10u rec/LL rady for signs

will be coaching 10u rec/LL, with a mix of 8-10 yr olds, with a wide range of skill level, and also a fairly widespread range of passion for game, awareness of the game, etc.

my question is is a team like this ready for even rudimentary signs. If I use them, plan is to introduce one a week (we only have about 2-3 weeks of practice before opening day, so not all will be in place for every game), and to not change them game to game. not really worried about teams trying to steal them (although I bet some parents will!), I know I am too busy coaching my team to worry about trying to steal signs. Just would like to be able to signal very basic things to hitter and baserunner(s) (hit away, take, bunt, maybe fake bunt, steal, that would be about it). just worried that at my lower end of game awareness, it will be overwhelming. I will have some girls who also play travel ball, and they are used to signs, but I will also have a few first year players probably as well. at this level, i don't want any of the girls to feel bad by missing or getting a sign wrong, just would like to be able to signal bunt/take without the other team absolutely certain what is coming.

Make sure you use the KISS method!

If the opposing coach is stealing your signs they are a jerk and doing their Team a disservice, if the opposing players do good for them for paying attention. Try to get them next draft.

You need some signs, if they do not get them or get them wrong they should get in some trouble for not paying attention.

Our team is a first year 10u, though it's travel. But they use wristbands for signs. I think it's a good way to introduce them though I think they're really easy to figure out, the way it's being implemented. It is definitely easier for them to remember that way (well, they don't have to remember).

By the way touch your belt for a bunt, I think it is the universal sign and in all the rule books.

I think 10U is a great time to introduce simple signs. We used it all the time in 10U rec, and it worked fine, even with new players.

quincy said:

By the way touch your belt for a bunt, I think it is the universal sign and in all the rule books.

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Or the belly. Makes it easy to remember: "belly for bunt." Always makes them giggle.

Especially if you aren't in the habit of wearing a belt on weekends (lots of shorts-wearing going on).

CPEM said:

Or the belly. Makes it easy to remember: "belly for bunt." Always makes them giggle.

Especially if you aren't in the habit of wearing a belt on weekends (lots of shorts-wearing going on).

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or sweats, I wear sweats or shorts depending on temperature, but good idea, belly for bunt, will try to find some other mnemonics, anyone got a good one for "take", "swing away", not certain yet if I will bother fake bunting (might let my more advanced girls do this at their discretion on swing aways or takes)

Rant,

None of my players will do a fake bunt, they will be on the bench and out the next game.

bmakj said:

anyone got a good one for "take", "swing away", not certain yet if I will bother fake bunting (might let my more advanced girls do this at their discretion on swing aways or takes)

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You touch your mouth "talk" is similar sounding to the word to "take".

You tough your arm to "swing away" (use your arms to swing)

"Steal" can be touch your thigh (you use your legs for running)

You touch your belt for bunt (whether or not you are wearing a belt doesn't matter, its the general location that is important). Note: since everyone know this you might not want to use it if you are concerned with sign stealing.

The baserunner or batter can touch their helmet to indicate they didn't (or did) get the sign.

We normally had the indicator be the bill of cap or ear.

Remember, as the players get older, the coaches will steal the signs so you may want to go to the wrist bands, numbering system. One year we faced a team that used a large, colored fan to give the signs to the catcher/pitcher. We never did crack that code...