Anybody coach T-ball?

[j2sgam]

We signed my almost 4yo son up for t-ball, his first organized sport. The season hasnt started yet, but there was a meeting on Tuesday night where they went over the things we parents need to know. So after the league guy gave his shpeel, then this other guy, who I thought was the coach as he was who called to inform about the meeting and "Dominic was drafted by the Rockhounds..", starts talking about "We need volunteers for Team Moms, team Dads, Managers, etc." Nobody said a word.. So I spoke up and volunteered, and why wouldnt I? It gave me an excuse to spend more time with my boy, be more involved in his athletic career and whats the manager of a t-ball team really have to do? So when I said "I will help out, let me know what you need." This guy turns to me and proclaims "We need a coach! Youre the coach." What? Really? So now I am gonna be coaching 13 4 year-old's on how to play ball...

I know some of yous has to have coached at some point, got any pointers? Id appreciate any & all advice. Thanks...

[Darth Biscuit]

Oh man... well, my only advice is with 4 year olds you're going to have to worry more about them paying attention than much else...

Work on the very basics and never, ever stand near one of them when they are holding the bat. Hold on to the bat until you're completely out of the way... those jokers will hit you in the nuts every time.

[boo7382]

Well, I played so obviously I'm a pro.....if you are in Charlotte Id be happy to come out and help.....one thing I can tell you is you are going to have to try very hard to keep their attention on the field.

When I watch my videos, half my team is in the outfield building little dirt mounds or playing with sticks.

[Epistaxis]

Remember you are mostly a babysitter at that age.

Think safety, any baseball learned is coincidental.

Ignore parents/hockeydad crap.

Have fun, pack the Advil....for yourself.

[Hawk]

not t-ball, but I've coached basketball starting at about that age. Just remember, it's all about fun and development at that age so make sure everyone gets involved and everyone has fun fun fun.

[GritsRgreat]

I coached my daughters softball team for a few seasons and i was pulled in the very same way. "We need help coaching" lol. Now i love baseball, played it thru out my youth so what the hell i stepped up to help. Great memories for me and my girl, wouldn't change it for the world.

1) Just remember its a kids game.

2) Always always always encourage & make the game fun for all.

3) Everyone plays, everyone is apart of the team.

4) Don't lose your cool with mouthy parents.....

5) Just remember its a bunch of kids playing a game, again make it fun.

My girl played from age 10 to 18, was a starter on her middle school team

and later at highschool. I coached her city rec ball team. We still have her

glove (right next to mine) on a shelf in our living room....Time flies yo :(

[TarPanther9180]

I haven't coached T-Ball, but I do coach basketball and football. I coached 5 year olds in basketball. The main thing is teach them the rules of the game and fundamentals, while not turning them away from that sports (or sports in general). Plus, make it fun. There is a ton of coaching youth sports info on the web.

It is a great time coaching kids. Been doing it for years now and one of the best things I have decided to do in my life and will continue to do it once my son hits middle and high school sports (which is only a couple of years to go).

[Zaximus]

Your most annoying, and hardest issue, will be dealing with annoying loudmouth parents who want to win and not have fun, and also the lazy parents who don't want to help do anything and don't bring their kid to practice half the time.

You'll be one of the few to step up and help but the parents that wouldn't volunteer to help will be John Maddening you from the bleachers each week, be strong.

[cookinbrak]

I coached 2 and 3 year old soccer. After 5 weeks, their major accomplishment was dribbling the ball and scoring in a little goal. And that took a lot of work.

[PanthaSan]

I've coached a bunch, boys and girls.

The main thing you gotta remember is that T Ball has to be fun.

Teach the basics but above all, make sure they have fun. If you get A hole parents, quietly take them aside one at a time and whip the crap out of them. Setting an example to the other parents goes a long way in terms of getting volunteers for snack bar and field duties.

Just kidding.

Have fun, it's like herding cats at that age.......:D

[GritsRgreat]

I've coached a bunch, boys and girls.

The main thing you gotta remember is that T Ball has to be fun.

Teach the basics but above all, make sure they have fun. If you get A hole parents, quietly take them aside one at a time and whip the crap out of them. Setting an example to the other parents goes a long way in terms of getting volunteers for snack bar and field duties.

Just kidding.

Have fun, it's like herding cats at that age.......:D

"must spread rep"

[Hawk]

best thing about coaching 4 and 5 year olds....at that age, their moms are still young enough to be really hot!!!!!

[SCP]

I helped coached my sons team the last two seasons and my official job on "gameday" was the Quit Digging In The Dirt/Pay Attention To The Batter Coach.

It's so awesome. Kids are funnier than hell at that age.

[j2sgam]

I am looking online, but feel like a bit douchebagy searchin 'How to coach t-ball'.. Yous gave me what I was looking for -some genuine pointers, not necessarily instructions. Experience is the best teacher and the insight gained from having done it isnt always passed on on howto.com...

Thank yous very much, this place always pulls through for me...

..and

it's like herding cats

is flat out hilarious, well said P'San...:smilielol5: