Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation
Tee Ball
Coaches Handbook
Tee Ball
Coaches Handbook
Contents
Thank you ............................................................................................................................ 3
Goals ................................................................................................................................... 3
Coaching 101 ....................................................................................................................... 4
Responsibilities ................................................................................................................... 5
Communication ................................................................................................................... 6
Uniform, Equipment, Field Location ................................................................................... 6
Safety and Weather ............................................................................................................ 7
Coaching the Basics............................................................................................................. 8
Player Positions ................................................................................................................... 9
Practice.............................................................................................................................. 10
Example Practices ........................................................................................................ 10-12
Game Day .......................................................................................................................... 13
Tee Ball Rules ............................................................................................................... 14-15
Field Map .......................................................................................................................... 16
Contacts
Recreation Department:
Recreation Coordinator:
Steve Hofer
Weather Hotline:
Website:
Facebook:
989-779-5331
989-779-5332
[email protected]
989-779-5335
www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation
facebook.com/mtpleasantparksandrecreation
*Weather notifications will be made on hotline, website and Facebook*
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Thank you!
We at the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation thank you for volunteering your time to coach a
youth tee ball team! This will be a very rewarding program for you and the players will benefit greatly
by having a dedicated coach. Without coaches like you, the tee ball program would not be the same!
This packet is designed to help you navigate your season in the right direction when teaching a group of
4-6 year olds how to play baseball! The number one rule and goal to reach is HAVE FUN! This is very
important in teaching the game to this age level, but also applies to coaches! Players will have more fun
if you are having fun. Best of luck and enjoy the season!
Coaching Goals:
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HAVE FUN!
Create an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for all
Encourage and empower participants to do their best
Express positive reinforcement
Teach good sportsmanship
Encourage healthy and physical activity
Instruct the basic fundamentals of the game in a fun manner
Player Goals:
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HAVE FUN!
Learn basic fundamentals of throwing, catching, batting and base running
Practice good sportsmanship
Listen to coaches instruction
Enjoy the fun sport of Tee Ball!
Parent Goals:
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HAVE FUN!
Show up on time for practices and games
Lend a helping hand if coach needs some assistance
Provide a snack following games (Healthy snacks encouraged)
Create a positive and enjoyable experience while watching youth players
Encourage good sportsmanship
Practice outside of practice – players will develop at different rates, but practicing at your home
with your child will not only help their game, but also provide a positive relationship with your
child!
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Coaching 101
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Be Organized – Properly preparing for practices and games will keep you from burning out!
Learn the game of baseball and basic fundamentals of the game. Show up to practice with a
plan! Have alternatives when drills have reached exhaustion.
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Kid Talk – Teach in terms that the players will understand. They will not understand if you talk
to them like they are adults. Use examples that will bring laughter but will also reach the player.
Your arm can be an elephant trunk or feet the roots of a tree! Keeping terms simple and at the
player’s level will help keep the game fun!
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Use your parents – Parents will be at every practice, but don’t be afraid to ask for their
assistance. You will have 10-12 players to manage and you will see that some days you cannot
get them all on the same page! Have a parent help you out and divide players into smaller
groups.
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Sideline Coaching – You are the coach, but the other coaches in your players’ lives are their
parents. They will hear their parent from the sideline before they hear you, so be sure to
express to parents that you are the coach on the field and for learning purposes, players need to
seek the advice from the coach on the field.
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First Base and Beyond – First base is very important when base running or fielding! Base
running needs to be done every week so they remember where to go. Throwing the ball to first
after fielding the ball is equally important. Repetition is key and players will eventually pick up
on it.
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Being a Parent and a Coach – It is very important that you are able to separate the two. You
should not be partial to your child when coaching. Every player deserves equal attention for
developmental purposes and safety reasons.
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Play like you Practice – If you want to play effectively during games, it must start at practice.
Practice base running and fielding during your practice and they will understand what to do
when the games are played. Scrimmages at the end of practice help too.
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Batting Safety – Players must be instructed on when they can pick up a bat and swing. As much
as you can teach it, players will be very excited to swing, so be sure to keep an eye on where the
bat is at all times. When players come up to bat, do not give them the bat until ball is set and
you are ready to play. Additionally, bats should not be placed along sideline or bench where
players are sitting.
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PATIENCE – You will need a lot of it! Coaching is a lot of fun, but you must understand that at
this age level, patience is necessary. A 4 – 6 year olds interest level is measured in a matter of a
few minutes. Knowing this will help you plan your day.
