Now you are a Little League Coach, congratulations! If the thought of teaching a team of 10-12 young kids is making you sweat, don't worry. We've all been there. Here are some general tips to guide you in this fun and rewarding endeavor.
Coaching Tip #1: Have a practice plan.
An hour-long practice can go by really quickly. Practice should focus on teaching the fundamental skills of baseball, as well as learning the rules for the lower divisions like Rookie and Tee Ball. Use the Little League plans on this site or make your own, but don't go into practice without a plan or just scrimmage for an hour. Your players will get bored or disinterested. Practices should be fun for the kids and the coaches if done right.
Coaching Tip #2: Involve your parents.
Little League is a volunteer-run organization, and everyone is expected to play a role. Tell, don't ask, the parents on your team that they need to be involved at practice, especially at the younger ages. A single coach and a dozen 5-6 year-olds is a bad combination. Ideally the team would split up into different stations so the players get more reps and aren't waiting around. The only way to do that is to have more coaches and parents involved.
Coaching Tip #3: Communicate.
It is important to let your players know about schedule changes and absences as early as possible. Every team should have a team parent; use them to send out communications.
Coaching Tip #4: Lead by example.
The players and parents will follow your lead. If you are constantly late to practices, or distracted during games, they will notice and think it's ok. Don't ask your players to do something you aren't willing to model yourself.
Coaching Tip #5: Ensure player safety.
If you see dangerous behavior such as a player swinging a bat when they aren't supposed to, put a stop to it immediately. In Tee Ball and Rookie, make sure there is a parent who has submitted their volunteer application in the dugout at all times. Accidents can and will happen, so be prepared with ice packs and other first aid.
Coaching Tip #6: Check your equipment.
Every team will be provided with catching gear, bats and helmets. Make sure they are in working order. Your parents may have questions on what size bat or glove they should buy - if you don't know, ask your commissioner, they are there to help.
Coaching Tip #7: Make a batting order.
Having a posted batting order will reduce or eliminate all of the "When am I hitting?" questions. Remind your players to be ready to bat when it's their turn. Waiting around for one batter to find their helmet and bat can slow the game down a lot; don't let that happen with every at-bat.
Coaching Tip #8: Position your players.
Related to #7, chart out your position rotations beforehand, and post them for your players to see. There will be a lot of dead time between innings as the players take the field if you are making up the positions as you go. Also, with our younger players, make sure you are putting the kids in an appropriate spot. In Tee Ball/Rookie/A Ball, it is ideal to rotate every kid at every position, but first base especially requires a certain level of attention since balls will be thrown their way.
Coaching Tip #9: Game time.
Practice is for coaches, games are for players. Encourage your players during games, and save the coaching comments for the post-game. Have a routine with your players before each game so that they are prepared to play.
Coaching Tip #10: Have fun.
Little League can create lasting memories for your players and their parents. Make it a fun environment for them. While the league doesn't encourage the giving out of game balls (they are expensive!), recognizing a player for her play or his positive attitude after a game is a great way to build up confidence and passion for the sport.