Successful Minors managers will:
·Help every player reach their potential in the skills listed below, with specific focus on positional variety, including:
oProviding practice time and encouragingeveryplayer to learn pitching mechanics.
oFinding game situations to pitch as many game-ready pitchers as possible (aim for at least half the team to pitch in a game at least once).
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.
oBy mid-season, ensuringeveryplayer is capable of thumb up-thumb down catching.
oExtending the throwing strength of all players. As a guideline: By mid-season, more than 50% of team can throw 40 feet (pitcher to 1stbase) and 30% can throw 60 feet (home to 1st). By end of season, 90% and 60%.
oDeveloping batters’ confidence and ability to make aggressive, athletic swings.
·Perform routine field work (rake/drag field after games and practice).
·Be empathetic and patient, while demonstrating impeccable sportsmanship.
·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 and Rutgers SAFETY Clinic.
·Track and report pitch counts and ensure player safety equipment is being worn.
Minors player skills and social development progression …
The Minors level requires a strong focus on skills and knowledge development during the season, while introducing players to healthy competition and the concept of winning and losing. Because of the range of size and skills between 8s and 10s, some 8-year-old newcomers will be better suited for a season in Pony, and the most advanced 10s may elevate to Majors.At this age, top players can also strive to compete at the All-Star and Travel level as a supplement to their Little League experience.
All players can expect to develop skills such as:
Batting
·Competence in batter's box positioning and athletic stance.
·Passing the bat through the strike zone with force.
·Identifying balls vs. strikes.
·Bunting.
Base running
·Understand game situations (# of outs, force plays, fly ball vs grounder, tagging up, etc.) with coach support.
·Stealing and aggressive/smart decisions on bases.
·Exploding off base after ball passes home plate (secondary lead).
·Basics of sliding (feet first only at this age).
Fielding
·Be “baseball ready” every single pitch and understand each position with some coaching help.
·Throwing and catching mechanics that enable more power, accuracy and “clean” baseball.
·Proper footwork and fundamentals to field ground balls.
·Tracking and fielding fly balls.
·Developing proper aggression on defense (“seek out the ball”).
·Understanding “where’s the play.”
·Covering bases correctly when receiving a throw or fielding a ball (tag vs force) and backing-up.
·Basics of the outfield relay, cut-off play.
Social skills and Sportsmanship
·Arrive to practices and games prepared to play baseball (proper uniform, pants, gear, etc).
·Manage their own equipment and focus on the game while in the dugout.
·Listen and learn at all times and recognize the added value of practicing on your own time.
·Always show good sportsmanship on and off the field (never bad mouthing others).
·Strive to win, but thrive on competition.
·Respect the umpire’s authority.
·Be a supportive teammate and respectful opponent.