Coaches have such a powerful influence on baseball players, especially first coaches. A child may not remember all of his coaches during his lifetime, but the one he will remember is the one who taught him the game. Those first steps of learning how to hit a baseball are never forgotten.
My first coach was my dad. He not only taught me how to play, but he was a Little League coach for many other kids. When I was 14, he was one of the coaches on my team. It was great having such personal access to someone who loved the sport and knew what they were talking about.
Kids aren't the only ones who benefit from coaching. The first time I personally coached a child was a real learning experience. It was my friend's son and he had already played baseball for a couple years. When I started to talk about the basics, he brushed them off. I could tell he was eager to get straight to the hitting.
Once he started swinging at the ball, frustration started to build. He wanted to hit the ball hard, but it just wasn't happening. We took a break from hitting and went over the basics again. But there was more I needed to cover with him.
As well as the proper mechanics (stance, holding the bat, etc.), as you coach children make sure they learn the importance of patience. They don't have to swing at every pitch. In fact, they should only swing at the ones that look good. Also, teach them to be relaxed and confident at the plate. Hitting the ball hard isn't always the best outcome. If they can relax they are more likely to hit better.
Most of all, baseball should be fun. If a child starts to get frustrated, take a break or switch to another drill. Also, remind them to relax and be patient. They should have fun during baseball practice and their only goal shouldn't be to get great hits. Remember that what you teach kids about how to hit a baseball will stick with them the rest of their sporting days.
My first coach was my dad. He not only taught me how to play, but he was a Little League coach for many other kids. When I was 14, he was one of the coaches on my team. It was great having such personal access to someone who loved the sport and knew what they were talking about.
Kids aren't the only ones who benefit from coaching. The first time I personally coached a child was a real learning experience. It was my friend's son and he had already played baseball for a couple years. When I started to talk about the basics, he brushed them off. I could tell he was eager to get straight to the hitting.
Once he started swinging at the ball, frustration started to build. He wanted to hit the ball hard, but it just wasn't happening. We took a break from hitting and went over the basics again. But there was more I needed to cover with him.
As well as the proper mechanics (stance, holding the bat, etc.), as you coach children make sure they learn the importance of patience. They don't have to swing at every pitch. In fact, they should only swing at the ones that look good. Also, teach them to be relaxed and confident at the plate. Hitting the ball hard isn't always the best outcome. If they can relax they are more likely to hit better.
Most of all, baseball should be fun. If a child starts to get frustrated, take a break or switch to another drill. Also, remind them to relax and be patient. They should have fun during baseball practice and their only goal shouldn't be to get great hits. Remember that what you teach kids about how to hit a baseball will stick with them the rest of their sporting days.
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