Teach Inf/OF assignments for 90'. adjust from there.
By: Bear
Good Question Tal,
I read your thread. Looks like your
on the right track to developing
your own style. I have traveled
to a many HS game but over the past
decade, I have observed similarities
and where should it be resolved:
Yes, At the t-ball level.
And yes, I just cringe when I hear
the new kids who moved into the
neighborhood say "Baseball is b- !"
And yes, I silently smile when the 'older'
'experience' teenager says "Not at a Bear's practice".
IMHO, all positions at all ages
are required to be coached
the basic fielding fundamentals.
Thus every player needs be instructed
about what to do when the ball is
hit (or the bat is swung)
where to go, & when to go, and who
to tell it to.
For basic starters & from the littlest of
t-ballers to the Hall of Famer, each
knows the basic expression:
What do I do if the ball is hit to me ?
We've all heard the expression.
As fathers, we may have said the expression
Now as Coach Dad, let's teach it & see if
all of your youngsters can take a little more.
For example:
a) Our catchers are taught & given the
responsibility for helping the pitcher
get off the mound to cover first (or
the perception to slow the batter base-runner down) & or backup the OF throw)
b) Our OF's are taught to ready position,
react to the pitch, react to the swing
react to the hit ball, relax, set
up again to begin the relay of signals.
c) With runners in scoring position, our
infield is taught to best position themselves
with every preferred count situation.
Another basic FUNdamental to teach is:
"What do I do if the ball is hit to ????
(pick a location)"
If you can take your club in
the following direction and do
it before pre-season,
hats off to you. At most 12U levels, the best of clubs are taught how and when to
deek the advancing runner.
a) On a hit and run.
b) On a throw from the OF.
c) On a double cut.
d) On a 1st & 2nd slow ground ball
to catch the advancing runner rounding
third,,,,,,,with a sleepy 3b coach
There are a number of baseball 'playbooks'
around to help you get started.
At the smaller of fields you may find
a need to get the pitcher more
'actively' involved rather than reactive.
I still prefer to teach
"The Responsibility Levels" sometimes
labelled the "Chain of Outfield Command
or the Chain of Infield Command"
Keep up the Good Work
Cheers
Bear