Manager Training Session 5-T, T-ball, Single A

1. Manager Training Session 5-T, T-ball, Single A March 10, 2004

2. Agenda Introduction League Structure Board of Directors Rules Discussion Volunteers Practice Guidelines Game Logistics Post-Season Items

3. WSLL is part of national Little League Baseball We are part of District 9, along with: Dale City Fort Hunt Lorton Woodbridge Woodlawn DTQ Alexandria Potomac Central Springfield League goals: Teaching baseball, participation, enjoyment Teach baseball in a constructive, fun environment Focus on positive experiences for the players De-emphasize competition at the initial levelsLeague goals: Teaching baseball, participation, enjoyment Teach baseball in a constructive, fun environment Focus on positive experiences for the players De-emphasize competition at the initial levels

4. There are six levels of play in WSLL Majors AAA AA A T-ball 5-T League Structure: 5-T - 5-year old T-Ball Clinic format T Level: T-Ball Non-Competitive (Ages 6 - 8) "A" Pitching machine level - non-competitive - first hardball level - ages 7-8 (generally requires one season of T-ball) (Majority Age 8) AA - Initial Pitching Level (Ages 8-11) (generally requires one season of pitching machine or coach pitch) (Majority Age 9) AAA - Intermediate Level (Ages 9-12) (Majority Age 10) Majors - Highest Level of Play (Ages 9-12) (Majority 11 and 12) Makeup of your team: Generally 12 players For most, their first experience with baseball Starting from scratch in terms of knowledge of the game Make sure they have adequate gloves, shoes, etc. Players need patience, encouragement and positive reinforcementLeague Structure: 5-T - 5-year old T-Ball Clinic format T Level: T-Ball Non-Competitive (Ages 6 - 8) "A" Pitching machine level - non-competitive - first hardball level - ages 7-8 (generally requires one season of T-ball) (Majority Age 8) AA - Initial Pitching Level (Ages 8-11) (generally requires one season of pitching machine or coach pitch) (Majority Age 9) AAA - Intermediate Level (Ages 9-12) (Majority Age 10) Majors - Highest Level of Play (Ages 9-12) (Majority 11 and 12) Makeup of your team: Generally 12 players For most, their first experience with baseball Starting from scratch in terms of knowledge of the game Make sure they have adequate gloves, shoes, etc. Players need patience, encouragement and positive reinforcement

5. WSLL is run by a Board of Directors More than 50 BOD members are known as �Gray Hats� Responsible for day-to-day operation of the league Hold monthly meetings 17-member BOD Executive Committee Many Committees Responsible for Organizing the League and its Events

6. As a Manager, you have a Chain-of-Command to support you Role of league director: Manager's line of communication with the league Report and discuss problemsRole of league director: Manager's line of communication with the league Report and discuss problems

7. Local Rules � Single A No Standings, but Tournament at End of Season Parent Umpires �Good Pitch� rule Additional Bench Coach Ten Players on Field 2-4 Innings of Infield Required (exclusive of catcher) Outfielder must Play on the Grass & Throw to Infielder 3 Outs / 5 Runs Steal 3rd Base Only Pitching Machine�35 mph till 5th Mon, then 38 mph

8. Local Rules � T-ball No Standings, No Tournament Parent Umpires 2 Innings of Infield Required (exclusive of catcher) 10 Fielders* Outfielder must Play on the Grass & Throw to Infielder Play Attempt Ends Play 3 Outs / 5 Runs Umpire and Catcher Stand Facing Batter Placement of Tee in Front of Batter

9. It takes many volunteers to make it all happen Team Parent Practice Coaches Umpires Grounds Crew Scorekeeper Pitching Machine Bench Monitor Safety Officer Communicating with Parents: Initial meeting Parents' concerns: - Player is enjoying baseball - Player is learning in a positive, constructive environment Talk to the parents on a regular basis - parents appreciate hearing how their player is doing Make sure the parents understand your program and schedule and what is expected of them Don't "over-schedule"; 4 events (games plus practices) per week should be the maxCommunicating with Parents: Initial meeting Parents' concerns: - Player is enjoying baseball - Player is learning in a positive, constructive environment Talk to the parents on a regular basis - parents appreciate hearing how their player is doing Make sure the parents understand your program and schedule and what is expected of them Don't "over-schedule"; 4 events (games plus practices) per week should be the max

10. Dealing with Parents Initial meeting Parents' concerns: Player is enjoying baseball Player is learning in a positive, constructive environment Talk to the parents on a regular basis - parents appreciate hearing how their child is doing Make sure the parents understand your program and schedule and what is expected of them Don't "over-schedule"; 4 events (games plus practices) per week should be the max

11. A few guidelines will help make your practices successful Keep it FUN! Get Help! Theme for the day Keep it FUN! Use Many Stations Throwing Mechanics Keep them moving! COMPETITION! Keep it FUN! Conducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inningConducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inning

12. Coaching Young Baseball Players Positive Coaching Praise Publicly, Criticize Privately Read, Learn, Ask Work Throwing Mechanics Single A�Special Attention to Hitters Afraid of the Ball Teach a Love for the Game Tell Stories Attend WSLL Majors Game or H.S. game together Conducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inningConducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inning

13. WSLL Coaches� Training Sessions Throwing/Pitching Fielding/Catching Hitting Friday, March 12 Wednesday, March 17 Friday, March 26 7:30-9:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 7:30-9:30 pm Virginia Baseball Club Tobin Transport Warehouse Virginia Baseball Club 2934-A Prosperity Av. 6062 Farrington Av. 2934-A Prosperity Av. Fairfax, VA Alexandria, VA Fairfax, VA Conducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inningConducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inning

14. Virginia Baseball Club Coaches� Certification VBC Coaches� Certification Program March 14, 2004WT Woodson High School1:00 � 5:30 pm Bonus Session: Q&A with High School Coaches�5:30 � 6:30 pm For Session Information, Check Out VBC�s Website: www.eteamz.com/baseballcamp Conducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inningConducting Productive Practices: Carry your practice permit to all practices Need 3 or 4 adults to work with 12 players - use parent volunteers in addition to coaches Break down into small groups and work on basic skills - catching, throwing, base running, fielding, hitting; emphasize proper technique and repetition Mix in fun drills �races, etc. At "A", start with a soft baseball and introduce the hardball after several practices Minimize "standing around" time - keep the players busy When playing actual games, line players up on the bench in batting order and have them sit in the same spot every inning

15. Safety Field Conditions Player Control Equipment Control Bats Helmets Must have Chinstraps Catchers� Helmets Athletic Cups Preventing injuries Treating injuries - first aid kit EMT training�March 18 7:30-9:30 pm, WSHS Cafeteria

16. You have a few responsibilities before each game� Field Prep Home Plate Conference Line-up Exchange Little League Pledge Set Time to Arrive

17. �as well as after each game Field Maintenance Trash Pick-up Post-game Conference Next Practice / Game

18. A few important tips for game day Rain Line: 703-912-9755 Make-up Games � Sundays 4 Adults in Dugout Dugout Organization Have Players Sit in Order Player Conduct Parent Conduct

19. Post-Season Play (Single A) Random Draw Brackets Regular Season Rules Inter-League Play Trophies for 1st and 2nd Place Championship June

20. The fun doesn�t end with your last game! Team Party WSLL Yearbooks Team Pictures Trophies

21. �and if you still want more 9/10 & 11/12 All Stars Fun Tournament Fall Baseball

22. Have a Great Season!!!