M of VCA makes it a point to gather her players after each game and practice and tells her players when the next game is scheduled and verifies who will be there. “This helps avoid forfeits as some of my players don’t actually read their schedules. By asking them point blank if they’ll be there puts them on the spot and reinforces their obligation to show for a game”.
Jim of HBC offers this: “I buy my teams socks each softball season. Most clubs don’t supply these. It’s been my signature for five years. I also keep 2 extra pair and an extra shirt in the car. I refuse to have a player ruled out of a game because they’re not in uniform”.
W of LBYO: “I’ve coached basketball in three different leagues the past 5 years. I keep an extra pair of our team shorts in the trunk with the basketballs. The extra uniforms are a must”.
Mike of OCAA: "The Rules!" he exclaimed. "I read 'em before every game just to keep fresh. I help coach our other teams and you would be surprised how over a season they all blend together. Another thing is ID cards and my roster. I keep them in a binder with my scorebook. I was at a game, not mine, and I couldn't believe how unprepared this one coach was. Then they have no ID cards or scorebook and he's practically throwing a fit 'cause the ump won't let them play. He's responsible for the cards!"
B of LKYO writes: "I make out a lineup where my kids are playing each inning and who is sitting out. I make sure they get in their required innings and on paper at least I can make a pretty balanced group in the field. If a player doesn's show his place that inning is taken from one of the kids who is supposed to be sitting that inning".
J. of LBYO: Something that really helped me when starting out was just watching guys in my club that really seemed to know how to coach. Go to your gyms and watch the more experienced coaches from your club and see what drills they’re running and why. Try to keep your players, parents and assistants focused on the positives through your season, remember, the main objective of all youth sports should be teaching the game and teamwork and having FUN, not wins and losses.
Jan Hammer
MIAMI VICE THEME
Tips to speed up a game AND make it more enjoyable for everyone.
Shawn of FISHTOWN A.C.
One thing I do that helps speed up the game at the older ages say 11/12 and up is print up all position games on a sheet of paper and let my girls know what inning to make the change. I also have (2) catchers and which every one is not going to bat that inning I have her put the equipment on so she is ready to catch.
Know how many outs there are: When you interrupt a game to put in a courtesy runner have them ready and with a helmet to change the runner at first opportunity, do not just stop play and announce your catcher is on base. First find the player to who made the last out and have that player get a helmet and come to the entrance and then call time at first opportunity to make the switch. This could allow several pitches to be thrown.
In younger ages this is particularly helpful. Have an adult warm up the pitcher until the last ball is thrown this speeds up warm ups.
Assign your players a position to play while YOUR team is batting, rather than assign after they have batted and are now ready to go into the field..
Warming up outfielders? If you are on the 1st base side have a player sitting out the inning warm up your right fielder. Allow the center and left fielder to have their own warm up. Have them collect the balls after warm up. Same if you are on the 3rd base side.
Using these hints will enable a 7 inning game to likely be played in less than 2 hours.