If there’s one tough assignment that a softball coach will have, that would be coaching youth softball players.
Unlike elite players, it can be very challenging to coach younger players. For one, young ones do not yet have the skills that elite players possess. And it would be your job as the coach to teach them the fundamentals.
Another thing is that younger players have yet to acquire the dedication that elite players have to the game. Some of these young players are only there to enjoy the game, while some were just encouraged by their parents to join the team.
So, if you’re faced with the challenging task of coaching youth softball players, I hope the following advice that I have for you will help make your job a lot easier.
Training
It’s perfectly normal for young players to have difficulty in adjusting to the game early in the season, especially if they’re new to the game.
Thus, it’s your job to train them to become better players and help them survive throughout the season.
Your first job would be to teach them to warm-up first before a game or a training session and to cool down after. This will help ingrain in their minds the importance of these exercises in helping them perform better and to prevent injuries.
Also, it would be great to let them choose partners that are about the same height as they are for training sessions. You see, kids can have huge differences in height so, it would be good to let them train with kids who are as tall as they are. Doing this makes it easy for them to perform drills such as throwing the ball, pitching, etc.
And if you’re teaching your players new concepts, it would be good to teach it to them gradually. Don’t try to overwhelm them with information right away. Better yet, integrate these concepts into drills and by simulating game situations to help them understand these concepts better.
Finally, try to keep things fun during training and even during games. Continue to encourage them to go on, even if they’re frustrated. You’ll be building their love for the game and the character with that.
Their Health and Injuries
The bodies of young players aren’t as developed as that of their older counterparts. Therefore, you should take great care when training them.
For one, you should always remind them to drink enough amounts of water before training and to fill up several times during the game. This will prevent incidents of dehydration especially during games in extremely hot conditions.
It would also be good if you get an accreditation in performing first aid. Some leagues require their coaches to know how to perform first aid while others don’t. But the parents of your players would be very relieved if they know their kids are in good hands.
Sure, coaching youth softball can be a pretty challenging task. But if you’re the type of person who likes challenges, then I’m sure you’d thoroughly enjoy teaching and coaching young players how to play softball.
Marc Dagenais is Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us at www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips/softball-coaching-tips.html
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