Softball Excellence Little League Coaching Course Level 3€¦ · b. Login to your account (My Account up along the top menu bar) c. Go to “View Files & Training” d. Click on

Coaching Course

READ FIRST

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PRINT THIS DOCUMENT out now and use the space provided on the right hand side of each slide image to jot down

your own notes as you watch the online training.

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How to watch online training again: The viewable portion of this training now “lives” in your account on www.softballexcellence.com. So once you login to

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want. To access the video training, follow the steps in a.-e.

above.

How to skip within the various sections of the

training: Simply hover over the training until the Table of Contents

appears then just click on one of the Section Titles along the

left-hand side of the screen to jump to that section.

How to pause and play any part of this eClinic: Click on one of the commands in the lower left section of the

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Softball Excellence Little League Coaching Course Level 3

www.softballexcellence.com

2013 Copyright Softball Excellence LLC. All Rights Reserved 1

Softball Excellence/Little LeagueCoaching CourseSoftball Excellence/Little LeagueCoaching Course

Level 3

Level 3 Coaching CourseLevel 3 Coaching Course

Section: COMMUNICATION

© Softball Excellence All Rights Reserved

Working with Parents OverviewWorking with Parents Overview

Eliminate Surprises & Mystery

Understand Each Perspective

Courtesy & Respect

Schedules

Costs

Expectations

Hold a Meeting





Eliminate Surprises & MysteryEliminate Surprises & Mystery

Remember How Much You Know

Share What Matters

Information Up-Front HelpsMeetingEmailsPhone*


PerspectivePerspective

COACHESTeam is #1, and Players are #2.

PLAYERSThey are #1, and ? is #2.

PARENTS Their child is #1, sometimes also #2, and Team is #3.

Since Perspective is Different, View of Team Will Be Different!

Parent Partners


Courtesy & RespectCourtesy & Respect

48 hr (or 24 hr) Dead Period:Won’t Talk to the Coach About Game/Practice Before

I Won’t Talk About You to Her

You Won’t Talk About Me to Her

We’ll Talk to Each Other if Questions

We’ll Both Talk to Her with Kindness

Period!*





SchedulesSchedules

Practice ScheduleDates, Locations, Directions

Game ScheduleDates, Locations, Directions

Post-Season Tournament PossibilitiesDates, Locations, Directions

Also:How Getting There?Costs Involved?*


CostsCosts

Team Costs, if any

Travel Costs

Equipment Needs/Costs

Other Expenses

RequirementsGive MoneyHelp Raise Money*


ExpectationsExpectations

Transportation

Costs/Fundraising

Attendance

BehaviorPlayers & ParentsPractices & Games

Playing Time DiscussionsIs it an Option?

Put Them In Writing

Parents Sign & Agree?





Hold a Parent’s MeetingHold a Parent’s Meeting

Team Rules:Treat Everyone Fairly, Not Equally. They Aren’t EqualMissed Practices or GamesPlaying Time

Discuss 4 Rules for Communication:Solution Not ProblemRemove Emotion Before TalkingDiscuss with Person First Before OthersCommunicate Personally

The SIGNALS (?)

Welcome their Support (of the rules, their kid, other kids, you, the team…)*


Communication ReviewCommunication Review

Eliminate Surprises:SchedulesCostsExpectations

Each Perspective

Hold a MeetingEverythingSignalsCommunication

Parent Partners


Section: THROWING





Tosses Around Bases OverviewTosses Around Bases Overview

Forehand Toss

Backhand Toss

Kneel & Pivot Toss


Forehand TossForehand Toss

Occurs When:Player Too Close for a Regular ThrowPlayer is Moving Toward BaseNo Time for Regular Throw

Keys:Bend at Waist – Stay DownShow Ball - Open Hand to TargetToss is Straight, No Loop


Backhand TossBackhand Toss

Occurs When:Player Close or In Front of Base No Time for Regular ThrowUsually 2nd Base to SS

Keys:Bend at Waist – Stay DownPoint Elbow/Palm to Target Swing From Elbow but Explode Palm to TargetShow Ball - Open Hand to TargetToss is Straight, No Loop





Kneel & Pivot TossKneel & Pivot Toss

Occurs When:Player Farther From BasePlayer Moving Away from Base

Keys:Drop on Glove Knee, Turn Chest to BaseOverhand Dart-Throw TossToss is Straight, No Loop


