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12u Baseball Practice Plans: A Coach's Journey to Success
Author: Mark "Sparky" Johnson, former 12u Head Coach, National High School Baseball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) Certified Coach, 20 years experience coaching youth baseball.
Publisher: Youth Baseball Digest, a leading publication for youth baseball coaches and parents.
Editor: Sarah Miller, MSc in Sports Science, 10 years experience editing sports-related publications.
Keywords: 12u baseball practice plans, youth baseball drills, 12u baseball drills, baseball practice plans, 12u baseball training, youth baseball practice, 12u baseball workouts, baseball practice schedule, effective 12u baseball practice, 12u baseball skill development.
Introduction:
The world of youth baseball is intense. Parents invest significant time and resources, and the pressure on young athletes is ever-present. For coaches, navigating this landscape requires strategic planning and a deep understanding of player development. This article dives into the creation and implementation of effective 12u baseball practice plans, sharing personal anecdotes, case studies, and proven techniques to optimize your team's performance. Understanding the nuances of 12u baseball practice plans is key to fostering a love for the game while building fundamental skills.
H1: The Foundation of Effective 12u Baseball Practice Plans
My coaching journey began with a ragtag group of 12-year-olds – some naturally gifted, others less so. Initially, my 12u baseball practice plans were haphazard, a mix of drills I'd seen elsewhere and gut instinct. The results were inconsistent. Some players thrived, others struggled. It was through trial and error, combined with learning from experienced coaches and studying advanced training methodologies, that I developed a structured approach to 12u baseball practice plans.
The core principle is balance. Effective 12u baseball practice plans incorporate:
Skill Development: Fundamental skills like throwing, catching, hitting, and fielding must be practiced consistently and progressively. This isn't about rote repetition, but about refining technique and building muscle memory.
Game Situation Drills: 12u players need to apply their skills in realistic game scenarios. This means incorporating situational hitting, base running, and defensive plays.
Physical Conditioning: Age-appropriate strength and conditioning is vital. This isn't about pushing kids too hard, but about building endurance and preventing injuries.
Mental Training: Baseball is as much a mental game as a physical one. Incorporating drills that focus on focus, concentration, and managing pressure is essential.
Team Building: Creating a positive and supportive team environment is paramount. Team-building activities and positive reinforcement can significantly impact performance.
H2: Case Study: The "Sluggers" Transformation
One team, the "Sluggers," presented a significant challenge. They possessed raw talent but lacked consistency and discipline. My initial 12u baseball practice plans focused heavily on hitting, mirroring their perceived strength. However, their fielding was weak, leading to numerous errors and frustrated players.
I redesigned my 12u baseball practice plans. I dedicated more time to fundamental fielding drills, focusing on proper footwork, glove positioning, and throwing mechanics. We introduced game-situation drills emphasizing communication and teamwork. We also implemented a points-based system rewarding effort and positive attitudes. The transformation was remarkable. The Sluggers' fielding improved dramatically, their confidence soared, and their wins increased significantly. This experience taught me the importance of holistic 12u baseball practice plans that address all aspects of the game.
H3: Sample 12u Baseball Practice Plan (90 minutes)
(15 minutes) Warm-up: Dynamic stretching, light jogging, throwing.
(20 minutes) Hitting: Tee work focusing on proper mechanics, soft toss for timing, live batting practice with situational emphasis (two outs, bases loaded, etc.).
(20 minutes) Fielding: Ground balls focusing on proper footwork and glove positioning, fly balls emphasizing communication and proper catching technique, cut-off drills.
(15 minutes) Base Running: Lead-off drills, stealing bases, sliding technique, base running situations.
(10 minutes) Cool-down: Static stretching, light jog, review of the day’s practice.
(10 minutes) Team Building/Mental Training: Positive reinforcement, team discussions, focus exercises.
H4: Adapting 12u Baseball Practice Plans to Individual Needs
One size does not fit all. Effective 12u baseball practice plans must be adapted to the specific needs and skill levels of your players. Some players may require more individual attention in specific areas. Regular assessment and feedback are crucial. I frequently adjusted my 12u baseball practice plans based on observation during games and practices, identifying weaknesses and adjusting the drills accordingly.
H5: The Importance of Fun in 12u Baseball Practice Plans
Let's not forget the fun factor! While structured practice is essential, 12u baseball practice plans should be engaging and enjoyable. Incorporating games, competitions, and positive reinforcement keeps players motivated and invested. A fun and positive atmosphere is vital for long-term development and a love for the game.
Conclusion:
Developing effective 12u baseball practice plans requires a strategic and adaptable approach. By focusing on fundamental skills, game-situation drills, physical conditioning, mental training, and team building, coaches can significantly enhance their team's performance. Remember, the key is balance, adaptation, and fostering a fun and positive environment. The journey of coaching 12u baseball is rewarding, challenging, and ultimately, about helping young athletes grow and develop both on and off the field. Continuously evaluating and refining your 12u baseball practice plans based on player performance and feedback ensures continuous improvement and a successful season.
