It is the goal of SJYBA to give each kid that plays in the league the opportunity to excel and be the best they can be. In order for this to happen we need to have coaches (dads/moms) volunteer, step up to the plate, and do what it takes to get the job done. For the ones who do, what they will find is new appreciation for all the coaches they have known as well as deeper and broader understanding of how the game is played.

SJYBA recognizes new coaches may be nervous and that is why board members, coaches clinics and information presented on the website is intended to help eleviate some of the nerves and help each coach bring their team to the championship game.

http://www.baseballtips.com/instruction.html - (really good - a lot of info)

Mason Pony League

http://www.qcbaseball.com/  (This has situational, Drills and Techniques)

Win VS Lose
You can not control winning or losing. You can control basic fundamentals. Teach players to take ownership of their position (accepting responsibility) Coaches must have trust in player's decisions. Keep instructions simple.
Develop strength of character within each individual player.
Negative behavior means never to degrade an athlete in front of parents, coaches, and especially fellow players.

Any mistakes should be addressed with that individual. Leave the athlete with a positive aspect of the desired outcome. Give them something good to feel about.

Advise parents that you must have an agreement to participate in youth sports that have inherent dangers. SJYBA participants sign the release for at registration.

Coaches Responsibilities:  (Main responsibility is the Development of all players.)

1. Responsibility to players, to be fair, to provide a fun atmosphere.Coach will carry a positive self image and teach players to have a positive self image.Teach physical fitness, sportsmanship, and fair play.Every minute must be utilized, keep practice fun and motivational.Teach rules, rules will make the game safer, players stronger.
2. Responsibility to parents, to insure that the athletes are safe and having fun.
Create the safest playing area possible, everyone in this league has this responsibility. Any unsafe act seen by coaches you will stop it immediately.

1. Not Having FunCoach was a poor teacherPractice and Games was boringNo longer interested in the sportDid not like the coach To much Emphasis placed on WinningGames and Practice was scheduled when players could not attend Sport required too much time Tired of practice and not playing
2. Wants to participate in other non sport activities

1. Arrange for immediate care of VictimPlace victim in qualified care of medical personalNotify parents or guardiansLocate witnessObtain Statements Must give personal accounts of the Incident, fill out the paper workRefrain from stating or the cause of blame (we just want the facts)Communicate with the Victim and Victims parents
2. Keep records of the incident.

1. Pre plannedCover the basic fundamentals (keep in mind the player's skill, size, ability, knowledge of game)Adequate supervision (parent involvement)Goal Oriented
2. Keep it Fun

• How do the kids feel when they leave the practice or game. Ask questions??????When kids leave they must leave with a positive attitude and be up-beat about the practice or game.
• Coaches must give personal attention to creating the need to learn technique.

1. Hitting Stance, includes all aspects of the gameDefensive Position, includes all aspects of the gameHow to defend selfSkill techniqueBall controlAttitude, no negative attitudes. Throwing of helmets or bats, ect.
2. Positional assessment of the position, what to do with the ball when it's in play. (Cognitive thinking)

1. Sending messages, (Clear, simple, and get feed back)Receiving messages, Feed back must be clear and understandable.Communication Break down, re-evaluate your situation, change your approach
2. Confrontation, never get to this point. (Control your emotions)

• See the Catchers mitt Vs Just throw strikesSee the ball to the bat Vs Just hit the ball
• See the ball to your mitt Vs Just catch the ball

1. Always reinforce some portion of desired behavior.Provide instructions and feedback on an aspect of the performance that needs improvement.Encourage the athlete to try again.Show them, tell them and show them again.
2. Have the player tell you, show you and then tell you again

1. Decrease self esteemDecrease enjoyment of participating in the practice or gameIncrease anxiety and resentmentIncrease number of athletes that quit the teamIncrease Discipline
2. Take the fun out of playing

1. Identify why athletes participate and why they drop out.Make practice challenging and competition goals realisticMake goals flexible and challengingGoals must be obtainableSet individual goals rather than team goals
2. Set team goals after athletes competence has increased by use of individual goals

1. Create the need to learn.Athletes must have a positive field experience.Positive experience will create competence in the individual.
2. Competence will create CONFIDENCE in the individual ability.

• BeginningMiddle
• End

1. Fine - Skills that involve hand eye coordinationComplex - Skills that involve a series of muscle groups in a series of movements requiring hand eye coordination tracking, and timing
2. Gross - Skills that involve large muscle or major groups of muscle.

1. Static - Initial slow motion practice-25 repsFluid - Drills that include soft toss, hitting of a T-stand-25 reps
2. Dynamic - Actual practice or playing/stress inoculation, 5 to 10 reps with rotation.