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Caveman Techie · 03-31-2007, 08:47 AM

I'm coaching right now also (9 and 10 year olds) and everyone that posted above is correct, keep the kids busy. I try to keep practice moving without the kids just standing around waiting.

Another thing I do is take the last 10 - 15 minutes of practice and play wiffle ball, or we call it Bubba ball. It's no gloves, the biggest bam-bam bat you can find, and shortened bases, and the kids get five swings with me pitching (although you would probably still use a tee). My kids love it and they don't even realize they are still learning, they have to field using both hands, they have to get the out at first, and they have to keep their eye on the ball when batting. I always try to end Bubba ball after one inning, sometimes two if it goes quick, but I always end it with the kids wanting to keep going. That right there is the key, if they leave while still wanting to stay, they are more likely to come back. Also you can use it as an incentive for the kids, after one particularly bad practice where kids were just horsing around, and not paying attention, I took Bubba ball away and we didn't play. You better believe they were all perfect little angels that next practice.

03-31-2007, 08:47 AM	#10
Caveman Techie Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 820	Re: Coaching T-Ball I'm coaching right now also (9 and 10 year olds) and everyone that posted above is correct, keep the kids busy. I try to keep practice moving without the kids just standing around waiting. Another thing I do is take the last 10 - 15 minutes of practice and play wiffle ball, or we call it Bubba ball. It's no gloves, the biggest bam-bam bat you can find, and shortened bases, and the kids get five swings with me pitching (although you would probably still use a tee). My kids love it and they don't even realize they are still learning, they have to field using both hands, they have to get the out at first, and they have to keep their eye on the ball when batting. I always try to end Bubba ball after one inning, sometimes two if it goes quick, but I always end it with the kids wanting to keep going. That right there is the key, if they leave while still wanting to stay, they are more likely to come back. Also you can use it as an incentive for the kids, after one particularly bad practice where kids were just horsing around, and not paying attention, I took Bubba ball away and we didn't play. You better believe they were all perfect little angels that next practice.