FAQs:
1. How often should a 12u baseball team practice? Ideally, 2-3 times a week, with practices lasting approximately 90-120 minutes.
2. What are the most important skills to focus on at the 12u level? Throwing accuracy, proper fielding techniques, consistent hitting mechanics, and base running fundamentals.
3. How can I incorporate mental training into my 12u baseball practice plans? Focus exercises, visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and pressure drills.
4. How can I keep my 12u players motivated and engaged? Positive reinforcement, fun drills, team-building activities, and setting achievable goals.
5. What should I do if a player is struggling with a particular skill? Provide individualized instruction, break down the skill into smaller components, and offer positive encouragement.
6. How important is physical conditioning for 12u baseball players? Age-appropriate strength and conditioning are crucial for preventing injuries and enhancing performance. Focus on endurance and flexibility.
7. How can I create a positive team environment? Emphasize teamwork, encourage communication, and celebrate both individual and team successes.
8. What is the best way to track player progress? Use a combination of observation, written feedback, and regular assessments.
9. Where can I find more resources on 12u baseball practice plans? Consult online resources, coaching books, and attend coaching clinics.
Related Articles:
1. "Mastering the 12u Baseball Hitting Approach": This article focuses on specific hitting techniques and drills tailored for 12-year-old players.
2. "12u Baseball Fielding Drills for Improved Defense": A comprehensive guide to fielding drills designed to improve glove work, footwork, and throwing accuracy.
3. "Building a Winning 12u Baseball Team Culture": This piece emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, communication, and creating a positive team atmosphere.
4. "Advanced Base Running Strategies for 12u Baseball": This explores advanced base running techniques and strategies, including stealing, leading off, and situational base running.
5. "Injury Prevention and Conditioning for 12u Baseball Players": This article discusses age-appropriate conditioning and injury prevention strategies for young baseball players.
6. "Effective Communication and Coaching Techniques for 12u Baseball": This covers techniques for communicating effectively with young athletes and their parents.
7. "Developing Game-Winning Strategies for 12u Baseball Games": This article explores strategic planning for 12u baseball games, focusing on in-game decision-making.
8. "Utilizing Technology to Enhance 12u Baseball Practice Plans": This focuses on using video analysis and other technology to improve coaching and player development.
9. "Creating a Comprehensive 12u Baseball Season Plan": This guide looks at developing a season-long plan encompassing practices, games, and player development throughout the season.
| 12u baseball practice plans: Youth Baseball Drills Marty Schupak, 2005 Youth Baseball Drills features helpful tips to make on-field practice more fun and can be employed to develop players' understanding, skills, and love for the sport. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Baseball Daniel Keller, 2011-01-25 You volunteered to coach the local baseball team, but are you ready? How will you teach the fundamental skills, run effective practices, and harness the energy of your young team? Fear not: Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Baseball has the answers. In Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Baseball, longtime coach Dan Keller shares his experiences and provides advice you can rely on from the first practice to the final game. From evaluating players’ skills and establishing realistic goals to using in-game coaching tips, it’s all here—the drills, the strategies, and most important, the fun! Develop your team’s fielding, catching, throwing, pitching, and hitting skills with the Survival Guide’s collection of the game’s best youth drills that young players can actually use. Best of all, you’ll be able to get the most out of every practice by following the ready-to-use practice plans. Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Baseball has everything you need for a rewarding and productive season. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Youth Baseball Drills Peter Caliendo, 2014-04-28 Coaches know the importance of drills. The cornerstone of most practices, they are essential in developing player skills and team execution. For younger players, however, the best drills go one step further. They engage the player, promote teamwork, and establish a lifelong love of the game. Youth Baseball Drills is a comprehensive collection of more than 100 of the very best team drills for young players and their coaches. Developed specifically for players aged 6 to 18, the drills teach and reinforce fundamental skills such as these: • Hitting • Bunting • Fielding • Catching fly balls • Throwing • Pitching • Base running Easy to understand and easier to implement, each drill is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, equipment needs, field diagrams, and key coaching points. And the ready-to-use 30-, 60-, and 90-minute practice plans help coaches put them to use and create enjoyable and productive practices. With variations and progressions for difficulty, Youth Baseball Drills has something for every coach and every player. It is a must-have guide for anyone wanting to teach youngsters how to play, and enjoy, the game of baseball. