring that all players know and
follow all safety guidelines. And strive to teach skills properly to avoid long and short
term injuries.
Create a fun, healthy atmosphere on your team by constantly reminding yourself that
this is a game and these are kids. Baseball and softball are supposed to be fun – that
means laughter and anticipation, joy, friendship and memories that last a lifetime…not
screaming and yelling and a single-minded quest for victory.
Strive for fairness in all that you do from making up the batting order to assigning
positions. Communicate this to the parents of your team. Let them know that you will
be doing your best to be fair and that they should bring any concerns they have directly to
you.
If complaints arise, tell parents that you’ll be ‘emphasizing the positive’ with your team
during the season and they’re expected to do the same!
Show your team that you’re organized and in charge by doing your homework and
showing up prepared for games and practices. Have practice plans that start with
stretching and include skills work, conditioning, game situations and plenty of FUN!
Show up for games with a plan to involve every player as much as possible and make
sure that winning is only the icing on the cake of a great day at the ballpark…not the sole
objective.
Know your stuff. Read your rulebook. Talk to experienced coaches and umpires to
expand your knowledge of the game. Be a student of the game and you will be an even
better teacher.
Above all, be positive, patient and realistic. Recognize that different players have
different abilities and celebrate great effort and steady improvement as much as great
athletic achievements. The chances are slim that you will coach a future professional
ballplayer, but you are guaranteed to have future parents, leaders and coaches in every
line-up. Coach each player with an eye on their future which you will shape through your
leadership.
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GETTING STARTED
1)
First things first.
 You need to be organized at the beginning, middle and end of the season.
2)
Start off organized. Recommended items that you may find helpful.
 Team note book
 Copy of 2010 LL rulebook
 Copies
 Player Contract (enough for each player)
 Coaches contract (enough for each coach)
 Injury forms
 Copy of roster
3)
Call your players
 Know when and where your first preseason practice is going to be held.
 Inform the parents of the 1st all team meeting. Let them know you need at
least one parent to attend.
 Hold this meeting 20 or 30 minutes before your first practice. Meet at the field
where your practice is to take place.
 Let them know that you will have hats, uniforms (if you have them) and forms
for them at this meeting.
 Let them know what they need to bring:
 Glove
 Cups
 H2O
 Bats
 (Dressed in baseball pants or sweatpants)
 Ask them to put their name on everything.
 Collect any additional phone numbers / emails for team communications.
 Ask for help.
 Coaches; the more the better. Team Administrator. This is a critical position.
A good team administrator will make for a smooth season. Inform all coaches
that they need to have a background check completed prior to assisting at
practices and games. This information can be found at
WWW.simsburylittleleague.com
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Welcome Letters
These can be sent prior to your first team meeting
Good morning Dodgers Players and Families,
I am excited to welcome you to the Simsbury Little League Farm A Dodgers.
Before we get the season underway I need to review several items with you.
1) I need someone to volunteer to be our team administrator. This person helps the
team in communications, drink tickets, etc. If you are interested in doing this
please let me know.
2) If you are interested in helping coach this year, please let me know. You will need
to fill out the volunteer form. The league requires all coaches to have a completed
background check prior to stepping on the field.
The volunteer form can be found on the little league web site.
www.simsburylittleleague.com you may want to make this page a favorite during
the season as it will keep you updated as to field conditions and league news.
3) Pre Season Practice Schedule
Saturday’s : 10 – 11:30 AM Squadron Line School
Friday’s: 5:30 – 7PM. Mountain Park 1 This is the field closest the parking lot.
4) In Season Practice Schedule
Thursday’s : 5:30 – 7PM Mountain Park 1
5) Our first game is tentatively scheduled for Saturday April 28th.
Our games will be played at Memorial Park.
Saturday’s 2:30 – 4:30
Sunday’s 3:00 – 4:45.
6) Uniforms – The league provides each player with 1 hat, socks and a t-shirt. You
will need to purchase a pair of grey baseball pants – Vincent’s Sports has several
boxes. Also if your child is interested in catching this year, he will need to have a
cup for when he catches. The team has all of the other equipment for catchers.
I am planning on having our first practice this Saturday April 7th at 10AM – 11:30 at
Squadron Line. Please dress the players accordingly as it may be chilly. If you have any
questions please feel free to email me or call me.
Coach
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Dear Dodger Parents:
We hope that your child has a great time this season as they learn about baseball,
teamwork, and sportsmanship. We need your assistance in making this season fun for all.
Player and parent contracts must be signed and returned before the first game. If you need
another copy of this you can get it off the email or see one of the coaches.
If your child is not going to be able to make a practice or a game, please let me know as
soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly.
Please have your child at the game field in full uniform at least 20 minutes before the
scheduled time.
If you will not be picking your child up after a game or a practice, please let a coach
know who will be picking up your child.
Players should bring a labeled water or Gatorade bottle to practices and games.
The players will get to keep there entire uniform at the end of the season.
Weather cancellations: One of the coaches will contact you as soon as we are notified.
Also please refer to www.simsburylittleleague.com for updates.
Protective gear: Cups are required for all players who will be catching. Please assist your
child with the purchase, discussion, and instructions. He will need to have one to catch.
We will be rotating every player into every position throughout the year. If you have any
questions or comments about anything during the year please feel free to contact me.
Sportsmanship is an essential part of the game. I would ask that you cheer not only for
the Dodgers but the other team as well.
Let’s Have Fun…..
The Coaches
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YOUR FIRST TEAM MEETING
First Meeting Notes
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Introduce yourself and why you are coaching
Set season expectations
 This is important for you to inform parents and players what you
want out of the season. (See SLL Mission Statement.)
How you will communicate to the team
 Telephone
 Emails
 Team page at www.simsburylittleleague.com
Forms to be filled out
 Pass these out and have them signed and returned.
 Players contract
 Coaches contracts
Punctuality



Practices
When you will start / when you will finish
Starting on time and finishing on time are important as parents
may have other children and schedule commitments.
 If a player is unable to make a practice have them or the parent
call the coach.
 Games
 When do you want them at the field?
 20 -30 minutes prior to game.
 If a player is unable to make a game have they or the parent
call the coach.
Goals for the season
 Have Fun
 Teach them
 Fundamentals of the game
 Good Sportsmanship
 Respect for
 Game
 Opponents
 Facilities
 Equipment
 Rules of Little League
Teach them to respect the umpires and the rules of the game.
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Farm A Dodgers Player – Parents meeting
Coach Introduction
Player Contracts – Pass out and collect
Player Introductions – Have them tell you their;
Favorite BB team
Name / School / Played last year /
Hats- Write their name with a sharpie prior to this meeting. Highlight that it is their
responsibility to bring their hat to each game.
Parents meeting
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
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
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
Be supportive
Root for both teams - GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP IS A MUST (No drop
it…etc.)
Be punctual; make sure we know if they are going home with someone
else.
Umpire is ALWAYS right……Do not Argue any call!!
Team Administrator – this is a very important role for your team.
Coach pitch – use T if they can’t hit pitches.
Practice with your child during the week
Rotate everyone through all positions
First couple of games bat entire order – than start to go 3 outs – work with
other teams
Want to help great –
o Only XX on the field during game
o As many as possible during practice
o Need to fill out volunteer form
Pre season practice - Squadron Line Sat. 10 – 11:30 AM &
Mountain Park Field # 1 5:30 – 7PM
Opening Day – April h
Games Sat: 2:30 -4:30 & Sunday 3:00 – 4:45 PM/ All games played at
Memorial Park – arrive 20 minutes early in uniform ready to play.
In season practices Thursday’s 5:30 – 7PM. Mountain Park #1
Rain outs – Check emails / A coach will call
For Practice
o Glove w/ name on it
o Water bottle / Gatorade w/ name
o Baseballs and or sweat pants
o Protective cup
Game –
Grey pants
Hat
Shirt
Socks
Glove / bat if they want
Water bottle
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First Call to Team Fall baseball
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First practice will be this Sunday 2:30 to 4 PM. Field #4. Please arrive at
2:00PM for a parent / players meeting. We will meet at the stands on the first
base side.
Regular season practice will be Sundays 2:30 – 4PM Field 4
The week of 8/31 we will practice Wednesday September 2nd 6PM – 7:30 PM
Field # 3. This is a one time only practice.
First game will be Tuesday September 8th.
Games will be Tuesday / Saturday and every other Thursday.
No baseball activity Labor Day week end. All fields closed.
Players need to supply their own grey pants
o We will supply them with hats, socks, shirts.
Parent – Players Meeting Fall ball


Fill out paper work – players / parent contract
Coaches contract
o Me
 Coached a team in some capacity the last 10+ years.
 If you want to help out please bring your glove and help
 The more the merrier
 Volunteer form – if ok in spring ok now.
 This is about teaching the kids about baseball
 Fun
 Team work
 Responsibility
o Respect your equipment
o Respect the fields and facilities
 Baseball lessons
o Positions, fundamentals, rules, etc
 8 teams / 13 players each team
 7 towns in league
o Communications
 Key to this
 Who is playing a second sport
 Email or call with any question / comments
 Let me know if you will be late or unable to attend a game or practice
 Continuous batting order
 Every one will play 4 innings
 Need to sit out some innings
 Try and do my game plan before hand
 Weather field updates – I will try and call as well
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o Timeliness
 We will start practice on time and end on time, please have your player
at practice 10 minutes prior to start and arrive 10 minutes prior to end
to pick them up. If you are car pooling let me know.
 Games 20 minutes prior to game time
o Practices
 Bats – what is legal
 BPF 1.15 (Bat Performance Factor)
 2 1/4 barrel
 DO NOT PICK UP UNLESS YOU ARE GOING TO BAT
 Come ready to GO
 Hats ( any team), gloves, cups, etc
 Protective cups – bring to games and practices
 Wear baseball pants or sweat pants.
 H2O, sweatshirts.
 Practice the way you play.
 Baseball is a game of repetition and muscle memory
o Games rules
 Come fully dressed, ready to go
 Hats ( White Sox), gloves, cups etc
 No white under armour – pitching rules
 Pitch count rules 1-20 no rest / 21-40 two calendars rest / 41-50 three
days – 50 is the max except when facing a batter
 3 innings max – must use 3 pitchers in 6 inning game
 We will rotate the batting order
 I will play every player at every position unless you tell me otherwise
 Root for both teams
Never argue or make noise about an umpire call – In Little
League we will see all kinds of calls.
17
Practice Organization
To get your practice off to a good start, it is critical that you have a written practice plan.
This plan should be reviewed with all of your assistants prior to the start of practice.
Keep the drills moving and focused. Drills should run between 10 and 15minutes each.
When you use stations make sure that you have enough coaches and that you properly
divide up the teams so that players are not just hanging around.
Highlight bat safety during all practices and games. Players should not touch a bat until it
is their turn to bat. Helmets should be worn at all times when batting, games and drills.
Remember the level of team that you are coaching. Keep the drills focused for the
appropriate level.
Use drills that teach baseball fundamentals and game situations, not drills that create
chaos and do not teach proper baseball fundamentals.
Make the drills fun. Turn them into mini competitions. Make sure that you are focusing
on not only those areas that need improvement but also those areas that your team is
successfully executing. Use positive language to instill confidence in your players.
Make sure that you have scheduled breaks during your practice for your players to re
hydrate and for you to make any changes in your practice plan.
If you are running a successful practice the kids should want more, not asking how much
longer.
Your First Practice


