T-Ball Tips 4 Coaches
Hitting
Bats are a safety issue...
Keep all bats in the bat rack. Keep a coach or parent in dugout to supervise at all times.
Bats are a safety issue... repeated for emphasis.
Assume all batters are going to throw the bat...
Place an object or draw a circle down the first base line. Instruct all batters to carry the bat to that
object or place and drop the bat at that point after hitting the ball.
The Hitters Checklist...
Encourage the batter to 1) check their feet for a good base and proper alignment to the plate, 2)
check their knees to make sure they are bent – putting them in a good athletic position 3) check
their hands for proper positioning on the bat and for proper knuckle alignment – knocking
knuckles should be close to parallel prior to the swing and parallel at contact, 4) check for proper
bat placement – hands should be 3-6 inches off the back shoulder – 45 degree angle for elbows
and bat – back elbow below the back shoulder and in a comfortable position.
Coaches Tip: If you have access to a “throw down” pitchers rubber you can use this in
the batters box to insure proper foot alignment and set-up at the plate every time.
The Tee...
Place the Batting Tee in front of the plate or instruct the batter to move the lead foot back from
the plate, deeper in the box, so the ball is hit out in front of their body.
Teaching players to watch the ball...
Find a word or logo on the ball. Have the batter concentrate on hitting that spot. Make sure they
focus on that spot until after their swing is complete. Repeatedly say, “Watch the ball until the bat
hits the ball.”
Starting The Swing...
Young players like to “measure up” the ball and will take the bat to the ball and back sometimes
several times prior to engaging it . Encourage them to have loose hands and “wag” the bat like a
cat wags its tail. Their trigger to swing or “engage the ball” should be when their front foot hits
the ground. Work with the hitter on picking up the front foot and placing it down. When the foot
hits the ground – the swing begins. This will help them later when they incorporate a full stride
into the swing
Fielding & Throwing
Buying a glove...
Make sure the kids have a glove that fits and preferably one with a deep pocket and notches near
the heel that will help it close easily.
Players do not know the field...
You should have them identify the position they are playing during the inning.
Baseball Ready Position...
Have the players in a good athletic position at all times. Feet shoulder width apart, knees bent,
bottoms down, chest up, hands out front, and eyes on the batter…AT ALL TIMES. This will help
them stay focused and prevent injuries from a batted ball when a fielder isn’t looking.
The alligator...
Have the players put their glove down close to the ground for grounders. Also, have them position
the other hand on the heel of the glove. Otherwise, the ball may pop up and hit the player in the
face.
Call the ball...
Teach players to call the ball while catching grounders; calling grounders makes it easier to teach
them to call fly balls later in the season and help control swarming.
Controlling swarming...
Draw large circles in the infield dirt, ask one player to stand in each of the circles at their position
and "guard their circle." The player to whom the ball comes closest to, or the circle the ball comes
closest to, fields the ball. In the event the ball travels between two circles, or right down the
middle, the player who jumps first and calls the ball gets it. The other fielder has to back off.
Throwing
Have the player(s) make an L shape with their throwing arm, elbow above shoulder and ball
facing away – they should be able to look back and see their knuckles on the throwing hand. Have
them pick out a target and concentrate on hitting the receiving player in the nose with the thrown
ball. Having a focal point helps players understand the ball will go where they aim. The nose
serves about as good as any focal point.
Learning To Play The Lead Runner...
It’s important that the players know where the runners are and where the play will go if the ball is
hit to them. So ask them or tell them if they do not know. Situational awareness keeps them in
the game and makes it more enjoyable.
Home plate is the most dangerous position...
You may choose to eliminate the catcher position. If you use a catcher then always have a coach
with the catcher to guard against the following:
Batter throwing the bat
Upcoming batters swinging the bat
Catcher being hurt by runner from third
TIP FOR PARENTS!
Rubber balls are a great training tool...
Tell the parents and players to practice with a rubber ball at home. Rubber balls are safer and if
they aren’t caught won’t hurt as bad as a regulation baseball. Put the gloves down and use a
tennis or rubber ball. Roll grounders to them and instruct the players to use both hands. Get the
player used to using both hands, then graduate to gloves. This will improve their ability to catch
thrown balls or pop ups.
Baserunning
Teach players to run through first base...
Position a coach five to ten feet behind first base, and just outside the base line, to give each
player a high five as they run through.
Use a longer base path if possible...
60 feet between bases gives the defensive players time to get the ball and complete the play. A
longer base path also gives you more room to place extra players in defensive positions.
Coaching
Use a Coacher Board...
This will help you organize player positions and batting order and help the kids familiarize
themselves with where to go and when they are up to bat.
Parents will often help if asked...
Admit you could use more coaches to help the team. Ask them to help at the next game or
practice.
Equipment will be lost...
Tell parents to put players' last name on all personal equipment (i.e. under the bill of the cap).
Young players are unfamiliar with the game
Your least experienced players need your best effort.