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way Cal Ripken, Jr., Bill Ripken, Scott Lowe, 2006-12-15 Coaching young players, developing their skills, and cultivating a love for the sport may be the most rewarding experience baseball can offer. Cal and Bill Ripken understand this like few others. From their father, Cal Sr., a legend in the Baltimore Orioles organization for 37 years, they learned to play the game the right way. Those lessons, paired with their combined 33 years of big league experience, helped develop the Ripken Way, a method of teaching the game through simple instruction, solid explanations, encouragement, and a positive atmosphere. In Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way, Cal and Bill share this approach to coaching and development. Whether you're teaching your children at home, managing the local travel team, or working with high school-level players, Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way will help you make a difference both on and off the field, with these features: More than 50 drills covering defense, hitting, pitching, and baserunning Age-specific practice plans for players ranging from 4 to 15+ Strategies for setting goals and reasonable expectations for your players and team Advice on communicating with parents, players, and staff Methods for creating a positive and fun environment in which kids can learn the skills and strategies of the game Bill Ripken was once voted by his peers as one of the big league players most likely to become a manager. Cal Ripken, Jr., known as baseball's Iron Man, is a member of the game's All-Century Team and a future Hall of Famer. Together, they are proof positive that the Ripken Way is the right way to teach the game of baseball. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Baseball For Dummies The National Alliance For Youth Sports, 2011-04-18 If you are a baseball fan, then coaching youth baseball is one the most enjoyable and rewarding activities you’ll experience. But what if you’ve never coached before? Or you haven’t played the game in a while and have forgot some key points to the sport? No worries! Coaching Baseball for Dummies guides you through the rules of the game, explaining all the essential skills and the best ways to teach them to your players. Covering different age groups and great practice routines, this guide is all you need to have a fun-filled season. You’ll discover how to: Fulfill the role of being a coach and parent Develop a coaching philosophy Understand how your league works Evaluate your team Teach your players fundamentals Understand all kinds of children Create your practice plan Prepare for game day Overcome challenges and problems This plain-English guide also shows you how to run all kinds of drills, from hitting and pitching to fielding and base running. And when your team is tense or low on morale, it shows you how to relax your players and keep them focused on the game. There are also suggestions for making your season, and theirs, a memorable one. Coaching Baseball for Dummies shows you how much fun it can be to train kids to be athletes, have good sportsmanship, and work together as a team. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Youth Baseball and Softball Drills, Plays, and Situations Handbook Bob Swope, 2007-08 Swope presents 147 drills, plays, and diagrams, all numbered for easy reference between coaches. He covers all the basic offensive, defensive, and situation fundamentals one needs to get started. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Youth Baseball Babe Ruth League, Inc., 2019-01-22 Congratulations on your commitment to coach youth baseball. If you’re new to coaching, you’ll find Coaching Youth Baseball invaluable in making your first season a success. If you have previous coaching experience, you’re sure to discover tips and strategies that will help you improve on last year. Coaching Youth Baseball will help you manage your team with confidence. This age-specific and field-tested coaching guide will prepare you to handle your responsibilities and establish proper priorities as a coach; communicate with players, officials, other coaches, and parents; teach baseball skills and strategies using a combination of more than 30 drills and 40 coaching tips; minimize the risk of injury, establish a safe playing environment, and administer basic first aid; plan and conduct efficient practices; manage your team on game day; and keep it all fun. Written for coaches of players ages 18 and under, this book is a valuable component of the Coaching Youth Baseball the Babe Ruth League Way online course, the official certification course of Babe Ruth League, the premier amateur baseball program in the world. With this book, you will create and nurture an athlete-centered environment that promotes player development, enjoyment, motivation, safety, and sportsmanship—an environment that inspires players to perform at their best and come out for the team year after year. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Youth Baseball Drills Peter M. Caliendo, 2014 |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Baseball Hitting Drills for a Batting Tee Doug Bernier, Sarah Bernier, 2015-01-31 20 baseball hitting drills, accompanied by 20 streaming videos - one to describe and demonstrate each drill in the book. Illustrated with full color diagrams, and includes bonus material. Written by professional baseball player |
| 12u baseball practice plans: The Baseball Drill Book Bob Bennett, American Baseball Coaches Association, 2004 Offers 198 activities for baseball players' training. Covers drills for warm-up, throwing, catching, base running, hitting, pitching, and fielding. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Coaching Youth Baseball Tom Hanlon, 2005 Are you ready to coach the Cubs to a championship victory? How about a little league or T-ball championship? Not ready for either one? We can help! Absolute Beginner's Guide to Coaching Youth Baseball is a beginning youth baseball coach's ultimate reference guide. Your practice time is probably already limited, so don't waste it trying to figure out what to do. Plan ahead with our easy-to-follow chapters that cover: identifying your roles and expectations as a coach, tailoring instruction to your age group, creating a safe playing environment, knowing how to coach effectively during games, celebrating victories and much more. Our book web page will be a coaching resource as well, with downloadable practice plans, emergency information cards, injury reports, awards and certificates, and season evaluation forms. Go into day 1 as if its day 1001 of your coaching career with the help of Absolute Beginner's Guide to Coaching Youth Baseball. