Coaching T-Ball

Coaching T-Ball

I have always loved the game of baseball since I was a child. I started playing T-Ball on a co-ed team when I was three years old. My father helped coach the team and it allowed our entire family to bond and support each other. Our family always believed in doing things together as a unit, and sports allowed us to continue this philosophy in a fun and enthusiastic way. When I finally got the chance to help coach my own son’s team I was ecstatic. The only problem was that I had no ideal how to coach or motivate my player to learn and develop into good players. This research paper is designed to develop my understanding of the game by learning the history of T-ball, developing successful practice drills, building team unity, and

The recommended rules of play for T-ball differ depending on the area and league; however, most leagues abide by the following rules found on the Oklahoma Ball website:

• Players' ages are four to eight.

• Players on a team вЂ" 12 minimum, 20 maximum

Note: more than 15 players on the field or batting is not advised.

• 50 feet between the bases.

• A real or imaginary playing line is between first base and third base or an arc 40 feet from home plate.

• Every player bats and plays in the field.

• The ball is hit off a batting tee; there is no pitching.*

• There are no walks or strikeouts.

• The ball must travel 10 feet or it is a foul.

• No fielder may cross the playing line until the ball is hit.

• No stealing. Player stays on the base until the ball is hit.

• An inning is over when all the players have batted once.*

• Standard game is four innings.

• Scores are not kept for the younger players.*

• Safety helmets must be worn.

• Bats - 25"/26" long. 2Ð'ј" diameter, max. 17 to 20 ounces.

• Ball - 9" to 9Ð'Ð..." around; 4 to 5 ounces. Softer than a standard baseball. Molded core or sponge rubber center.

• Gloves - 12" long, max.

• Tee - adjustable, flexible tube on a moveable base.

• Athletic footwear.

The game of T-ball is considered the entry level sport to baseball and softball. The name Tee Ball is a registered trademark while T-Ball is the generic name. Generally, members of two teams take their turn at batting a ball off a tee that is set on home plate. Batters try to hit the ball, reach a base, and advance to home. This is considered the offence of T-ball. Subsequently, the defense of T-ball involves out fielders trying to prevent playing from advancing to home. T-ball allows players to develop the primary baseball skills of hitting, fielding, throwing, and running. Each player develops an understanding of the fundamental rules of baseball. In T-ball there is no pitcher except for defensive purposes and the game is played on a smaller field than baseball.

Fundamentals of baseball.

There are five areas of ability for nonpitchers: hitting, hitting with power, baserunning, defense, and arm strength. Known as tools, these talents are essential to a successful outfield. A player who excels in all five areas is known as a “five-toll” player Voorkees pp3; a sixth tool to complete the successful outfield is throwing accuracy. A great game to keep the kids motivated and work on accurate hitting is called baseball in a barrel. First, you want to position all outfielders in a single line in right field. Place a plastic barrel on its side in front of third base and one in front of home plate, with the openings facing right field. Hit fly balls and ground balls to each player and have him attempt to throw the balls into the barrels, first throwing to third, then to home. Each player should pick a target area where the ball will land before bouncing to the target. Each player will need to make at least five throws to each barrel before advancing. Points will be awarded for each accurate hit. For instance, any ball landing within three feet of the barrel earns one point, balls that strike a barrel without going in earns two points, and balls that go into the barrel earn three points. The main benefit of this drill is to improve the outfielders throwing accuracy. The drill not only improves direction and trajectory, but arm strength. Awarding points build competition and encourages the players focus on their throwing. I always award small tokens like ice cream and inexpensive toys to the player who earns the most points after a weeks practice. I have found that accurate throwing is not only the hardest but most important task a little league coach teaches his players. In my research I discovered that the best way to approach this skill is to remember to treat each player as if they have never thrown a baseball before. The correct way to throw a ball is to grip it across the seams, making sure to keep the fingers on top of the ball. Each throw must be thrown to a specific target to get each player used to real game scenarios.

Another drill is called the “In-line relay throwing race” Short throws make or breaks a game. A player must be able to quickly and securely transfer the ball from his glove to hand. This fundamental skill is what determines an average team and a good team. Every coach must devote time to quick, precise relays and quick, secure ball handling. The In-line relay throwing race develops the ball handling skill just as if the players were in the heat of competition. First, divide teams into equal numbers. Position the teams into parallel lines approximately 30 feet apart, with each player at least 20 feet from the other teammate that is either in front or behind him. The player in front will have a baseball and on the coach’s signal turns and relays the ball to the next player behind him. This play will continue until the last player in line has received the ball. At that point, he