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Coaching Responsibilities:
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Be a role model. Players will be looking up to you and will emulate what you do
Make sure roster is accurate
o All players should have registered through Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation before
playing. Any player that is not registered will not be able to play until they have filled
out appropriate paperwork through the Recreation Office. DO NOT ACCEPT MONEY.
Roster additions and subtractions must go through the Recreation Department
Bring roster to practices and games. Rosters contain important contact information for each
player. In the case of emergency, you will need to have this information
Inspect Equipment. If anything is missing or needs replacement, please let the Recreation
Department know immediately
Return equipment at end of season
Ensure a positive learning and playing environment for players
Assume responsibility of sportsmanlike behavior. This includes parents, spectators and players
Provide effective supervision during games and practices
Leave the field better than the way you found it. If there is garbage left over from spectators,
please help keep our facilities clean. This is a great lesson to teach players as well
Notify Recreation Department of any inappropriate behavior that may be observed from player,
spectator or parent. The sooner you let us know, the faster we can act on it
Do not provide transportation for players other than your own children. If providing
transportation, written consent should be obtained and a copy provided to the Recreation
Department
Only coaches registered through MPPR can host a practice. If having a parent host a practice
due to a coach’s absence, parent must contact Recreation Department and have a background
check run
Parent Responsibilities:
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Respect and accept coach’s decisions
Be respectful to players, spectators and coaches
Have player dressed and ready to play
Applaud players
Appreciate volunteer coaches and helpers
Reward sportsmanlike behavior
Encourage players by showing a positive attitude
Recognize this is a youth event. Age appropriate language and actions should be maintained
during all activities
Notify Recreation Department of an inappropriate behavior from coaches as soon as possible
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Communication
Communication will be very important when coaching a team. You will be given a roster with contact
information for the child. You will want to call all the parents after the coaches meeting to let them
know when the first practice is. Parents know when the coach’s meeting is, so it is best to call as soon
after the meeting as possible. Following initial contact, at the first practice, establish how parents would
like to receive information. Many parents may choose to receive a text or email if there are any
changes. Texts or emails to parents may save you a lot of time if you have to cancel or make any
changes.
Set expectations as the beginning of the season for both players and parents. These expectations can be
expressed during the first practice.
Child behavior issues may arise throughout the season, if so; do your best to work with the player. If
that doesn’t work, speak with the parent following a practice and let them know your concerns.
Uniform
Players will be provided team uniforms by the first week of games. Players should wear comfortable
clothing with tennis shoes. A baseball hat is recommended. NO cleats. Players are required to bring
their own glove.
Coaches will receive a t-shirt that is the same color as the team they are coaching.
Equipment
Coaches will receive a box of equipment that will contain the following:
2 Bats
4 Batting Helmets – All players are required to wear helmet when batting and running bases.
1 Tee
1 Set of throw down bases
10 Tennis Balls
2 Safe Soft Balls
First Aid Kit
Equipment will be handed out at the coaches meeting and are required to be turned in the final game of
the season at Sunnyside Park.
Field Locations/Practice and Game Set up
There will be 4 or 5 fields marked for Tee Ball at Sunnyside Park on the East side. Coaches will need to
set up bases (fields are lined) and use provided equipment. On game days, fields will be set up with
bases and ball. Coaches are responsible for bringing bats and helmets, but it’s recommended to bring all
equipment for warm up before game.
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Safety and Weather Procedures
Being a coach, there are circumstances that require further attention when it comes to injuries or
weather related issues. Both are very important factors to keep in mind when coaching your team this
year. Outlined below is important information for you to look over so you are prepared when situations
arise.
Safety:
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First Aid is provided with team equipment. You will find gloves, bandages, ice packs, and gauze
in the First Aid Kit. Please do not hesitate to use this if injury occurs. If First Aid supplies are
used up or are running low due to usage, please contact the Recreation Department so we can
restock your First Aid.
In the case there is an injury, it must be reported within 24 hours of incident. Please contact the
Recreation Department by phone or email to notify us of the situation. Upon notice, we may
need to inquire about additional information.
Use of common sense and good judgment is very important when working with 4 – 6 year olds.
Proper supervision needs to be established for all activities and especially when using the bat.
Players should never be unsupervised when practicing and playing with a bat.
Baseball will still be played if there is very light rain. However, when raining, bats become very
slippery and dangerous when swinging. Coaches should take this into consideration when
scheduling practices. MPPR will call games due to weather.