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Youth Baseball - the Right Way Edward DeVries, 2016-08-05 You have volunteered to coach a youth baseball team, but are you ready? How will you teach the fundamental skills, run effective practices, and harness the energy of your young team? Fear not: Coaching Youth Baseball the Right Way has the answers. Youth baseball coach Ed DeVries shares his experiences and provides advice you can rely on from the first practice to the final game. From establishing realistic goals, to practice plans, to drills, strategies, coaching tips, how to make it fun - it's all here. Develop your kid's fielding, catching, throwing, pitching, and hitting skills with Coaching Youth Baseball the Right Way's age specific (ages 4-12) practice plans and drills that young players can actually use. Coaching Youth Baseball the Right Way has everything you need to successfully coach T-ball or any age division of youth baseball through age 15. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: T Ball Skills and Drills Marty Schupak, 2017-01-10 T-Ball Skills & Drills presents 37 creative drills that T-Ball coaches and parents can do with their team or with their own kids at home. Over a million kids participate in T-Ball every year. Hitting fundamentals, throwing, baserunning, and fielding are just some of the skills covered. Coaches need to be creative to keep kids stimulated in practices and during games. Many of the drills in T-Ball Skills & Drills use common household items as props. The drills give useful hints for skills like throwing and catching fly balls that will make it achievable for 5, 6, and 7 year old kids. Other important T-Ball issues are emphasized such as safety. This book is appropriate for all T-Ball coaches and parents. Children as young as four up to seven years old will learn useful skills should they continue playing baseball or softball. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Youth Baseball Coach Education, 2007-02-22 Coaching Youth Baseball, Fourth Edition, stresses fun, safety, and effective instruction, helping you create an environment that promotes learning, encourages a love of the game, and motivates your athletes to come out year after year. Numerous coaching books present the skills and drills of baseball. But here’s a book that teaches you how to convey these skills to your athletes in an engaging and positive manner. Coaching Youth Baseball’s focus on teaching offensive and defensive skills through gamelike drills sets it apart from the current lineup of baseball coaching books. Sporting a reorganized format geared for sequential learning and quick reference, the fourth edition features a line-up of 11 new drills and 40 age-specific coaching tips that are sure to jump-start your planning and practices. The expertise of Coach Tom O’Connell and essential coaching skills—communicating with parents and officials, motivating players, and preparing for games and practices—make this book a must-read as you prepare to meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards of coaching young athletes. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: How to Coach Youth Baseball Beverly Carroll, Kevin O'Brien, Fran O'brien, 2007-03-01 This detailed guide provides everything a first-time coach needs to teach basic baseball skills--and have fun at the same time. Emphasizing fundamentals and not win-at-all-costs strategies, How to Coach Youth Baseball is the perfect book for any new coach. Beverly Carroll, along with longtime coaches Fran and Kevin O'Brien, offers carefully outlined instructions to help coaches with everything from the basics to developing players who are on the same team but at greatly varying levels of play. Chapters include: * Coaching Youth Baseball * Power of Positive Thinking * Practice Basics * Designing Your Practice * Learning the Basics: Fielding, Hitting, Bunting, Running, Pitching, Throwing, and Catching * Improve as a coach! * Rules of Baseball |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Heads-Up Baseball Ken Ravizza, Tom Hanson, 1995-06-01 This book provides practical strategies for developing the mental skills which help speed you to your full potential.---Dave Winfield What does it mean to play heads-up baseball? A heads-up player has confidence in his ability, keeps control in pressure situations, and focuses on one pitch at a time. His mental skills enable him to play consistently at or near his best despite the adversity baseball presents each day. My ability to fully focus on what I had to do on a daily basis was what made me the successful player I was. Sure I had some natural ability, but that only gets you so far. I think I learned how to focus; it wasn't something that I was necessarily born with. -- Hank Aaron Developing and refining my mental game has played a critical role in my success in baseball. For years players have had to develop these skills on their own. This book provides practical strategies for developing the mental skills that will help speed you toward your full potential. -- Dave Winfield |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Baseball Strategies Association American Baseball Coaches, 2018 |
