T-BALL SKILLS

 

At the conclusion of your season players should have a basic understanding of the following T-Ball skills and terminology:

1.     Equipment

a.     Glove

b.     Ball

c.      Bat

d.     Tee

e.     Bases

f.      Helmets

2.     Fundamentals of Play

a.     Where to run after hit

b.     Where to throw after catch

c.      What does my position entail

d.     How do I score

e.     Basic terminology

                                                                        i.     Run, error, out, strike, ball

3.     Positions

a.     Players should know all positions names and where they are located on the field

b.     Players should be able to stay in position throughout the game

4.     Throwing

a.     Players should be able to perform with proper technique and some accuracy

5.     Catching Grounders

a.     Players should be able to catch a ball that is rolled to them

b.     Body position, hand position and head position

6.     Catching Airborne

a.     6 – 7 year olds should be able to catch a thrown ball

b.     Body, hand (glove), and head position

7.     Hitting

a.     Grip, stance, bat speed, follow through and head position

8.     Running

a.     Field knowledge, game focus

9.     Sliding

a.     Not taught at this level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ONE PRACTICE OUTLINE – 60 Minute Practice

 

  1. Introductions of Coaching Staff & Players
    1. Make sure that everyone (parents, players) receives a copy of the schedule
    2. Make sure everyone knows how to contact you.
    3. Make sure that everyone knows the YMCA Sports Hotline

610-444-9622, ext. 52

  1. Distribution of Uniforms
    1. Check the uniform order sheet to ensure that every player receives the size that they ordered.
    2. If a uniform does not fit tell the YMCA staff person. 
  2. Introduction of Equipment
    1. Glove

                                                    i.     Everyone should be able to take off and put on their glove.  Take time to see that this is done.

    1. Ball

                                                    i.     Show players that the ball is soft and will not hurt them.

                                                  ii.     Pass it around and let them all squeeze it.

    1. Tee

                                                    i.     Show the proper height for hitting off the tee is belly button high, this will ensure a nice level swing.

    1. Bat

                                                    i.     Start immediately introducing safety and rules about bats

                                                  ii.     Emphasize that players need the right size bat.

    1. Bases

                                                    i.     Have players learn the names and the positioning of the bases.

                                                  ii.     Walk around the field with your team

                                                 iii.     Have everybody run the bases

    1. Helmets

                                                    i.     Why do I have to wear a helmet?

                                                  ii.     Where do I have to where a helmet?

                                                 iii.     How do I wear a helmet?

  1. Introduction of Field
    1. Walk around the field and introduce each position and why it is important
    2. Start introducing where to throw the ball when it is caught
  2. Introduction of Throwing
    1. Throwing is the most important skill in the game.
    2. Make sure that everyone has the proper form and understands how thew legs and arms move together.
    3. Do all of this before anyone picks up a ball.
    4. Make sure that you are demonstrating the skill properly.  If you cannot perform the skill properly get someone who can and have them demonstrate while you explain.
    5. Do not throw the ball back to players, you have not yet introduced catching.

 

 

 

 

  1. Introduction of Hitting
    1. Grip the bat

                                                    i.     Is the child right or left handed

                                                  ii.     Right handed batter have the left hand on the bottom

                                                 iii.     Left handed batters have the right hand on the bottom

    1. Stance

                                                    i.     Players should be standing far enough from tee so that the barrel of the bat will contact the ball

                                                  ii.     Knees should be slightly bent

                                                 iii.     Bat should be back

                                                 iv.     Elbow should be up.

    1. Swing

                                                    i.     Quick and level.

