The Little League Coach

Teaching kids is actually fairly simple if you break it down to their terms. The problem we adults have is we tend to underestimate the ability of a child to learn and comprehend. I never cease to be amazed by how much a child can learn when they are constantly drilled on it. Do they get it right away? Almost never, in fact, I have said the same things over and over again for almost 20 years.

The Light Bulb Moment

I don’t know why or how it happens, but one day you see a light of comprehension in their eyes! With some it happens almost immediately, others a while later, some a lot later! But all of them, (99.9% anyway) get it, and when they do, they transform!

Fundamentals

This is where the fundamentals come in. Drill, drill, drill, and when you are done drilling? Drill again! A good friend of mine said a few weeks ago that the entire sport is about the practice. In practice you get 100-200 reps/drill, in a game you may field 1 or 2 balls and swing the bat maybe 5 or 6 times. It is too late to learn “in-game”, you have to have productive practices that focus on fundamentals.

Basic Fundamentals

A coach at any level can gain great advantage by simply focusing on the basics and assuring all of the kids perform them properly. (Assuming a right hander, reverse for that coveted lefty)

Throwing:

Place Arms in front of chest w/ hands together and ball gripped for throwing
Step forward w/ right foot pointed in a 90 degree angle towards the outside
Bring left foot up and across body pointing left knee in same direction as the right foot (hands still together at chest)
Thigh Sky - Arms separate bringing glove hand and throwing hand to the thigh then glove hand points straight out (pointer or gun sight) throwing hand goes to the sky w/ elbow bent at a 90 degree angle. Important!!!! Palm should be pointed outward! Say peace to the fence.
Step towards target, aiming w/ pointer/glove hand while bringing pointer elbow in. Bring throwing hand “over the top” and land on front foot.
Push over front foot and follow through pushing w/ plant leg for maximum velocity.
ALWAYS throw on a bee-line (straight). Never w/ an arch. Better to one-hop a throw than airmail one. At least a low throw can be cut off.