Coaching advice needed for 6-8 yr old girls team

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Jan 14, 2011
16
0
Michigan
I will admit I know minimal about the sport and am trying to learn as much as possible. I've got 13 girls from a six year old who never has thrown a softball to an eight year old that played select last fall.

What training tools are best? Tee, balls, what else?

What are the best resources for teaching them the proper swing, throw, etc?

How important is the practice field? We were assigned a grass field, I'm thinking the closest thing to a real infield would be much better.

What stations /drills would you suggest?

Any input or help is greatly appreciated!

Over the past 25 years, I've coached Travel and High School Fastpitch Softball. All of my Travel experience has been with 10U & 12U with players that had little or no experience. I found the following DVDs very helpful (I bought them when they were VHS tapes).

Sue Enquist (one of the most influential coaches in fastpitch softball):
...Bunting & Hitting Progressions for Younger Players
...Teaching Infield Play to Younger Players
...Teaching Baserunning to Younger Players

Jerry Johnson (long time, respected coach):
...Slap Hitting for Beginners: Featuring Hard Slap, Soft Slap, Drag, Chop, Push Bunt and more
...Series of 5 Pitching DVDs for the Younger Pitcher

Henry CHristowski (another long time, respected coach):
...The Complete Guide to Beginning Pitching
...The Complete Guide to Beginning Catching

I have reviews on each of these DVDs / VHSs.
 
Oct 10, 2013
116
0
This is my 3rd year in a row coaching 8u. My youngest started 6-7u rec coach pitch. I follow pretty much what everyone above says.... I have 8 assistant coaches...which is awesome but I have asked 3 14u girls to help when they can. These 3 r A students, good players and great kids. These 8u girls look up to these 3 girls. When they talk...they listen. I assigned the 14u kids in 3 stations along with coaches and work on fundamentals. The 8u girls really work hard and follow in the 14u girls footsteps.

Yes, my 14u girls r very talented A players making their varsity hs teams as freshman. Very lucky to have them.

If you know talented girls that like working with the younger kids...my advice let them help....it gives 8u someone to look up too.
 

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