Throwing ReviewThrowing Review

Stay Down & Toss Straight

Forehand Toss:Show BallOpen Hand to Target

Backhand Toss:Point Elbow/Palm to Target Swing From Elbow & Open Hand to Target

Kneel & Pivot Toss:Drop on Glove Knee, Turn Chest to BaseOverhand Dart-Throw Toss


Section: FIELDING





Fielding OverviewFielding Overview

Infield – Covering a BaseForce PlaysTag Plays

Outfield – GroundballsGame NOT On the LineGame On the Line


Force Play (Infield)Force Play (Infield)

Throw from Outfield or Infield:

Go to Throw-Side of BaseMake Room for the RunnerGive Big TargetToes on Base vs Heel

INCORRECTINCORRECT


Tag Play (Infield)Tag Play (Infield)

Tag Runner, Not Base

Cleats:Metal – Tag & Get OutRubber – Hold Tag Longer

Straddle Baseline:Feet Each Side Base PathBend at KneesBetter Position to Block

Stagger Baseline:Both Feet to Ball-SideBend at KneesWatch for Slide-Around





Infield ReviewInfield Review

Force Plays:Go to Throw-Side of BaseMake Room for the RunnerGive Big TargetToes on Base

Tag Plays:Straddle BaselineStagger BaselineBend at KneesTag & Get Out


Groundballs – Game Not on Line (Outfield)Groundballs – Game Not on Line (Outfield)

2 Methods -

Bend at WaistRiskier For Balls By YouCan Track Ball LongerFaster for Any ThrowGet Low Early

Drop Down KneeSafer From Balls Getting BySlower Slower for ThrowWait to See Ball PathBlock the Hole!


Groundballs – Game on the Line (Outfield)Groundballs – Game on the Line (Outfield)

Bend at WaistRisk Removed – Make Play or Lose Game!Faster Matters!SEE Ball into GloveGet Ball & Come Up Firing!





Outfield ReviewOutfield Review

Groundballs – Game NOT on Line:Bend at WaistRiskier for balls getting pastDrop Down KneeSafer from balls getting past

Groundballs – Game on Line:Bend at WaistRisk removed – make play or lose game!Faster Matters!


Section: HITTING


Hitting Review – Level 1Hitting Review – Level 1

Hands Start Near Back Shoulder

Soft Step – Hands Back Slight

Foot Plants – Hands, Front Elbow Straight Forward

Barrel to the Ball

Contact:Palm Up, Palm DownBy Front FootSwing Direction Forward, not Twisting Sideways

Long, Strong Follow Through





Lack of Power OverviewLack of Power Overview

Causes

Corrections


Causes of Lack of PowerCauses of Lack of Power

Short Hitting Zone & Short Follow ThroughTurning Hands with ChestShort-Arming the Follow Through

No Weight TransferSquishing the Bug


Power CorrectionsPower Corrections

Load to ExplodeDown or BackCock HandsStride & Stretch

Long Hitting Zone & Follow Through





Hitting ReviewHitting Review

Lack of Power Causes:Short Hitting ZoneNo Weight TransferShort Follow Through

Power Corrections:Load to ExplodeLong Forward Hitting Zone for HandsFollow Through to Pitcher


Section: BUNTING and BASERUNNING


Bunting and Baserunning OverviewBunting and Baserunning Overview

Bunting:Basehit Bunt

Baserunning:Feet First SlidePop Up SlideHead First SlideHand Hook Slide





Basehit Bunt (Bunting)Basehit Bunt (Bunting)

Start Bunt As Pitcher’s Stride Hits Ground

Top Hand SlidesChest Turns Toward Ball Bat In Front of Chest

Bunt Before Run


Sliding - Basics (Baserunning)Sliding - Basics (Baserunning)

If in Doubt, Don’t Slide

Slide Early

Get as Flat as Possible

Hands Should Go Back, Not Down

Tuck Chin (feet first)

Always Wear Helmet

Head First Slides are approved for the Junior Division & above


Sliding – Feet First (Baserunning)Sliding – Feet First (Baserunning)