                                                  ii.     Swing through the ball

  1. Character Development Discussion
    1. See Manual
  2. End Session

 

 

 

 

 

COACH REVIEW OF WEEK ONE

 

1.     Was everyone present?

2.     Call the no shows with next weeks time.

3.     Who needs special attention?

4.     What worked?

5.     What didn’t?

6.     Week 2 30 minute practice / 30 minute game

7.     Review throwing. Hitting, equipment, positions

8.     Introduce catching

9.     Check your manual for drills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 2 PRACTICE OUTLINE

 

  1. Introduce any new players to coaches and players, give them a schedule
  2. Review
    1. Field – Bases – Gloves
    2. Split group to review throwing and hitting

                                                    i.     Special attention to kids that need it.

                                                  ii.     Keep it short emphasize main points

  1. Introduce New Skill – Catching
    1. Start without a ball
    2. Show proper form for fielding a ground ball
    3. Body position, hand/glove position, head position
    4. Alligator analogy – glove is bottom of alligator mouth bare hand is top
    5. Practice with a ball
    6. Make a good throw back to coach
    7. Where do I throw during the game?
    8. Show proper form for catching a throw in air.

                                                    i.     Body, glove, head position

                                                  ii.     No Fear!!

  1. GAME
    1. Play 1 inning with breaks to emphasize good plays and correct mistakes.
    2. Everyone bats once, no outs
  2. Character Development Discussion
  3. End Week 2

 

COACH REVIEW WEEK 2

  1. Have all your players been present?
  2. Who needs work on throwing?
  3. Who needs more hitting?
  4. Who can catch a grounder?
  5. Who can catch a thrown ball?
  6. Week 3 20 minutes practice / 40 minutes game
  7. Review throwing/catching & hitting
  8. Put players in groups by what they need to work on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK THREE PRACTICE OUTLINE

 

  1. REVIEW (10 minutes)
    1. Split into groups

                                                    i.     Run the bases

1.     speed

2.     watch coaches

3.     watch player in front of you

4.     rounding bases

                                                  ii.     Throw and Catch

1.     form / technique

2.     grounders

3.     airborne

4.     fear?

                                                iii.     Hit

1.     grip

2.     stance

3.     swing follow through

  1. NEW SKILL (10 minutes)
    1. Outfield

                                                    i.     Positions

1.     left

2.     center

3.     right

                                                  ii.     Fly balls

1.     run to where ball will land

2.     glove position

3.     body position

                                                iii.     Grounders

1.     one knee

2.     glove position

3.     body position

                                                iv.     Backing up

1.     who backs up center

2.     who backs up right

3.     who backs up left

                                                  v.     Where to throw

1.     from center

2.     from right

3.     from left

                                                vi.     accuracy

1.     hit your spot

2.     discusss throwing technique and form

 

 

 

  1. GAME (40 minutes)
    1. 2 innings
  2. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
  3. END

 

 

 

 

COACH REVIEW WEEK 3

1.     Call anyone that was absent with next week’s game time

2.     Are players progressing?

a.     Can everyone throw using proper technique?

b.     Can players set themselves at the plate?

c.      Can players catch a grounder?

3.     Reinforce fundamentals

a.     Each week, at all times

4.     Mix it up next time

a.     Ready some new games to reinforce alredy learned skills

5.     Week 4 20 minutes practice / 40 minutes game

6.     Chart who has played which positions, and be sure to keep rotating your players

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK FOUR PRACTICE OUTLINE

 

1.     REVIEW (10 Minutes)

a.     Split into groups

                                                              i.     Outfield (see Week 3 for info)

                                                            ii.     Hit

1.     Players not hitting will field and throw ball back

2.     Watch for technique of hitter, fielder, thrower

2.     NEW SKILL (10 Minutes)

a.     First Base

                                                              i.     Where am I?

1.     Show where to play

a.     Range

                                                            ii.     What is my job?