Water is very important during warm days. There is a water fountain located on the side of the
restrooms. Make sure to take water breaks during practice and games.
Weather:
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There are times when weather will cause games and practices to be cancelled. Coaches will be
responsible for calling parents if practice is to be cancelled due to weather. Cancellations for
practices will not be posted on our information outlets. On days of games, MPPR will determine
playability of games. It is the responsibility of parents and coaches to look at the weather
outlets to determine if games will be played.
Thunder and Lightning: If either is heard or seen, games will be postponed for 30 min following
the last thunder or lightning. Most likely games will be cancelled or called due to thunder or
lightning.
Games will not be made up at the end of the season. If coaches would like to schedule a makeup, they may coordinate amongst each other and come up with a game time.
In the case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the City of Mt. Pleasant Website
(Parks and Recreation link), Facebook, and on the Parks and Recreation weather hotline.
Cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible, but if cancellation has not been made
30 minutes prior to program, determination will be made at the program. Please check the
weather cancellation outlets frequently for up to the minute program updates.
o Weather hotline: 989-779-5335
o Website: www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation
o Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtpleasantparksandrecreation
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Coaching the Basics
If this is the first time you have coached a group of 4 – 6 year olds you have nothing to worry about if
you take some of these ideas and put them into practice! The purpose of this handbook is to relieve the
stress you may be feeling, because this is supposed to be fun! If you have fun, your players will too! The
information from here on will assist you in preparing for a fun season.
Field Positions:
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First Base – Demonstrate where the first baseman is to stand (Typically 3- 4 feet from the base
in front of base line). Practice having players throw to this base. Repetition is key. Equally, this
is the first base players will run to after they hit. This will need to be practiced frequently as
well.
Second Base – Player should be 3 – 4 feet from base inside the base line.
Short Stop – There will be two of these in tee ball. Position one player in between 1st and 2nd
base and one between 2nd base and 3rd base.
Third Base – Player should be 3 – 4 feet from base inside the base line.
Pitcher – Place pitcher enough distance from home plate in the pitching area. Pitcher acts
strictly as an infielder.
Catcher – There is no catcher in tee ball.
Outfield – Depending on number of players on the roster, the remainder will be placed in
outfield. Positions can include right, right center, center, left, and left center. These players
should be placed behind the base lines with ample space between infielder and outfielder. It is
best if you place them deep enough in the field so they can run up on a batted ball.
Infielders:
Infielders will stay in the infield when a ball is hit. It is important that they understand this so they don’t
run out to the outfield and interfere with base runners or outfielders. Practicing with the Pizza Slice drill
or the swarm drill located in the Tee Ball Drills and Games booklet, will emphasis this. Infielders will
need to focus their attention on the batter before the ball is placed on the tee. There is a lot of things
going on outside the game that will distract players.
Outfielders:
Outfielders will stay in the outfield and will need to throw the ball into an infielder. This concept is
sometimes difficult and the player will want to run the ball into the infield. Having a coach out in the
outfield can help keep their attention on the game.
Outs, Fouls, Strikes
Although tee ball is very lenient in these calls, be sure to teach your players the meaning of each. Outs
will be called on the field, but very lightly.
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Player Positions
C
LC
RC
L
2nd
SS
R
SS
1st
3rd
P
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Practice
Before 1st practice:
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Call parents and let them know when you will be practicing and where. Field locations will be
made available to you at coaches meeting. If you are unable to contact parents, call the
Recreation Department for further assistance.
Inspect equipment to ensure you have everything you will need (balls, bases, bats). Additionally
inspect for any damage.
Plan your practice. Have drills ready and have more than you need. When players lose interest
you will want to have a backup.
1st Practice Introduction: Parents
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Arrive early and set up field.
Introduce yourself and any other coaches you have. Express how much fun the season will be
for not only for the players, but for all involved.
Communicate the need for parents to help. 10-12 kids can be a lot for one coach. Parent
involvement will help out tremendously.
Hand out snack schedule. Players love the reward of snack following a game! Parents can pass
this around and sign up. Snacks can be divided up into practice nights and games.
Uniform policy. Let parents know that they need to have the reversible jersey for games and
that players are not allowed to wear cleats. This is for the safety of all players.
Explain weather policy. Policy is covered on page 5 of the coaching handbook.
Hand out schedule. Schedule contains full 6 weeks of games and picture schedule (week 2).