Before you hit the field two items you must prepare.
 Team Meeting notes and Practice plan
First team only meeting notes
 What you want from this practice
 Team / Player
 Ground Rules
 Expectations
 Conduct / Attitude
 Safety
 Positive Encouragement
 Sportsmanship
 Hustle
 Respect
 Game
 Opponents
 Facilities
 Equipment
18
Sample Practice Plans
2009 Simsbury Little League – Tee Ball
Date:
6/7/09
Tyler Coiro
Patrick Kerr
Jonah Cole
Jake Minor
Luke Doskos
Chris Norwell
Miguel Guttierrez
Ryan Szezepanski
Gavin Hughes
Mason Thomsen
Coaches: Andrew Cole, Chris Doskos, Chuck Minor, Scott Kerr, Mike Norwell, Sean Hughes
4:30
Base Running: Single vs. Double
“Straight Through” (past base to cone) “Go Two” (cut corner of base)
(shallow loop)
(hit off tee; follow through before running; pick up coach as soon as possible)
4:40
Hitting and Fielding (two 25 minute stations)
Hitting Station:
Tee, then Coach Pitch (tennis balls)
1 coach per hitter
3 batters, two fielders
5 swings off of tee with coach next to player making adjustments
20 swings off of live pitching
Rotate as many times as possible
Fielding (switch up groups of 2/3) (“A” stations 5 min each, switch; same for
“B”)
A) Throwing Mechanics (backstop fence) (10 ball contest, points awarded on
target)
A) Catching Mechanics (with coach; high/low mitt position; catches in a row!)
B) 2b to SS, SS to 2b field ground ball and underhand toss (no running)
B) P to 1b cover, ground ball, make throw and catch
5:30
Snack Break at home plate;
Batting Terminology (on deck; in the hole; dig in, cycle; grand slam, etc.)
5:40
Outfield Play – play into second base; play into 3rd base
- two-position rotation at each area: LF/3b and RF/SS
- 6 minutes at each area, then flip
5:55
Instructional Scrimmage; Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Phil. Athletics; Point System
- coach pitch; 2 outs ends inning or bat-around; point system (see below)
6:25
“Ticket Out Of Practice” – Field grounder at 2b, successful throw to 1b
(coach)
Fielding Notes/Reminders
Hitting Notes/Reminders
Don’t run with the ball!
Don’t hold ball!
Where is the FORCE?
Where is the PLAY?
Try to introduce short stride and THEN
weight shift
Reduce “chopping.”
Point System for Scrimmage
Run = 3 points
Out = 3 points
Correct Play (no out) = 2 points
Backing Up = 1 point
Running Thru 1st = 1 point
“Chatter Points” - judged
19
Farm A Dodgers 1st Practice
10:00 – 10:20
Team meeting
Name game
10:20 – 10:30AM
Warm ups/ stretches / jumping jacks / light jog
10:30 – 10:40
Base Running
- Run through 1st
- Time team all bases
- Call out base
10:40 – 10:50
Position review / water break
10:50 – 11:20
Stations
Hitting
o Practice swing with air bat
o Bat safety!
 Do not touch bat until going up to hit.
Don’t swing till at the plate / drop bat on
rag
o Soft toss - Hitting ball into backstop. Helmets
Throwing
o
o
o
o
Air ball
Nose – toes and throws
Throw to first
Knee down / soft toss
Outfield
o Pop Ups w/ tennis balls
o Proper glove position
o Call outs – I got it
11:20 – 11:30 Water break / scrimmage
11:30- 11:55 Scrimmage