| 12u baseball practice plans: A Youth Baseball Coaching Guide Danford Chamness, 2001-06-19 This book was written expressly for you who are coaching children in basetball. We stress how to teach children this complex game and to have fun doing it. The book covers all facets of the game from the most basic how to throw, catch, run and bat to game strategies and tactics. When coaching children it should be a fun experience for everyone, for you, for the parents, and most important of all, for the children. As a coach, we cover the teaching attitude and methods. We always keep in mind that these are children, and the game is for the kids and not for the adults. Winning isn't everything, but learning to play well and wanting to win is. We have taken the children from first grade through the eighth grade and bro-ken them into four categories. In each category we discuss the players needs and abilities, what they are capable of in both the physical and emotion sense, and their limitations. We have also defined the coach's role, the parent's role and the player's role. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Catapult Loading System Joey Myers, 2018-02-14 My son at 10yo (90-lbs) is highly coach-able. I taught him the system in February and he hit well during the season but could only hit the ball around 180'. Then all of a sudden around June he started killing the ball. He was hitting home runs every game and hit a ball at least 250-feet - Michael Parillo (via email) Sick of struggling to help hitters drive the ball hard with more consistency? Dramatically increase power without sacrificing swing quality. Literally thousands of coaches across the nation are getting predictably positive results with hitters using the CLS system. How? By applying human movement principles validated by REAL science to hitting a ball, and NOT bro-science. THIS STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CONSISTENT POWER TEACHES: How to master a handful of human movement principles, so you can slice the teach hitting learning curve in half. How to effectively load the body, so your hitters can optimize their batted ball distance potential. How elite-hitters are revealing ways to hit balls with High-Exit-Speeds, swing after swing, using three elements a 4-year-old can understand. Why 'loading and exploding the hips' is bad for lower back, and how to teach hitters a highly effective but SAFE swing. THE NEW EXPANDED EDITION INCLUDES: 'How to practice' section at end of each movement principle Chapter. How to train a 2-year-old to hit a moving ball (proof that NOT only elite hitters can be taught these movements). Why pitchers are taught to pitch around ineffective swing paths, and how to turn their weapon against them. Why coaches MUST focus their hitters' efforts on targeting and elevating pitches low in the zone. How to teach timing and get hitters on-time more often in games. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching the Beginning Pitcher Dan Keller, 2016-05-18 Understand and learn to TEACH the pitching motion. Follow a proven, easy-to-follow plan for training and developing young pitchers. Here is your complete coaching reference to pitching mechanics, arm care, common flaws, pick-offs, and mental strategy. With complete lesson plan outlines, this book will be the most valuable piece of coaching equipment you own! BENEFITS AND HIGHLIGHTS • Learn to TEACH pitching in addition to understanding it. • Keep athletes safe, healthy, and having fun on the mound • Help athletes tackle tough mental challenges related to the pitching position • Identify and fix common flaws and errors • Set up effective training programs and throwing schedules. Since the previous edition of Coaching the Beginning Pitcher, I’ve spent an additional eight years as a professional instructor (total pitching lessons provided eclipsed 15,000), three years as a collegiate pitching coach, driven deeper into advanced mechanics associated with velocity and power production, and earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Education. With expanded write-ups on the coaching plan (Chapter 3), drills (Chapter 5), and recognizing and correcting challenges (Chapter 6), along with a completely updated and enhanced section on training the pitcher’s mind (Chapter 11), Coaching the Beginning Pitcher, Third Edition, is complete! Although it may seem that the mechanics of pitching have not changed for the last hundred years, the nuances of instructing young pitchers are constantly evolving. This book contains the most effective methods known for working with young athletes, complete with tips and drills, throwing loads and quantities, common mistakes and remedies, and valuable sample lesson plans. This book is written with the right-handed pitcher in mind. However, all examples and pictures can be easily reversed and applied to the left-handed athlete. Coaching pitchers requires much more than knowledge of the physical motion of pitching. Effective pitching instruction also incorporates a structured, efficient plan and communication methods effective with—and often unique to—youth baseball players. This book provides that plan, outlining the steps to follow when working with a pitcher, and helps the coach place a pitcher in the best possible position to experience pitching success with a healthy arm. Finally, this book helps baseball coaches and parents maximize their own enjoyment and fulfillment while working to improve the technique, performance, and abilities of the youth pitcher! TESTIMONIALS “Dan Keller’s blend of baseball knowledge, training techniques, communication skill and love of teaching kids is captured in this well-designed book. This book teaches the art of pitching from fundamentals to complexities in a manner that coaches, novice to expert, can grasp and use effectively.” ~ Abe Key, President & CEO, PONY Baseball & Softball Inc. “I’m very impressed with Dan’s ability to break down and organize pitching instruction. Arm care and pitcher development are hot-button topics taken very seriously at Babe Ruth League. Our organization believes that Coaching the Beginning Pitcher provides a solid training plan to follow.” ~ Steven Tellefsen, President & CEO, Babe Ruth League, Inc. “Keller has a great baseball mind, a terrific understanding of the pitching motion, and an un- matched ability to communicate clearly. If you are trying to learn how to coach pitching, this book can provide the foundation you need.” ~ James Keller, Special Assistant to the GM, Toronto Blue Jays “This book embodies positive youth coaching and the development of today’s athletes. Dan’s understanding of the mechanics of pitching is impressive, and he communicates in a fashion that is understandable for all. Coaching takes a plan, and Dan helps to provide that plan.” ~ Gary Adams, Retired UCLA Baseball & Hall of Fame Head Coach |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Softball Skills & Drills Judi Garman, Michelle Gromacki, 2011-02-14 Looking for the ultimate book to help you