Coaching Youth Softball (Paperback)

Preface: Play Ball!

Introduction: So You Said You'd Be the Coach, Huh?

How to Use This Book

A Word on Coaching

Part One. Coaching 101: The Coach's Start-Up Kit

Chapter 1: Creating an Atmosphere of Good Habits

Establish Your Identity as Coach

Maintain Routines

Positive Peer Pressure Is Effective

Be Patient and Positive

Drills to Promote Teamwork

Questions and Answers

Chapter 2: Before Hitting the Field: Softball in a Nutshell

Basic Rules and Positioning

The Ball Is in Play

Basic Safety Measures

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Season

Create the Practice and Game Schedule

Meet with Parents

Finding an Assistant

Appropriate Numbers of Players on the Team

Equipment

Questions and Answers

Chapter 4: Essential Skills--and How to Teach Them

Catching

Throwing

Infield Defense

Outfield Defense

Team Defense

Playing Catcher

Pitching

Batting

Bunting

Baserunning

Sliding

Chapter 5: The Practice

Preparation Is Key

Practice Format

Other Considerations

Questions and Answers

Chapter 6: Sample Practices

Basic Beginning Practice

Intermediate Practice

Advanced Practice

Pitching Practices

Chapter 7: Game Time

The Mental Aspect

Be Prepared

Coaching the Game

Taking Stock

Questions and Answers

Chapter 8: Dealing with Parents and Gender Issues

The Role of the Parents

Gender Issues

Questions and Answers

Part Two. Drills: The Foundation for Development, Success, Happiness, and a Coach's Peace of Mind

Chapter 9: Warm-Up: Throwing, Fielding, and Baserunning Drills and Drills for Pitchers and Catchers

Throwing Drills

Fielding Drills

Baserunning Drills

Drills for Pitchers

Drills for Catchers

Chapter 10: Defensive Fundamentals: Infield Play, Outfield Play, and Team Defense

Infield Drills

Outfield Drills

Team Defense Drills

Chapter 11: Batting Practice

Batting Drills

Bunting Drills

Appendix

Umpire Signals

Sample Scorebook

Glossary

Resources

Associations and Organizations

Websites and Electronic Newsletters

Index

Acknowledgments

About the Author