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Summer Youth Instructional Baseball/ Softball <br />Rules Re Mations Coaches Ti s <br />The Mounds View Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Departments summer youth <br />instructional baseball/softball is designed to allow for maximum participation and to <br />emphasize a low-key non-competitive environment. The program also stresses fun and <br />enjoyment for the participants and coaches. While having fun, participants will also be <br />learning the fundamentals involved in baseball/softball: <br />1) Hitting the ball <br />2) Running the bases <br />3) Catching the ball <br />4) Throwing the ball. <br />The following assembly of rules, regulations, and coaches tips (for each separate <br />division) are designed to assist in establishing some order and to offer guidelines. As <br />with anything, it should be taken with a grain of salt for they may not work as well as <br />they are designed to due to changing circumstances. Changes will be necessary as <br />conditions warrant. Remember these are only guidelines. <br />General Tips for all Coaches <br />Practices <br />® Practices should be held twice a week in the beginning of the season, then it <br />should taper off to once a week when the scheduled games start. <br />® Kids are not professionals so they should not be expected to act, play, or be <br />treated as one. Never criticize a child, always find something to compliment or <br />praise. <br />a Repetition is the best way to learn a skill, and also maintain what was learned. <br />A variety of drills at each practice is a must to keep the interest of the players. <br />Do drills that stress throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting. <br />® Emphasize catching with two hands. Also teach each player to field the ball <br />directly in front of their bodies (this is called "keeping in front of the ball"). But <br />be attentive to the speed of the ground balls and the height of the fly balls. <br />Challenge the child, but don't forget that kids at these young ages get <br />discouraged easily. <br />® Teach team defensive and position specific play so that not everyone in the field <br />is chasing after the ball. Also teach the players to back up all positions. <br />® Teach running through the base at first and home, and stopping at second and <br />third. <br />® Teach players the rules on running the bases on ground balls and on fly balls. <br />® Teach players about no leading off, stealing or running in to the opposing teams. <br />® Sliding is allowed. Coaches are to stress and teach the proper techniques. <br />a Rubber Spikes (molded sole - little league approved) and tennis shoes are the <br />only kinds the players may wear. <br />