learn and master softball’s essential skills? Look no further than the guide that has helped develop the game’s top players and most successful teams. This new edition of Softball Skills & Drills is completely updated with more skills, more drills and strategies, and more of the stellar instruction that have made it the top-selling title on the sport. Judi Garman, one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history, teams with Cal State Fullerton’s Michelle Gromacki to share their secrets to developing and mastering every aspect of the game. With step-by-step instruction, full-color photo sequences, technique tips, and unique insight into the game, you’ll learn every fundamental skill: •Hitting •Bunting •Slap Hitting •Baserunning •Sliding •Fielding •Throwing •Pitching •Catching And with over 230 of the game’s best drills, coverage of team offense and defense, pitch selection, pitch recognition, and in-game strategies, Softball Skills and Drills is simply the most comprehensive and practical guide on the sport. Whether striving to become a complete player or preparing your team for another championship run, Softball Skills &Drills is the one book you cannot be without. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Catching-101 Xan Barksdale, 2011-07-28 CATCHING-101: The Complete Guide for Baseball Catchers is the most comprehensive book ever written for baseball catchers. It contains tips, drills, and proper mechanics that will help every catcher or coach better understand the most difficult position on the field. This book contains information on EVERY aspect of catching that Coach Barksdale has learned through his years of experience from coaching nationally ranked NCAA teams, and playing at almost every level from Little League to professional baseball. A few of the topics covered in CATCHING-101 are: Receiving Blocking Catching Pop Flies Throwing Fielding Bunts Plays at Home Plate Drills Pitchouts Pass Balls/Wild Pitches Giving Signals And More! If you have been searching for a source with lots of high quality information about catching, this is the book for you! CATCHING-101 was written by Coach Xan Barksdale who is currently an NCAA Division I baseball coach and an ex-professional baseball player. Coach Barksdale played in the Atlanta Braves organization and has been a featured speaker at the prestigious ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association) national convention. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Great Baseball Drills Jim Garland, 2002 This handy reference is the solution to every youth baseball coach's worst nightmare, featuring game-based drills to end tedium and make practices fun and productive. 140 illustrations. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball Robert B. Benson, Tammy L. Benson, 2009-10-16 You volunteered to coach the softball team, but are you ready? How will you teach the fundamental skills, run effective practices, and harness the energy of your young team? Fear not: Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball has the answers. Longtime coaches Robert and Tammy Benson share their experiences and provide advice you can rely on from the first practice to the final game. Establishing realistic goals, in-game coaching tips, drills, strategies, and fun—it’s all here. Develop your team’s fundamental skills—fielding, catching, throwing, and hitting—with the Survival Guide’s collection of the game’s best youth drills. Included is a section on pitching instruction, and the ready-to-use practice plans will help you get the most out of every practice. Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball has everything you need for a rewarding and productive season. So step up and enjoy the experience. It will be one that you won’t forget. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coach's Guide to Game-Winning Softball Drills Michele Smith, Lawrence Hsieh, 2008-02-28 “Mastering these drills will arm your players with one of the biggest intangibles necessary to perform well--confidence.” --Michele Smith Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Fame pitcher Michele Smith throws one right down the middle with this big collection of more than 250 skill-building drills developed especially for coaches of fast-pitch recreation league, travel ball, and high school softball players, ages eight to eighteen. Straight from the Michele Smith Gold Camps and Clinics, these drills are designed to give you all the tools you need to teach the entire range of offensive and defensive softball skills. With Michele's expert guidance and instruction, you'll coach your players to: Master the mechanics of footwork for fielding with hustle Swing for the fences and hit the fastest pitches Catch the ball proactively and throw it quickly and accurately to its target Defend the infield and outfield with speed and confidence Run the bases swiftly and strategically Refine fast-pitch skills so they can windmill like Michele And much more |
| 12u baseball practice plans: The Softball Drill Book Kirk Walker, 2007-04-30 Packed with 175 drills straight from the practice sessions of the game's most successful programs, The Softball Drill Book will add variety to your practices and precision to your game-day performances. The comprehensive collection covers every aspect of the game. From warm-up to conditioning, throwing to hitting, bunting to base-running, you'll find drills to improve position skill and team execution—all from college coaches and programs that have won 13 NCAA Women's College World Series titles and dozens of NCAA regional tournament titles. Contributors include: Louie Berndt, Florida State Carol Bruggeman, Louisville Yvette Girouard, Louisiana State Michelle Gromacki, Cal State Fullerton Deanna Gumpf, Notre Dame Carol Hutchins, Michigan Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA Jay Miller, Mississippi State Jennifer Ogee, Nebraska Kim Sowder, Long Beach State Heather Tarr, Washington Michelle Venturella, Iowa Kirk Walker, Oregon State Margie Wright, Fresno State One look at the names above and it is clear, The Softball Drill Book is your blueprint for championship practices. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: The Matheny Manifesto Mike Matheny, Jerry B. Jenkins, 2015-02-03 St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny's New York Times bestselling manifesto about what parents, coaches, and athletes get wrong about sports; what we can do better; and how sports can teach eight keys to success in sports and life. Mike Matheny was just forty-one, without professional managerial experience and looking for a next step after a successful career as a Major League catcher, when he succeeded the legendary Tony La Russa as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. While Matheny has enjoyed immediate success, leading the Cards to the postseason four times in his first four years−a Major League record−people have noticed something else about his life, something not measured in day-to-day results. Instead, it’s based on a frankly worded letter he wrote to the parents of a Little League team he coached, a cry for change that became an Internet sensation and eventually a “manifesto.” The tough-love philosophy Matheny expressed in the letter contained his throwback beliefs that authority should be respected, discipline and hard work rewarded, spiritual faith cultivated, family made a priority, and humility considered a virtue. In The Matheny Manifesto, he builds on his original letter by first diagnosing the problem at the heart of youth sports−it starts with parents and coaches−and then by offering a hopeful path forward. Along the way, he uses stories from his small-town childhood as well as his career as a player, coach, and manager to explore eight keys to success: leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility. From “The Coach Is Always Right, Even When He’s Wrong” to “Let Your Catcher Call the Game,” Matheny’s old-school advice might not always be popular or politically correct, but it works. His entertaining and deeply inspirational book will not only resonate with parents, coaches, and athletes, it will also be a powerful reminder, from one of the most successful new managers in the game, of what sports can teach us all about winning on the field and in life. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Youth Baseball Michael A. Clark, 1993 |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Winning Baseball Trent Mongero, 2011 From age-appropriate drills to motivation strategies, this step-by-step guide to youth baseball offers all the information parents and coaches need to help young players reach their full potential. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Youth Baseball John Mccarthy, 1996-03-15 For coaches, or anyone helping a child play better baseball, long-time Little League coach John P. McCarthy covers the sports basics as well as topics including teaching children confidence and how to deal with injuries. The book includes a practice plan and a checklist to help players strengthen specific skills. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Amazing Baseball Tips Tim Knouse, 2009-02 This book offers a wealth of baseball and softball knowledge intended to be shared with coaches, parents, and players to help them have a well organized team while making the season fun, memorable, and instructional for young players. Many new coaches are parent volunteers who may have knowledge of the game, but applying their knowledge to teaching, capturing the attention of the whole team, keeping chemistry among parents, coaches, and the players, are just a few of the challenges that come with being a coach. Coaches are roll models who must keep the perspective that the game is for the kids. At youth levels, we are teaching much more than the science of baseball. We are teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, respect for others, self respect, and how to win and lose with dignity. This book is intended to help youth programs build an annual structured player draft, so all teams at each age level can be selected fairly and competitively each year, resulting in fair and balanced competition. From the first team practice, to the season ending party, the contents of Amazing Baseball Tips will allow you to be certain that all of your players and parents request you as their coach for years to come!!! Practice drills, teaching techniques, coaching philosophy, the basics of pitching, fielding, hitting, bunting, base running, defensive strategies, choosing your line-up and defense, calculating stats, and most importantly... |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching Baseball Effectively Steven D. Houseworth, 1986 |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Taking on the Title of Coach Duke Baxter, Steve Nikorak, 2017-07-12 Bridgewater¿s own Duke Baxter and Steve Nikorak have joined forces to tackle one of the most daunting tasks of parenthood, taking on the title of Coach. Every parent that has stepped up and accepted the responsibility to coach their child¿s youth baseball team has felt that warm sense of pride and excitement, soon to be replaced by sheer terror. What am I going to do with a bunch of 7-year olds! This book is for every parent that has taken on the title of Coach but didn¿t have a clue what to do next. Duke Baxter, former professional baseball player and CEO of Zoned Sports Academy and Steve Nikorak, former professional baseball player and Coach at Zoned Sports Academy share their coaching wisdom in a simple 5-step guide for even the most reluctant of sports parents. This book covers everything from how to run a practice appropriate for the age group to fun drills that will keep all players engaged to what is a baseball knee and how should I use it. Each of the 5-steps also shares key Diamondisms, from the Dominate the Diamond secrets to success. These unique insights, little nuggets are the grit that makes the difference in making a successful coach. