14U team with a couple of talented catchers. We are trying to implement plays for pickoffs from C to 3B to get runners on third. One of our catchers takes lessons and has been told 'throw low and to the base' - which seems like good advice for pickoffs to 1st or on steals of 2 or 3. But the...
We did some analysis with regard to our player numbers over the past four years. Ourtotal registration numbers have been 520, 472, 451, 461 - so we had a drop but have leveled off. This year we are on pace for about 450. The large drop a few years ago coincided with school registration...
I have a very talented group of girls who just completed 12U season and next year move up to 14U. I've not coached at this level yet, and I'm wondering (1) how big of a jump is it, talentwise, (2) how is the game played differently in 14U as compared to 12U?
here is our 12U strategy:
1) speedy bunter and good contact
2) also speedy and a good bunter, not as good on contact
3) speedy bunter and good contact
4) fastest power hitter
5) 2nd fastest power hitter
6) third fastest power hitter
7) good contact hitter
8/9) weakest hitters - can bunt, not as...
My team is younger, but we teach them to count off the pitchers motion - the pitching hand will pass the hip three times - on '2', they start to go - by the time they get off the base, the pitcher has released (at '3').
in our league we currently have 7-8 at 30'/11" Incrediball, and 9-10 at 35'/11" real softball. You've got me thinking about the 10" size though. We also don't allow walks in either age group - we've found it teaches the girls to swing more - they have to earn their way on base by hitting the...
I tried this in rec and then moved it to travel - it's simple and effective - but depends on how many signals you want to communicate - all they have to do is count. and switch on/off.
When they look at me, I'll touch any number body parts - shoulder, elbow, hat - only one of them matters - say...
some kids seem naturally hungry and confident - no phased by the other team or opposing pitcher. Others let their opponent get into their heads and they lose before they play. What resources are out there to help them develop an attitude of "You're mine!" and not the opposite?
Druer - how about that slap hitting - what's the best way to teach it to righthanders. I have some quick girls on the team but only one lefthander - and she is not in the top half as far as quickness...