Slide Early

Tuck One Foot, Throw Other in Front

Hands Go Up or Back, Not Down

Batting gloves in hands/dirt can help

Lie Back & Tuck Chin





Sliding – Pop Up (Baserunning)Sliding – Pop Up (Baserunning)

Slide Early, Keep Upper Body Up

At Base - Throw Hands & Head Forward

Stand Up & Find Ball

Lying Back for Feet First


Sliding – Head First (Baserunning)Sliding – Head First (Baserunning)

Slide Early

Get Low and Long

Reach Out & Chin Up

Use Forearms & Thighs

Slide Away from Throw

Head First Slides are approved for the Junior Division and above


Sliding – Hand Hook (Baserunning)Sliding – Hand Hook (Baserunning)

Feet First Basics

Start a Little Later

Slide Away from Ball/Fielder

Slide Past Base & Grab with Hand

Same as Old Hook Slide, Safer on Knees





Bunting & Sliding ReviewBunting & Sliding Review

Basehit Bunt:Show at Last MinuteTop Hand SlidesBunt Before Run

Feet First Slide & Pop Up & Hand Hook:If in Doubt, Don’t SlideSlide Early & Get FlatGet as Flat as PossibleHands Back & Tuck Chin

Head First:Use Forearms & Thighs

Wear Helmet!


Section: PITCHING


Pitching Review – Level 1Pitching Review – Level 1

Start:Body Drives Forward

Stride:Long and Strong

Arm Circle:Long and RelaxedIn Line to TargetFastest at Release

Release:Fast and ForwardBody is Upright

Follow Through:Long and Strong





Pitching OverviewPitching Overview

Primary Speed Factor

Secondary Factors

Speed Inhibitors


Primary Speed FactorPrimary Speed Factor

Hand Speed at Release is the Main Factor!

The Only Body Part Touching the Ball Can’t Throw Underhand (or Overhand) Without Using the HandFast Follow-Through Helps Fast Hand

Faster Release, Faster Pitch

Ball Goes in Proportion to Hand Speed at Release*


Secondary Speed FactorsSecondary Speed Factors

Other Things Can Impact Speed:

Feet/StrideWeight TransferFollow Through

But They’re All Helpers to the Hand

If Taught as Primary Factors Speed is Not as Great

None Touch the Ball & Ball is What the Pitcher is Trying to Control!





Speed InhibitorsSpeed Inhibitors

Tension

RushingBeginningArm Swing

Hip Turn

Lack of Power TransferSmall StepWeight Stays MiddleWeight Ends Back

Elbow Up Follow Through


Pitching ReviewPitching Review

Primary Speed FactorHand Speed at Release

Secondary FactorsStride/FeetWeight TransferFollow Through

Speed InhibitorsTensionRushingHip TurnLack of Power TransferElbow Up Follow Through


More Speed HelpMore Speed Help

For More Help on Increasing Speed –

eClinic: Improving Your Pitcher’s Speed

DVD: Breaking Down the Pitching Motion – Fastball Mechanics






Section: CATCHING


Catching OverviewCatching Overview

Ready Position with Runner/s on Base

Fast Feet

Fast Hands

Catching Times


Ready Position with Runners OnReady Position with Runners On

Higher Ready PositionHips Higher Chest Toward Plate

Expect Runner to Run

Catch First, Then Throw*





Fast FeetFast Feet

Feet Explode into Throw

Throwing Speed’s in the Feet*


Pop & ReplacePop & Replace

Pop Out, Stay LowForward & Low

Replace Your Feet, Don’t Skip

A Race, Not a Dance*


Fast HandsFast Hands

Release Speed is Main Goal

Shortest Clock Wind Possible

Catch, Split & Explode*





Catching TimesCatching Times

Touch to Touch Times:EXCELLENT = 1.6 sec or lessGOOD = 1.8 secAVE. COLLEGE = 1.9 sec to 2.1AVE. HS = 2.3


Catching Review:Catching Review:

Ready Position with Runner/s on BaseSlightly Higher Ready PositionExpect Runner to RunCatch First, Then Throw

Fast FeetThrowing Speed is in the FeetFeet Explode into Throwing PositionPop & Release into Throw

Shorten Up Arm CircleRelease Speed is Main GoalShortest Clock Wind PossibleCatch, Split & Explode


