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Life Lessons Life Lesson #26: Practice Planning Practice Planning Two of the most important ingredients to successful youth coaching are preparation and structure. As ?volunteer? coaches, your time is a valuable commodity as is the time of 12 other sets of parents. Taking ten minutes before practice to lay out the day?s itinerary (including drills and associated times) can help to maximize limited field time. It also helps to avoid standing around, increase enjoyment, and assist in players actually getting better. Practice planning involves breaking a workout down into designated time blocks, and assigning a relevant drill or task to each time block. This ensures that the athletes are following a structured progression to learn and retain baseball information. Three key principles to follow are: 1. Plan Ahead 2. Run, Stretch, Throw 3. Designate Time Blocks 4. Involve Station Work 1. PLAN AHEAD Spend a couple hours before the season starts mapping out what you intend to accomplish. Goals should be efficiency, effectiveness and most importantly? fun! Attempt to make each practice enjoyable, so that everyone involves looks forward to attending the next one. Additionally, take 10 minutes before a practice begins to map out that day?s schedule. The last thing you want to do is lose the focus of thirteen 8-year olds because you?re trying to figure out what to do next! 2. RUN, STRETCH, THROW An absolute rule, before any athlete is allowed to touch a baseball, the team must run then stretch. Running gets the blood flowing, and stretching prepares the muscles to work. While it is true that young athletes are resilient, establishing a mandatory rule of running? then stretching? then throwing, will build healthy and safe habits. 3. TIME BLOCKS Break the practice into 15-30 minute blocks. Assign each time block a different component of running a team. Examples of these pieces are:
The idea behind multiple stations (or work areas) is to involve as many athletes as possible, mix up the instruction and maintain an energetic pace. For example, in the time block designated to Team Defense above, a practice could involve three separate areas on the field. At all three stations, Team Defense drills are being executed. On the diamond, one coach could walk through the rotations on a standard bunt defense. Down the left field line, another coach could explain the proper fundamentals for executing a cut/relay. If possible, a third coach could drill rundowns near the right field line area. Station work depends on number of coaches available, as well as the age and skill level of the athletes PLANNING A SEASON With the understanding of designating time blocks and inserting relevant drills and exercises, the attention turns to a second form of practice planning: Season Planning. Planning practices with an entire season in mind ensures that all aspects of team baseball can be addressed, and reviewed as necessary. Sticking with the Team Defense example above, season planning scripts the days/times when each part of team defense category is to be covered or reviewed. Over a 3 month season, each part of Team Defense should be taught and drilled. Combine Pieces The idea of station instruction is drilling multiple areas with hands on instruction. Combining pieces can help to accomplish multiple goals. For example, combining baserunning with conditioning can make sure that pitchers get their running while also working on baserunning fundamentals. Team bunt defense can involve live batters, working on sacrifice bunts, etc. Punctuality Lead by example, arriving on time and prepared to maximize practice time. Establish the importance of punctuality early and be consistent. Start practice punctually, with a verbal to start stretching. This will help athletes realize the importance of being on time, so as not to disrupt practice or stand out from the group. Any late athletes must run and stretch on their own before joining the workout. Attire Lifeletics motto: ?Dress like a champion, play like a champion.? Shirts tucked in, hats straight. The application of this rule (and other rules) is relative to the age of the athletes. Communicate Clearly communicate policies on playing time, punctuality, discipline and practice/game day itineraries. Doing this early in the season avoids issues later in the season and establishes an atmosphere of respect and efficiency. Consistency If you wish to avoid the headaches and hassles of ?politics,? be consistent with all team rules, policies and disciplines. Treat all athletes/parents the same keeping the big picture in mind at all times. |
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