Coaches contact information will be on schedule and contact information for MPPR is listed as
well.
1st Practice Introduction: Players
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Introduce yourself to players. Try to be very enthusiastic to start. First impressions go a long
way. A simple “Who’s excited to be here today?!” with a lot of enthusiasm will get them to
open up.
Explain to them what they are there for. Ask them questions about tee ball. For some, this may
be their first team sport they are playing. Getting them to open up is the toughest battle. Some
may need more time than others, let them have it. Players will eventually come out of their
shell.
Circle game. Sit the players around in the circle and have them introduce themselves. Have
them say their name and answer another question. “My name is Tommy and my favorite
animal is a Tiger!” for example.
Some players may be shy and run off to mom or dad. If they do that’s ok. They will eventually
see the fun all of the other players are having and come back out. It is important to understand
that players develop at different rates.
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Example First Practice
Below is an example of a first practice. Introductions are very important for parents to feel comfortable
with the coach and to get out important information. If there are any questions, they can be answered
at the beginning or end of practice.
It is recommended that during drills, players are broken up into groups. This will make running drills
easier to manage. You will find that players will feed off each other and mimic others actions. Flowers,
grass, bugs and planes all come in as distractors during practices and games!
Schedule some water breaks in during drills. During water breaks is a good time for any player to use
the restroom as well.
Playing a fun game at the end is great to keep the interest level high. If you see that practice is not
grabbing their attention, don’t be afraid to throw a game in midway through to get players motivated.
The key to providing a fun experience is keeping players moving! Baseball can be a slow game in the
field, so anytime you see a chance to get them moving, do so. Naming your team is a good idea! They
will appreciate being called the Running Rabbits over Team 5.
TIME
DRILL
NOTES
0 – 5 Min
Introduction to Parents
Page 8 of Handbook
5 – 10 Min
Introduction to Players
Page 8 of Handbook
10 – 15 Min
Stretches
Drills and Games
15 – 25 Min
Base Running
Drill #1
Throwing
Drill #21
25 – 35 Min
Batting
Drill #25/After initial drill,
give players a chance to hit
ball off of tee.
35-45
Fielding
Drill #8 & #9
45 – 50 Min
Fun Game
Red Light/Green Light
50 – 60 Min
Dismiss Team
Parents may have questions
following practice
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Example Practice Plan Week 2
Below is a plan (example) for Week 2. Most important is that this is probably the 2nd practice before the
first game. Having a short scrimmage will introduce players to what they will see at their first game.
Throwing to first, batting and fielding should all have been covered in the first 2 practices.
You will start to see a difference after the first games of the season. Players will begin to understand
how the game is played and what they must do while playing in the field and batting. Make practices a
gradual increase in difficulty to not overwhelm the players.
TIME
DRILL
NOTES
0 – 5 Min
Stretches/Warm ups
Drills and Games
5 – 10 Min
Throwing
Drill #22
Batting Practice
Players hit ball and run bases
Infield Positions/Throwing
Handbook P. 8/Drill 28
Fielding
Drill #9 & Drill #24
15 – 25 Min (All Players)
Fielding
Drill #30 – Coach hits or rolls
ball to players.
25 - 50
Scrimmage
Divide into 2 teams. Each
team should get up to bat
once.
50 – 55 Min
Fun Game
Sharks and Minnows
55– 60 Min
Dismiss Team, Snack
Remind parents of game
time, field location and jersey
color.
10 – 15 Min
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Game Day
On the day of games try to show up at least 15 minutes early. Parents will be looking for the
coach to figure out what field they are at. Be aware that parents may not show up until the
scheduled start time. During your first couple practices, let parents know that players should
be ready 10 minutes prior to game for warm ups.
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Fields will be set up and ready for play. A ball will be placed on the tee to start the
game. Please place the ball back on the tee when finished with the game. A lot of times
a ball will be thrown in with a coach’s equipment. Before you leave the game, make sure
a ball is on the tee so that the next game is ready to play.
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Players will sit along the base lines. Field will be moist on some mornings; a large
blanket for players to sit on is recommended.
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Players should be wearing team jersey. Make sure that players are not wearing cleats or
jewelry.
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After the game, please try to move the team away from the bench if you are playing the
early game. This gives the next game’s spectators and players to set up for the next
game.
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Each team will be recorded and played on public access TV. A playback schedule will be
provided on the day of the game. This is very cool for the players to get some face time
as little big leaguers!
