U10 Coach, always with more questions. =)

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Apr 25, 2017
16
1
Canada
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone contributing to the forums, been a wealth of knowledge helping me improve (at least I hope so) my coaching ability. My next plan with the kids is to add more game structure/management to what they do when getting to the field/in-game.

1. What do you use for a pre-inning warm up? I'm think to to 1st base hop grounds to 2nd/SS/3rd while RF/CF/LF relay throw back and forth. Probably add varients but I want to start with one.
2. Team has 12 girls making lineup generation fairly difficult, is there a lineup generator that allows me to specify pitcher (or other pos.) for more than 1 inning? I have found ones that shuffle everyone but not ones I can customize the shuffling.
3. How do I get/encourage the girls to talk more on the field? Some are decent, others are silent. =)
4. SS or 2nd cover on the steal? I want the SS to in general, and right now both SS and 2nd break for the steal. Woops!
5. Any pre-game warm up routine tips?

Thanks Everyone
 
Nov 25, 2016
39
8
You are correct with your infield routine. Just have the 3rd baseman stand closer to home plate as not to interfere with the pitcher warming up.

Outfield we always have centerfielder catch with either the left or right fielder and one of our bench players go out and warm up whichever one the centerfielder isnt catching with, usually it's based on what dugout we are in. Also this bench player can collect the balls when it's time for the catcher to throw it down.

As far as covering the steal for us a 12u team it depends on if we are in bunt coverage or not and what type of bunt coverage. But in standard defense the SS should be your best athlete and most able to cover. The 2nd baseman and CF should come up to backup.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
1. What do you use for a pre-inning warm up? I'm think to to 1st base hop grounds to 2nd/SS/3rd while RF/CF/LF relay throw back and forth. Probably add varients but I want to start with one.

Nothing exciting... outfielder and subs do some throws and catches. 1st base roles some grounders to each infielder. We did that until second year 12U where we stopped warming up inbetween innings - now our pitcher throws one pitch and down and away you go. Timed games, so getting more game time in. We always have one of our subs as backup catcher so our catcher had time to get into equipment if necessary

3. How do I get/encourage the girls to talk more on the field? Some are decent, others are silent. =)

Some talk... some don't. Helps to give them something specific to say and WHY they are saying it. A lot of girls just see it as talking for no reason - some are good with that, most are not. Outfield general talking about batter and depth and positioing. Infielders talking about coverage. Everyone saying good pitch on a good pitch... etc, etc. Some are just better than others.

4. SS or 2nd cover on the steal? I want the SS to in general, and right now both SS and 2nd break for the steal. Woops!

Always SS. I see you trying to cover a steal with 2B and next pitch I am sending the runner and you are getting a bunt and my batter can walk to first.

5. Any pre-game warm up routine tips?

Sure:
1) Dynamic warm ups to start.
2) Hit a lot - first AND last. 3 stations at least including a bunting station. I like to have hitting always available even during the game - bownet and tee is enough to get the swing moving
3) Starting pitchers and catchers go first in line at all warm up stations. so they have plenty of time to warm up the battery. All pitchers and catchers get priority,
4) Between games you don't need an hour warmup. Normally 30 minutes should suffice. Actually most teams spend way too much time warming up.
5) Throw and catch WITH A PURPOSE. Don't just stand there throwing - do something interesting. Some sort of drill or technique check or whatever. We have a couple of drills we like to run through fro the High Level Throwing program
6) Hydrate
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Assuming SS is covering on steal I like 2nd just staying out of the way. It is almost impossible to get the depth they need to effectively back up 2nd unless they cheat before the pitch.
 
Oct 27, 2017
174
43
On the topic of covering, which player do you use as a cut off on outfield hits?
SS or 2nd or both depending on hit location / base being thrown to?
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
IF follows ball to OF on big hits, right on 2 of 2nd, left of 2nd SS. Thrower and base.

Depending on what you do with P/ 1st either might get balls going home.
 

JLF

Sep 18, 2017
46
6
#2, I have always done it manually. Just when you think you have it figured out, some kid is sick or has a dance recital and you have to adjust on the fly anyway. At U10 I tried to have kids play the same position for 2 innings in a row then rotate.

#3, That is a tough one. Some kids are shy. Some don't know what to say. My DD can be a quiet one. She once told me she's afraid to say the wrong # of outs or what base to throw to.

One girl at U10 was very knowledgable about the game and always talking on the field. Some of the other girls thought she was being bossy - trying to tell them what to do. I finally offered rewards to those who talked on the field. Popsicles/gum/fruit rollups. Nothing big but it helped a little.
2. Team has 12 girls making lineup generation fairly difficult, is there a lineup generator that allows me to specify pitcher (or other pos.) for more than 1 inning? I have found ones that shuffle everyone but not ones I can customize the shuffling.

3. How do I get/encourage the girls to talk more on the field? Some are decent, others are silent. =)
 
Feb 21, 2017
198
28
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone contributing to the forums, been a wealth of knowledge helping me improve (at least I hope so) my coaching ability. My next plan with the kids is to add more game structure/management to what they do when getting to the field/in-game.

1. What do you use for a pre-inning warm up? I'm think to to 1st base hop grounds to 2nd/SS/3rd while RF/CF/LF relay throw back and forth. Probably add varients but I want to start with one.
2. Team has 12 girls making lineup generation fairly difficult, is there a lineup generator that allows me to specify pitcher (or other pos.) for more than 1 inning? I have found ones that shuffle everyone but not ones I can customize the shuffling.
3. How do I get/encourage the girls to talk more on the field? Some are decent, others are silent. =)
4. SS or 2nd cover on the steal? I want the SS to in general, and right now both SS and 2nd break for the steal. Woops!
5. Any pre-game warm up routine tips?

Thanks Everyone

Easy way is to watch a better HS or college team do this in person. Seeing is worth 1000 post.

#1)Yes but have 2B stand near second, SS in the hole and 3B down the line closer to home. The 1B should always bring two balls for less chase and fielders should alternate regular ground ball with backhand. I would have bench players throw too and people mentioned using a bench player to throw the closer corner OF.

#2) You will get better with practice. If recreational team put in position two innings and swap and nobody sits more than one inning. Fill out P and C first. If you have more questions I can give you a sample.

#3) Do in practice. Have a communication drill. Throw around base and call them out. Home to first and person at first calls "1", person at second calls "2" and throw follows. Home is 4. Throw a pop up between two fielders say SS and 3B and have them call "ball" or such

#4) SS covers make it easy

#5) I had the kids throw in a 35-40 ft square doing up and diagonal throws. So like home to first to third to second to home. Hit a bunch. Everydays (search on YouTube)

Good Luck
 

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