Bat rule on towel. (Drop bat on towel after hit – do not
throw bat.
Run to base / no peaking
11:55 – Noon Homework
 10 Pop Flies
 10 catches in a row
 10 Swings
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Pre Season Practice Schedule #1
5:30 Arrive - Warm up Throw with a Partner
5:40 Team Meeting – Player & Coach Introductions – The TEAM – Season
Overview
5:45 Team Calisthenics & Team Lap(s)
5:55 Throwing Drills
-
One Knee
-
Two Knees
-
2 Point Stance – lock & load
-
Balance - Hop & Throw
-
Progressive Throw / 5 Tosses @ Each of 20 – 40 –60 – 80 Feet
6:10 Hitting Stations (T)
-
Tee Work – 10 hit rotations –
-
Soft Toss – 10 hit rotations –
hitting station
-
Wiffle Ball – Coach or Player pitch -- 10 Decent Throws
Must wear helmets at each
6:25 Infield Practice / Cross Fire
- Double Infield Grounders / Throw Back to Home Area
6:40 Relay Drill
- 3 Lines of 4 Players (T), Advance Back & Return w/No Drops
OR
Outfield Practice
-
3 Outfield Positions (T) for Pops & Grounders
-
Ball Hit to Outfield & Throw in to 2nd Base
6:55 Team Scrimmage
-
4 Teams of 3 Players / 3 Outs / Rotation OF to IF to Hit
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2009 Pre Season Practice Schedule #2
4:00 Arrive - Warm up Throw with a Partner
4:10 Team Meeting & Calisthenics & Team Lap
4:15
(IF)
2 Stations - Split Team
Fielding Practice
Infield line up & situations
Think about “where – what – how – when”
4:30 - SWITCH
(OF) Outfield Practice
Outfield Communication Drills – Call ‘me out, cut off man “is the man” be load
and in line
Pop up & Grounder Drills to OF, with 2 Cut off Players, turn glove side – Call
out Cuts!
4:45
Situations – Situations – Situations
Cut Off Protocol
Full Field of Players
Runners
5:00
2 Stations - Split Team
Hitting Stations
Tee - Soft Toss - Stick
Pitchers & Catchers in the Pen
5:15 Hitting Drills & Fielding Situations -- Rotation System
Live batting
3-5 hits each with Soft Toss, Coach Pitch and Player Pitch
5:55 Wrap up Talk – Next Practice
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Pre Season Practice Schedule #3
3:00 Arrive - Warm up Throw with a Partner
3:10 Team Meeting & Calisthenics & Team Lap
3:15 Throwing Action --- 3 Teams of players
1) Box Throwing Drill – w/ Cones and Developing Pivoting & Crow Hop,
throw to Target
2) 3 Man Line Drill – Same 3 Teams - Home to the Fence, No Drops
3:30
Outfield Cut-Off Review
3 OF Positions with equal number of players in RF, CF, LF
SS and 2B in positions, with bucket @ Second Base.
Cut off Philosophy will be reviewed; Cut Two, Cut Three, Cut Four
3:50
Full Field Situations, with emphasis on Cut Offs.
4:00
Break and “SIGNS” Discussion
4:10
Player Pitch / Player Catch Team Scrimmage - 4 teams of 3 players
All 9 positions in the Field
3 Batters at a time
5:00 - Uniforms
Team ‘Live’ Scrimmage
Team #1
Team #2
Team #3
Team #4
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Practice # 1 Fall Baseball

Expectations
o Come ready to play
o Go where you are assigned no "aghhhh"…
o Cheer for your teammates
o Always show good sportsmanship
 During game / end of game
o Know what is going on when you are not in the game
o Know what is going on when you are in the game
 What do I mean by this
 Offense / Defense
o Head up high
 Albert 9 seasons 5014 AB’s 1669 hits, 560 SO.
o Always hustle – Always
o HAVE FUN


Name game
Warm up’s
o No gloves / no balls
Gloves and balls
o 1 knee
o 10 ft apart / 20 ft apart / 30 ft apart


Run to position cones
o What did this teach us?


Run through 1st base
Half team infield / half team runners
o Tennis ball pop up drill
o Run and hit

Stations
o A Soft toss
o B Tee swing
o C Ground balls
o D Hit the bucket
o E Pop Flies
o F Pitching balance
o G In the net throws

Tee Scrimmage

Around the horn drill
o Line up on base line and cheer for the team
First baseman with two balls
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PRACTICE DRILLS
Simsbury Little League Drill
The Name Game

This is a great drill to start your first few practices with.

Get your team into a circle and have the team tell you their name,
grade, school, favorite major league player and what team did they
play on last year.

