Preface: Play Ball!
Introduction: So You Said You'd Be the Coach, Huh?
Part One. Coaching 101: The Coach's Start-Up Kit
1. Creating an Atmosphere of Good Habits
Establish Your Identity as Coach
Expectations
Method
2. Before Hitting the Field: Tee Ball in a Nutshell
Recommended Rules and Positioning
Object of the Game and General Rules
The Ball Is in Play
Game Variations
Responsibilities of a Coach during the Game
Basic Safety Measures
Questions and Answers
3. Setting Up the Season
League Policies and Procedures
Practice and Game Schedules
Meet with Parents
Finding Assistants
Number of Players on the Team
Equipment
Questions and Answers
4. Essential Skills--and How to Teach Them
Batting
Fielding
Throwing
Running
5. The Practice
Preparation
Prepractice
Practice Format
Practice Session Worksheet
Questions and Answers
6. Sample Practices
Basic Beginning Practice
Advanced Practice
Practicing Field Positions
Game Simulation
Checklist
7. Game Time
The Mental Aspect
Before the Game
Coaching the Game
After the Game
Questions and Answers
8. Dealing with Parents, Gender Issues, and Safety and Health
The Role of the Parents
Communication
Winning
Gender Issues
Safety and Health
Questions and Answers
Part Two. Drills: The Foundation for Development, Success, Happiness, and a Coach's Peace of Mind
9. Warm-Up Drills: Throwing, Fielding, and Baserunning
Throwing Drills
Catching Drills
Throwing and Catching Drills
Fielding Drills
Catchers' Drills
Baserunning Drills
10. Defensive Drills: Infield Play, Outfield Play, and Team Defense
Infield Drills
Outfield Drills
Team Defense
Questions and Answers
11. Batting Drills
12. At-Home Drills
Questions and Answers
Appendix
Activity Survey
T•BALL USA Association
Coaching Checklist
Resources
Index
Acknowledgments
About the Author