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MPPR staff will be onsite for games. If you have any questions or concerns, please find
MPPR staff.
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During the first 2 games, coaches and helpers can be on the field with their team. After
the 2nd game, coaches and helpers should only be on 1st and 3rd base lines only, with
exception to the coach helping batters.
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Snack time will bring a lot of excitement to finish the games! Make sure to have the
snack schedule filled out before the first game and let parents know if they are on deck
to provide snack.
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Look at the field you are playing on before the game. This will determine where you will
want to park on game day so you aren’t hauling you equipment across the entire field!
Have a great season and Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation thanks you for
donating your time to coach Tee Ball!
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MT PLEASANT PARKS AND RECREATION 320 W Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 24‐Hour Recreation Sports Line 989‐779‐5335 Fax 989‐773‐6790 ¡ Business Hours: M‐F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Office Telephone: 989‐779‐5331
2013 TEE‐BALL RULES AND GUIDELINES 1. The ball is not pitched but is hit off a tee located on home plate. 2. The “umpire” is the coach whose team is up to bat. The coach whose team is up to bat is responsible for carrying out the umpire functions during the game. This means that the coach of each team participating will have the opportunity to work with, teach, and encourage their players during each game 3. A child will be called out and must leave the playing field when a correctly executed play is made which results in: (a) a force out or a tag at or before a runner reaches a base, or (b) a fly ball is caught by a player. Please note: When the umpire calls out a player, s/he must leave the playing field. Coaches and assistant coaches are asked to help children learn this important concept of the game. This is one of the only “non‐fun” learning concepts in tee‐ball that must be followed. 4. An inning will consist of an entire team’s batting order, i.e., once an entire team has had a chance to bat, they will then take the field. 5. When the last batter hits the ball, the ball must immediately be returned to the pitcher’s mound. The last batter is allowed to run all the bases to end the inning. This is for a safety reason. By allowing the last batter to run all the bases, it clears the field so there are no collisions when players take the field for the inning change. It also makes it fun to be the last batter. 6. The batting order will consist of all players on the team and order should change from game to game. 7. Every player will play the field and bat each inning. Players must change positions in the field each inning. 8. Score will not be kept. Learning the basics of the game and having fun is stressed. 9. A game shall consist of three to four innings or a one‐hour and 15 minute time limit. Teams listed first on the schedule is considered HOME team and will play the field first. 10. A hit ball must go beyond eight (8) feet. Any ball not going past the eight (8) feet will be declared a foul ball. 11. A ball that is hit and stays in the infield will be declared a single. There is no advancement on a pass ball. 12. A ball hit in the outfield allows a base runner to advance as far as possible. Once the ball reaches the infield, base runners must stop at the base they are headed. There is no advancing on a passed ball. 13. Two (2) warnings and teaching explanations will be given for a thrown bat. If a player continues to throw a bat s/he will be called out. This is a safety issue for everyone and must be enforced in a teaching/learning way. 14. Coaches are responsible for their teams and fans. 15. Any player, coach, or spectator who loses his/her temper will be warned once. Any further outburst will result in removal from the area. Tee-Ball Rules 2013
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16. Coaches are allowed at first and third base lines only—not on the field. Exception: The first two games of the season are for teaching purposes. 17. Once games have started, one (1) practice per week is recommended. 18. All players will hit the ball. No one strikes out! 19. The following are NOT permitted by any player in tee‐ball: • Bunting • Leading off •Base stealing •Sliding •Wearing of cleated shoes •Wearing of jewelry (watches, rings, earrings, etc.) 20. Games must be played with the special low impact safety ball provided by Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation. 21. Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation staff must be consulted in any disagreement situation. Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation staff has the final word. 22. In the case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the City of Mt. Pleasant Website (Parks and Recreation Link), Facebook, and on the Parks and Recreation weather hotline. Cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible, but if cancellation has not been made 30 minutes prior to program, determinations will be made at the program. Please check the weather cancellation outlets frequently for up to the minute program updates. Website: www.mt‐pleasant.org/recreation Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtpleasantparksandrecreation Weather hotline: 989‐779‐5335 Tee-Ball Rules 2013
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TEE-BALL FIELD DIMENSIONS
2nd Base
3rd Base
All Bases
40 feet
Apart
1st Base
Home
Ball must go beyond eight (8) feet to be considered a fair ball. There is no catcher in tee-ball.
Tee-Ball Rules 2013
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