Then ask if any team member can name all of the players. Do this a
couple of times so that they will learn there teammates.

Tell them that you will know everyone’s name by the end of the first or
second practice. If you don’t you will do 10 push ups, etc.
Have fun with this as you build your team camaraderie.
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Simsbury Little League Drill
Kneel Throwing Drill
*
Have player partner up. Line one partner up on the out field foul line. Have
their partners go 10 – 15 ft apart to start.

Players kneel with glove-side knee up.

Play catch using only the upper-body. Key points: Players must rotate upper
bodies for proper throwing mechanics. Ensure that they have their throwing
elbow above their shoulder Bring throwing hand across the body to the
opposite pant pocket. Make it a Game: See which set of players can get to
10 without dropping a ball.
Simsbury Little League Drill
Relay Throwing Drill

It helps to have cones set up prior to this drill.

Have the team break into 2 or 3 lines of 4 players.

The lines should go from the foul line to the out field fence area. Players
should be 20 to 30 ft apart.

Start the drill with the players on the foul line throwing to the player directly in
front of him. This player should than catch and throw the ball to the next
player in line, repeat. The drill does not end until the ball is back in the glove
of the player that started this drill.

Work with the players on proper anticipation, catching, turning and throwing.

Make it a game: See which team can go up and down X amount of times
without dropping. If a player drops the ball it must go back to the player that
threw the ball.

Make sure that you are rotating the players during this drill. As they get
better at this drill you can start with the ball on the ground and have the
starting player stand 5 – 10 feet away, running up to the ball to begin the
drill.
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Simsbury Little League Drill
Soft Toss

Have players wear a batting helmet. Players should face the backstop.
Make sure everyone knows where the “NO WALK ZONE” is.

Player stands ready to hit with coach facing them 3- 4 feet away. Coach
should be on one knee or sitting on a bucket.

Softly toss balls so that they begin at the top of the strike zone and fall
towards the front of the plate. (Use a bucket top, or throw down plate.) Batter
should hit ball on downward arc.

Key is to make sure batter is getting good quality swings. Ensure proper
stance and foot work.
Simsbury Little League Drill
Soft Toss Scrimmage

Split your team into three groups
o
1 Team bats
o
1 Team infield
o
1 Team outfield

(Balance the teams any way that works for you.)

Each batter wears a helmet. Have the coach kneel or sit on a bucket off to
the side of the batter.

Softly toss balls so that they begin at the top of the strike zone and fall
towards the plate. Batter should hit ball on downward arc.

This drill gives the coaches a chance to work with the batters, infielders and
outfielders.
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Simsbury Little League Drill
Beat the Clock

You need five players for this drill. Positioned at the pitchers mound, home
plate, 1st base, 2nd base and 3rd base.

Have the pitcher throw to the plate, catcher throws to third, third throws to
2nd, 2nd throw to 1st and 1st throws home.

This drill is to catch the ball as they are moving towards a bag and or proper
footing to receive a throw when covering a base. This drill can be timed.
Keep track of this and see how the team improves during the season.
Simsbury Little League Drill
Crossfire

Split your team up into two groups. One group is at the shortstop position
the other half at the 2nd base position. Have one or two coaches positioned
between home plate and 3rd. have another group of coaches between home
plate and 1st.

Have the 1st player in the group take the proper position for SS or 2nd base.
The players behind them should not be on the infield dirt. In a rapid-fire
sequence, hit ground balls to each group. Players field ball, make a good
solid throw to coach in front of them, then they go to the end of the line.

Switch shortstops and 2nd after 5 minutes.

Make it a Game. Team gets 1 point for a successfully-fielded ball and proper
throw to coach. First team to 15 wins.
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Simsbury Little League Drill
High Pop Fly Drill

Break the team into two groups. Have one group go to left field and the
other to right field.

You need to have coaches in the outfield with the players.

Using tennis balls and a tennis racquet, hit medium high pop flies to right
and left field.

Work on proper foot and glove work. It is also a great time to teach your
players about calling out for pop flies.

