Successful Pony managers will:
·Help every player reach their potential in the skills listed below, with specific focus on:
oIntroducing at least 3 players to playing catcher.
oRotating players through all the positions on the field (as practical due to safety concerns).
oBy mid-season, developing every player to safely play at least one non-OF position each game.
oFocus on thumb up-thumb down catching for every player.
oExtending the throwing strength of all players. As a guideline: By mid-season, more than 40% of team can throw 40 feet (pitcher to 1stbase) and 20% can throw 60 feet (home to 1st). By end of season, 80% and 40%.
oStrive to dramatically reduce the use of batting tee, and have 80% of the lineup comfortable and confidently hitting coach pitch.
·Assign an adult pitcher who can deliver consistent, accurate pitches, thrown overhand, from the pitcher’s rubber.
·Recognize it’s not the words you say, it’s what the player hears (and learns) that matters.
·Be empathetic and patient, while demonstrating impeccable sportsmanship.
·Perform routine field work (rake/drag field after games and practice).
·Manage family communications, escalate concerns to their division rep and be a positive contributor to the culture of Old Bridge Little League.
·Ensure at least 2 members of coaching staff participate in each practice (group and individual) and encourage parents to get involved.
·Rely on the other coaches and division rep, share good ideas, help less experienced coaches, and ultimately treat the division as one whole, rather than a scattered collection of teams.
·Complete mandatory league background check andRutgers SAFETY Clinic.
Pony player skills and social development progression …
For Pony players, this is a dramatic step up from Tee Ball. Players should be more independent and as school-age, are more socially developed. But their attention span remains short and benefit from high energy practices with simplified, single-skill stations, as well as in-game devices to keep their focus on the field of play. Players can expect to develop skills such as:
Batting
·Demonstrate proper batting position and athletic stance.
·Swing the bat with aggression and force through the strike zone
·As season progresses, more confidently and consistently hit coach pitching.
Base running
·Proper base running (ground ball vs. in the air).
·Recognizing and listening to the direction of coaches to advance one base or advance.
·Understand the objective of baseball is beating the ball to the base. Run hard. Outs count.
Fielding
·Be “baseball ready” every single pitch, requiring fewer prompts from coaches.
·Develop proper throwing mechanics and progress throwing strength through the season.
·Understand all positions and defensive spacing, while learning to be aggressive for the ball.
·Recognize the objective of baseball is beating the ball to the base. Outs count.
·Continue to focus on thumb up vs. thumb down receipt of the ball.
·Learn the basics of pitching during practices.
·Be introduced to the positional numbers (such as 6 for shortstop, 2 for catcher, etc).
Social skills and Sportsmanship
·Display independence and separation from parents and “playing nice” with their teammates.
·Show more responsibility, such as keeping track of hat, helmet and bat, be ready to bat when time.
·No bats in the dugout and be aware of bat safety (carry it by the fat end).
·Be a good listener: When coach or a teammate talks, we listen.
·Be a supportive teammate and respectful opponent.