12U Coaching Strategy

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Jul 27, 2014
1
0
Hey folks,

I'm moving up to coach our town 12U travel team following my first year coaching 10U. I'm considering assigning a specific coach to working just with my outfielders and a different assistant coach to work just with my infielders. In 10U, my coaches were constantly stepping on top of each other with giving direction to the girls. It often left the girls confused and not knowing which coach to listen to. As a somewhat of a newbie, I'm curious to know if this is a common approach, and what some of your thoughts are. Thanks!!
 

ArkFastpitch

Dont' I know you?
Sep 20, 2013
351
18
It works better for the girls and its also easier for the ACs. If you can, may want to assign someone to the Battery as well.
 
Jul 19, 2014
2,390
48
Madison, WI
A related question: since this is 12u, do the same girls sometimes play infield AND outfield? (For example, my DD #3 played about 5 different positions in a recent tournament, and has played all 9 positions in rec ball).

If that is the case, you need to make sure all the ACs teach the same style of fielding. It can really be tough when different coaches on the same team teach different styles.
 
Apr 29, 2013
98
0
The most successful team my daughter has played on had a coach dedicated to the OUTfield. Those girls often get neglected and having a coach whose job it is to actually coach THEM, at practices and during games, makes a tremendous difference. He was out there with them, in the field, during practices, really instructing them.
 

moe

Aug 14, 2013
310
16
In rec its tough. You usually have to make a team with mayber 4 or 5 good players, so yes, most kids played either infield or outfield until coach thinks its safe for them. We used mutliple coaches. They didnt coach specific things, per se, but they coached stations...infield, outfield, hitting, bunting. We had a Kubota trained infield coach come in and teach the girls, I took notes and that usually worked for the infield. We mixed the girls up so it wasnt one good session, and one bad. Better girls helped younger girls. Worked.

For newer coaches, I cant stress enough about getting high level help in for at least one practice. Take notes and Hanson Principle applies. Most High Level TB coaches or College Kids will give you a couple hours for a rec program. Coaches are allowed to have coaches too.
 

ConorMacleod

Practice Like You Play
Jul 30, 2012
188
0
I've found at that age that demonstrating every skill before you ask them to do the skill helps tremendously. If you have a coach that is 50 pounds over weight and can only talk, that is a problem. Pop fly? Show them the skill while explaining why you are doing it that way. Same with all other skills and demonstrations.
 
May 4, 2014
200
28
So Cal
Ill take it one step further... Pitching coach, Outfield coach, Catching coach, Infield Coach, Base Running Coach, Batting Coach
Manager shouldnt be any of them so he/she can participate with the other coaches. If you cant get 6 parents to help coach then assign multiple roles based on the number of coaches you have.

Some will argue too many coaches get in the way... in a game maybe but not in practice - the more the better. Those that complain about too many coaches in a practice either are control freaks that cant delegate or dont know how to "manage" the coaches

Having said that, You dont want 6 coaches each telling the girls different things on how to best hold a bat, how to slide, etc.. this ends up doing more harm than good. When you have "one" coach responsible it makes it easier.. the other coaches can tell him/her what they think a kid is doing wrong and they can instruct the kid and the one coach can instruct the other coaches on what to say/look for etc.... of course this wont work unless the manager takes an active role managing the coaches
 
May 8, 2009
174
18
Florida
QUOTE]you need to make sure all the ACs teach the same style of fielding.[/QUOTE]

demonstrating every skill before you ask them to do the skill helps tremendously

I think this says a lot. Have regular meetings with coaches only. Make sure you are on the same page with what and how you will teach something. You will have to make the final decision between different concepts, but make sure your assistants know what that is. Demonstrating also helps. When the coaches are paying attention to the demonstration (do the demo at a coaches meeting too) it will reinforce the style overall.
 

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