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Learn To Play Program Level 1 Skill Development Expectations Coaches as a league we want to develop the skills and the game of softball. This season we want to help coaches stay on track developing our learning players so that the kids can make the step to mite ball as seamless as possible. As children progress, we expect to see their grasp of the game grow, while still having fun. Level 1: As a coach this will probably be the most frustrating level to set hard and fast rules regarding player development and expectations. Children who are starting sports for the first time will have varying level of skill and co-ordination. That being said, there will be children who are athletic, who’s parents spend time playing with them etc and will excel at aspects of the game. Using the skills check list in the LTP Level 1 book. Section 6 Catching Start with the fundamentals of how to catch a ball, glove position, free hand covering ball to trap in glove. Progress this to moving left and right to get balls, on the ground or in the air. Flys thrown to this group is hard as the hand eye co-ordination is not there for the most part. When you are playing the games at the end of the night as the season progress have them freeze when the ball is caught and ask them where the ball is going to be thrown to. Throwing Again start with the fundamentals of the scarecrow (k position) Point glove at target, elbow up high, hips open then close proper follow through to other side of body. Work on throwing at stationary targets of varying but comfortable distances. And grater distances around the diamond. Base Running Get them to learn where first is and run there every time. Start with running through first and then as the season progresses, keep running to second and third as the case may be. As they progress to running more bases have them work on stepping on the iside corner of the base as they round. Hitting Proper grip, middle knuckles lined up, short stride relaxed stance. Keep head down with eye on the ball, try having them keep their chin on their front shoulder. Finish with belly button at pitcher. Develop this through hitting off the tee and moving to wiffle balls suspended in front of them. To make it easier on the kids and you break your season down to blocks of 2 or 3 weeks and work on specific skills in those weeks, introducing others as you go. This will keep things interesting. And if you or kids are away for a week then no one has missed out that much. |
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