I coached lots of that age group. You will win the league if you do these simple things:
1) right away, identify who can catch and put them on 1B
2) practice running 5-10 feet past 1B (you'll win your first 3-4 games this way)
3) DO NOT teach any bug squishing, hands to the ball, or door knocking knuckle nonsense
4) For hitting, as they stride, get them to pull their back elbow back like a bow, and end up with the bat head pointed up at toe touch (do not worry where their hands are in the stance, it makes little difference)
5) Make sure the tee is at their front foot, not centered in front of them at their belt - and make sure the ball height is set about 8 inches below their chin (appr ht of elbows) - not down at their belt level.
6) For throwing, most kids that age dont raise their glove elbow as they throw. This causes range and direction problems. Have them all raise their glove elbow as they throw. Then, the elbows should rotate around together.
7) Run efficient practices. Never have kids standing around, ever. Setup 3-5 stations so they can be hitting, running, throwing at all times. End the practice with base running - focus on 1B, then make sure they aren't running past bases.
8) Hand out a game ball after every game, until every kid has one. Have coaches and kids sign it.
9) Don't talk too long to the kids or parents. Get to the point, short and sweet.
10) Finally, get a good Team Mom/Dad/Unisex and do good snacks.
1) right away, identify who can catch and put them on 1B
2) practice running 5-10 feet past 1B (you'll win your first 3-4 games this way)
3) DO NOT teach any bug squishing, hands to the ball, or door knocking knuckle nonsense
4) For hitting, as they stride, get them to pull their back elbow back like a bow, and end up with the bat head pointed up at toe touch (do not worry where their hands are in the stance, it makes little difference)
5) Make sure the tee is at their front foot, not centered in front of them at their belt - and make sure the ball height is set about 8 inches below their chin (appr ht of elbows) - not down at their belt level.
6) For throwing, most kids that age dont raise their glove elbow as they throw. This causes range and direction problems. Have them all raise their glove elbow as they throw. Then, the elbows should rotate around together.
7) Run efficient practices. Never have kids standing around, ever. Setup 3-5 stations so they can be hitting, running, throwing at all times. End the practice with base running - focus on 1B, then make sure they aren't running past bases.
8) Hand out a game ball after every game, until every kid has one. Have coaches and kids sign it.
9) Don't talk too long to the kids or parents. Get to the point, short and sweet.
10) Finally, get a good Team Mom/Dad/Unisex and do good snacks.
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Have fun and go bug the guys who sit behind the OF fence...they may have a 'wise'enheimer suggestion.