Make it a game. Hit pop ups to each side the team gets 1 point if the player
catches it and calls it. The first team to 10 wins. As they get better with this
hit pop ups as high as you can. Later in the season move to regular
baseballs.
Simsbury Little League Drill
Cap Buttons

Have player partner up. Line one partner up on the out field foul line. Have
their partners go 10 – 15 ft apart to start.

Without gloves, players roll balls back and forth. Fielders focus on keeping
their head down while watching ball roll into hands.

Player rolling the ball should be able to see “button of the cap” of fielder.

After a few minutes without gloves, add glove.

Make it a Game: How many can they get in 30 seconds? Rotate partners
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Simsbury Little League Drill
Home and Second Relay Race

Divide your team into two groups. Half at 2nd base, half at home plate.

Have the first player on each team line up behind the base. All other players
need to be in the outfield grass and out of the home plate circle.

On “Go” runners race around bases finishing where they began.

Relay race – have the runners run with 1 or 2 baseballs in their hands. They
need to hand these off to the next player in line – they cannot throw these to
the next runner.

Have a coach in the first and third base coaches box ensuring that the
runners are touching all of the bases.

This is a great drill to end practice on – the players will want to do this
several times. (Make the teams even regarding speed.)
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GAME TIME
Game Organization
The coach should always be the first one at the field. You should have a copy of your batting
order for your team. AA, AAA and Majors should have copies for the opposing teams. Your
batting order can be posted in the dugout. You should also have your position form completed for
the game. This is your guide to how you think you will manage the game. It is your choice if you
want to post this in the dugout. Some coaches do and some do not.
Get into a set pre-game routine. When do you want your team to arrive at the field? Once you get
the field what warm-ups do you want your players to do?
Some coaches have quick meetings at the beginning and end of each inning. If you do this keep it
quick and positive. Keep the game flowing.
Dugouts are great teaching environments. Take time to teach




Good sportsmanship
Rules of the game
Teamwork
Respect for equipment, facilities and each other.
Game responsibilities





Know the rules. Both local and international.
Are your pitchers eligible
Be a good example for your players
o How do you handle a call that does not go your way?
What is your strategy if you have a large lead? What if you are losing by a large
number?
Remember to have FUN….
At the end of the game, make sure you have all of your equipment and the dugout is
clean and tidy for the next team. If another team is waiting for the fields, quickly get
all of your equipment and trash out of the dugout and have your recap meeting off
the field.
After the game some managers get the team together and do a quick recap. This
can be a great teaching moment.
Pitch count – AAA and Majors managers please update the pitch count on the web
site within 24 hours.
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Game Day Sheets
 Sample Game Day Batting Order Sheet for other teams managers
 Please ensure that you have first and last names
 Sample Game Batting Order Sheet for dugout
 Sample Game Position Sheet
 Some coaches post this in the dugouts, others do not.
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Reference Guide
Web Sites

www.littleleague.org
o

www.simsburylittleleague.com
o

Coaches Resources Center. – Online coaching tools and tips from Little
League Baseball International
Managers section – This section will have numerous coaching tips,
practice drills and practice plans. ( In development )
www.getgreat.com
o
An online baseball tool from MLB.com and Ripken Baseball. This
program costs $19.95.
Books

Coaching Youth Baseball
o

American Sport Education Program
2010 Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules
o
Little League Baseball
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Final thoughts…..
Having the opportunity to coach Simsbury Little League baseball
is a tradition that goes back over 50 years. The league has taught
thousands of Simsbury youth the joy of baseball. You and I may
have different reasons for why we want to coach – but the outcome
is undoubtedly the same. We want our players to develop a joy for
the sport, but also a joy of team, self development and most of all
we want them to have fun. Remember that this is a game and at
this level it is a game in its purest sense, a game played by
children. When you are facing a tough player substitution or the
umpire has just made a call that you do not agree with, I have just
one question for you as you begin your season of coaching.
How do you want to be remembered?
Have a great season!
Craig Ahrens
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