Fundamentals of Coaching Youth Baseball & Softball

In our Coaches Clinic (replay link below) we discussed key fundamentals of Coaching Baseball. Here's a quick recap.
1. The Fielding Triangle: Building a Strong Defensive Foundation
One of the most common mistakes young players make is fielding ground balls with poor posture or bad footwork. At the clinic, we broke down the Fielding Triangle, which helps players:
- Maintain a strong, athletic stance
- Field the ball out in front instead of getting caught on their heels
- Use proper right-left timing to create rhythm in their footwork
- Pro Tip: Set up cones or markers to reinforce the triangle concept in your practices!
2. Throwing Mechanics: Fixing Common Mistakes
A strong arm starts with good mechanics. We worked on:
- Proper grip (Four-seam grip for consistency)
- Separation & direction (Keeping the glove side strong to avoid flying open)
- Creating a clean arm path to prevent unnecessary stress on the arm
- Drill to Try: Use a "Soup Can Drill"—mark an “X” on the back of the ball and have players focus on keeping it visible to their partner before release. This helps train proper separation and smooth arm action!
3. Hitting Fundamentals: A Strong Stance Leads to a Strong Swing
Players struggle with:
- Dropping their hands before swinging
- Over-striding or stepping in the bucket
- Not using their lower half effectively
At the clinic, we focused on keeping the hands in a strong launch position, creating a controlled load, and staying inside the ball. We also introduced fun ways to teach young hitters how to get hit properly—helping them build confidence at the plate.
4. The "Beat the Clock" Drill: Stop Backpedaling & Attack the Ball!
One of the biggest mistakes we see? Players sitting back and waiting for ground balls.
Our "Beat the Clock" drill forces players to attack the ball, field it cleanly, and make a strong, accurate throw—all under a time limit!
Want to see this drill in action? Check out our full clinic recap video below!
A great coach isn’t just someone who knows the game—they’re someone who can teach it the right way. By focusing on strong fundamentals, efficient practice drills, and creating a fun learning environment, you can make a real impact on your players.
Whether you’re a first-time coach or a seasoned veteran, we hope these insights help you run better practices and develop stronger athletes this season.
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