1.     Field batted balls

2.     Get to base

3.     Touch corner of base with foot

4.     Catch ball thrown by teammate

3.     GAME (40 Minutes)

a.     2 Innings

4.     CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

5.     END

 

 

 

COACH REVIEW WEEK 4

  1. Call all players that were absent with next game time
  2. Are players grasping positional concepts?
    1. Is everyone still running after the ball?
    2. Are players in positions that have been covered doing their job?
  3. Stress teamwork as measure of success
    1. T-Ball teams depend on working together on each play.
    2. Compliment great team plays rather than individuals.
  4. Week 5 20 minutes practice and 40 minute game

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK FIVE PRACTICE OUTLINE

 

  1. REVIEW (10 Minutes)
    1. Split into groups

                                                    i.     Base running

1.     focus on “rounding” the bases

2.     no straight lines

3.     run through first base

                                                  ii.     First Base

1.     Range

2.     Get to base

3.     Catch

  1. NEW SKILL (10 Minutes)
    1. Second Base

                                                    i.     Where do I play?

1.     Range

2.     Defensive stance

                                                  ii.     What is my job?

1.     Field batted balls

2.     Where to throw

  1. GAME (40 Minutes)
  2. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
  3. END

 

 

WEEK 5 COACH REVIEW

  1. Call players that were absent with next game time
  2. Self Review
    1. Are players receiving equal opportunity no matter what skill level?
    2. Are special needs of players being met?
    3. Are preseason goals (page 1) being met?
    4. Are you staying positive?
    5. Are your players having fun?
    6. Are you having fun?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK SIX PRACTICE OUTLINE

 

  1. Split into Groups (10 Minutes)
    1. Hit, Field, Throw
    2. Position Review
  2. New Skill (10 Minutes)
    1. Third Base / Shortstop

                                                    i.     Split into groups

1.     Where do I Play?

a.     Range

b.     Defensive Stance

2.     What is my job?

a.     Field batted balls

b.     Where to Throw

  1. Game (40 Minutes)
    1. 2 Innings
  2. Character Development
  3. End

 

 

COACHES REVIEW WEEK 6

  1. Call absent players with next game time
  2. Is team progressing?
  3. Have all preseason goals been addressed?
  4. Weeks 7 & 8 should focus on each players weaknesses.
    1. Group players by weaknesses.

                                                    i.     Throwers

                                                  ii.     Hitters

                                                 iii.     Catchers

  1. Has everyone had a chance to play a variety of positions?
  2. Plan new games for last 2 weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK SEVEN PRACTICE OUTLINE

 

  1. REVIEW (10 minutes)
    1. Hitting
    2. Running bases
    3. Throwing - Catching
  2. NEW SKILL (10 minutes)
    1. Pitching – Catching

                                                    i.     Coaches act as catchers

                                                  ii.     Where do I play?

1.     Range

2.     Stance

                                                 iii.     What is my job?

1.     Pitch – catch ball

2.     Field batted ball

3.     Where to throw

                                                 iv.     Pitchers throw to catchers

1.     teaches accuracy

2.     confidence in throwing skill

  1. GAME (40 minutes)
  2. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
  3. END

 

 

COACHES REVIEW WEEK 7

  1. Call absent players with next week’s game time.
  2. Positive reinforcement  = Confidence
  3. Being the pitcher helps child to “lead” the team
  4. Many players will not develop accuracy at this age.
  5. Don’t Forget the FUN
  6. YMCA will provide trophy or award for each player at last game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK EIGHT PRACTICE OUTLINE

  1. Team Meeting
    1. Thank players, parents, coaches
    2. Don’t leave until you receive award.
  2. Review Skills 1 – 8 (page 1)
    1. Equipment
    2. Fundamentals of play
    3. Positions
    4. Throwing
    5. Catching Grounders
    6. Catching Airborne Throws
    7. Hitting
    8. Running
  3. Game
  4. Character Development
  5. Award Ceremony
    1. Thank everybody again
    2. Call players individually for award
  6. End

 

 

COACES REVIEW SEASON

  1. We told you coaching would be a fun, easy and rewarding experience.
  2. Please fill out the Coaches Evaluation
    1. Be honest about what went well, and not so well.
    2. We need your input to improve T-Ball

 

 

THANK YOU !!!!