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Dr. Seuss, 2017-12-01 The brilliant One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish from the iconic Dr. Seuss – now available in ebook, with hilarious read-along narration performed by the legendary comic talent, Rik Mayall. Enjoy this rhyming classic anytime, anywhere! |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Elementary Physical Education Inez Rovegno, Dianna Bandhauer, 2013 Elementary Physical Education is designed to help students plan lesson objectives for motor, cognitive, affective and social domains that are linked appropriately. Throughout the text, the authors illustrate various ways to teach motivational thinking, social skills and concepts. Tasks are labeled and symbols appear in the margins of lesson plans so readers can find examples of how to teach these skills and concepts to children. Each chapter includes sample lesson plans designed to be teaching tools which will help transform the ideas discussed in the textbook. The content is presented in complete lesson plans, lesson segments, lesson and unit outlines of tasks, or descriptions of content for lessons. The lesson plans are linked to the NASPE standards and can be downloaded from the book's companion website to enable students to design lessons to meet the needs of their situations and the lesson format requirements of their programs.Overall, this is a very research oriented text. Dr. Rovegno has translated the current research on learning, motivation, perceptions of competence, constructivism, higher-order thinking skills, social responsibility and multicultural diversity into easy to understand concepts and instructional techniques. The book will reinforce and extend student's understanding of topics tested in state and national certification exams and required by state and national certification agencies, and illustrate how to integrate these concepts and instructional techniques into lesson plans. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: The Pack Practice Plans Matt Deggs, 2020-12-09 Detailed plans, drills and schedules to install and rep the Pack Offense. Includes: (1) Early Work - Early work is where you get better! (2) Offensive Execution Practice - Practice drills to master the offensive strategy and positively dominate each of The 4 Situations revealed inside the Pack! - (3) Pack Hacks - Building the set-up, grooving hand path and getting on time... a daily staple! - (4) Simulated Situations-Games - Prepares The Pack for in-game scenarios (5) The Pack BP's - Includes detailed charts and explanations for how to conduct BP under The Pack system! |
| 12u baseball practice plans: The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Baseball Bill Thurston, 2000-04-19 The ultimate guide for the uninformed, Coaching Youth Baseball shows novice coaches everything they need to know to manage, motivate, and encourage a ball team for kids. 55 illustrations. |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Coaching YMCA Rookies Baseball and Softball , 1999 |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Cumulative List of Organizations Described in Section 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 , 2003 |
| 12u baseball practice plans: Cumulative List of Organizations Described in Section 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 , 1995 |
12U Baseball Rules
We will play with whoever is available. The Field: The distance from the pitcher’s rubber to the back edge of home plate is 50’. The distance between the outer edges of each base is 70’. …
OFFICIAL BASEBALL NATIONAL BY-LAWS & RULES - USSSA
Aug 1, 2023 · 12U Division Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to August 1 will not …
12U Rules 2025
Rules for 12U 2025 LFS Season ASA/USA Softball 12U rules in eect, except as follows. Season: Playos: Seeding determined by season standings (wins/losses). Single elimination …
2021 12U Division Baseball Rules - hunteryouthsports.com
2021 12U Division Baseball Rules Rule 1: Players, Field and Equipment Number of Players: Each team will field 9 players, with 3 playing outfield. A minimum number of 8 players may be used …
12U Rules - grandslaminfo.com
12U Rules *All Rules are subject to interpretation by Mannino’s Grand Slam staff Field Dimensions -70 ft bases, 50 ft. pitching Game Times -6 innings or 1 hour 30 minute time limit …
Tournament Rules
9U-12U: The slash bunt is illegal, and the player will be called out if this play is attempted. A slash bunt is defined as a player showing bunt at any time during the pitch and then swinging at that …
Competitive Local Rules 12U Governed by Official Baseball ...
Competitive Local Rules 12U Governed by Official Baseball Rules Last Updated Spring 2025 Page 1 of 5 Players • The defensive alignment should consist of: i) 3 outfielders, and ii) 4 …
12U Baseball Rules
We will play with whoever is available. The Field: The distance from the pitcher’s rubber to the back edge of home plate is 50’. The distance between the outer edges of each base is 70’. The Bat: …
OFFICIAL BASEBALL NATIONAL BY-LAWS & RULES - USSSA
Aug 1, 2023 · 12U Division Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to August 1 will not be eligible. …
12U Rules 2025
Rules for 12U 2025 LFS Season ASA/USA Softball 12U rules in eect, except as follows. Season: Playos: Seeding determined by season standings (wins/losses). Single elimination tournament. …
2021 12U Division Baseball Rules - hunteryouthsports.com
2021 12U Division Baseball Rules Rule 1: Players, Field and Equipment Number of Players: Each team will field 9 players, with 3 playing outfield. A minimum number of 8 players may be used to start a …
12U Rules - grandslaminfo.com
12U Rules *All Rules are subject to interpretation by Mannino’s Grand Slam staff Field Dimensions -70 ft bases, 50 ft. pitching Game Times -6 innings or 1 hour 30 minute time limit (no new inning …
Tournament Rules
9U-12U: The slash bunt is illegal, and the player will be called out if this play is attempted. A slash bunt is defined as a player showing bunt at any time during the pitch and then swinging at that …
Competitive Local Rules 12U Governed by Official Baseball ...
Competitive Local Rules 12U Governed by Official Baseball Rules Last Updated Spring 2025 Page 1 of 5 Players • The defensive alignment should consist of: i) 3 outfielders, and ii) 4 infielders, and …