Section: GAME STRATEGY





Game Strategy OverviewGame Strategy Overview

3 B’s of Defensive Coverage

Throw to 2nd – Rule of 3

3 Main Bunt Coverages


3 B’s of Defensive Coverage3 B’s of Defensive Coverage

Ball

Base

Backup


Rule of 3 for Throws to 2ndRule of 3 for Throws to 2nd

Throw Goes to 1st Base if:Fielder Takes More than 3 Steps Ball Bounces More than 3 Times





Bunt Coverage - Corners In (Cone)Bunt Coverage - Corners In (Cone)

2BSS

P

LF

CF

RF

3B 1B

C

SS has to hold to play

the batter for a hit/slap, then cover

2nd for steal + bunt.

3B is open & will have to be covered By LF, P, 3B or C

STRENGTHS:

• 2 bases covered (1st & 2nd)

• 3 outfielders

• 4 short game fielders

• Bunt Coverage

WEAKNESS:

• 3rd base is open

• SS has to be quick & disciplined

USE: Batter Will Likely Bunt


Bunt Coverage - 1st Base Back (1 Back)Bunt Coverage - 1st Base Back (1 Back)

2BSS

P

LF

CF

RF

3B1B

C

SS can play the batter & doesn’thave to worry about covering 2B. SS covers 3rd on a bunt in case the Runner at 1sttries to go from 1st to 3rd on a bunt.

STRENGTHS:

• 3 bases covered (1st, 2nd & 3rd )

• 3 outfielders


• 1B at 1st incase of slap (anchor)

WEAKNESS:

• P must cover bunts down the 1B side

• SS has to be quick to hold for hit & also cover 3rd on bunt

P must cover bunts on 1B side since 1B is back & holding runner close

USE: Slapper or Lefty Hitter Up 2B can play deeper & more up the middle, and, since 1B is back 2B can also help cover 2B on a steal.


Bunt Coverage - 3rd Base Back (3 Back)Bunt Coverage - 3rd Base Back (3 Back)

2BSS

P

LF

CF

RF

3B1B

C

STRENGTHS:

• 3 bases covered (1st, 2nd & 3rd )

• 3rd is covered if runner goes from 1st to 3rd on Bunt

• 3 outfielders


WEAKNESS:

• P must cover bunt on 3B side

• vulnerable to soft slaps on left sideP must cover bunts

down the left-field line.

Since 3B is backSS can play deeper & more up the middle, & can cover 2nd on a steal

3B is back with more time to react to hits & cover 3rd on bunt if Runner goes from 1st to 3rd (fast runner at 1st)

USE: R Power Hitter Up, Speed at 1st





Game Strategy ReviewGame Strategy Review

Go to 1st If:3 Steps to Ball3 Bounces

Corners In (Cone) If:Batter Will Likely BuntTrying to get out at 2nd

1st Base Back If:Slapper Lefty Hitter Up

3rd Base Back If:R Power Hitter UpSpeed at 1st

P

3B 1B

C

2BSS


More Bunt Defense HelpMore Bunt Defense Help

For More Help on Bunt Defenses –

eClinic: Essential Bunt Defenses



Section: PRACTICE





Practice OverviewPractice Overview

1% Rule

100% Rule


1% Rule1% Rule

Get 1% Better From Today’s Practice!

Makes Improvement Seem Possible

Adds Up:30% better after a month

Effort & Results:Go from 5/10 to 6/10 effort


Get SpecificGet Specific

Individually 1% Better At:Backhands in the HoleThrowing Changeups for K’s When BehindPitch Selection for 1st Swing

Team 1% Better At:1st Back Bunt DefenseTimes on Home to 1st

P3B 1B

C

2BSS





100% Rule100% Rule

Give 100% of Whatever % You Have Today!

110% Isn’t Realistic100% of 70%, 75%, 80%, 60%...

Demand It!From YouFrom Them

Not Just Game Day Effort:Practice Giving EffortOut Effort the Other TeamEffort Through the End


Practice ReviewPractice Review

Make Improvement Possible by 1% & 100% Rules

Get 1% Better Every Day!

Give 100% of Whatever You Have That Day!

Documents

Softball Excellence Little League Coaching Course Level 3€¦ · b. Login to your account (My Account up along the top menu bar) c. Go to “View Files & Training” d. Click on