Learning the Basics: Tips for Coaching Youth Softball

Coaching a youth softball team can be a rewarding experience for both the coach and their players. But if you're a first-time coach, it may seem daunting. The good news is you don't need to be a softball pitching expert or all-star hitter to make an impact at the youth level. Simply having the right supplies and mindset go a long way toward creating an environment for success. This guide to coaching youth softball from Bownet Sports® will help new coaches get out of the box strong.

1. Set Goals

It's all well and good to say that you just want your players to have fun. However, softball is inherently an activity that requires structure and goal-setting. As performance psychology expert David Harrison has noted, setting goals is a key part of athletic success. Those goals will vary depending on a player's experience and skill level, but the important thing is having something achievable for everyone to work towards.

2. Have the Right Training Equipment

Especially at the youth level, much of the responsibility for practice equipment falls on the coach. At a minimum, you should bring extra softballs and batting helmets - plus a few bats and gloves since young players often to forget theirs. As players progress, you can start working in more advanced gear such as softball hitting nets. You'll also want to bring some water jugs to keep everyone hydrated.

3. Have a Good Warmup

Going from 0 to 60 might be fun in a sports car, but on the softball field, it's an easy way to get injured. Start every practice with a warmup routine such as dynamic stretching to help players loosen up. Simply playing catch will ease in players' muscles (and mindset) for more strenuous activities. Doing warmups as a team also can build camaraderie and chemistry.

4. Be Instructive, Not Destructive

Remember that players likely are already feeling down after striking out or muffing a ground ball. Chewing them out is only going to instill fear and hurt their motivation. Instead, provide feedback on what to do next time, such as a swing tweak or how to position themselves in the field. Do so calmly and, if possible, one-on-one rather than in front of the whole team.

5. Keep Things Fun and Positive

While the objective is to help people develop as players and humans, that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun along the way. Things like warmup music or a team dance-off at the end of practice will help players enjoy their time on the diamond. You should also find ways to positively encourage players, like acknowledging good plays and hustle.

6. Bring Ice Packs

Getting hit with a softball hurts - and you can't expect young players to just rub some dirt on it and get back out there. Have a cooler of ice and ice packs, such as ICE20® refillable ice bags, ready if a player is struck by a pitch or line drive. It will help them recover faster and shows you care about their well-being.