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ROOKIE MANUAL

Instructional Manual for Parents/Coaches

Rookie Manual

REVISED: April 2003 Property of Fort Saskatchewan Minor Baseball 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 2 Your Role as a Coach 2 Skills and Strategies 3 Preparation / Information / Expectations 4 Player Development / Format / Guidelines 5 Warm-Up/Stretching / Game Reports 7 BlastBall 8 Pitching Machine Tips 10 Soft Toss Drill and Batting Faults 11 Week 1 – Throwing Mechanics 12 Week 2 – Fielding Ground Balls 13 Week 3 – Catching the Ball 14 Week 4 – Improving Batting Skills 16 Week 5 – Base Running, Sliding and Tagging Out 18 Week 6 -- Outfielding 20 Week 7 – Catcher Skills 21 Week 8 -- Final Game and Year-End Wind-Up 22 Player Rotation Charts 23 Fair Play Codes – Coaches, Players, Parents, Spectators

Rookie Manual


Introduction Welcome to the Fort Saskatchewan Minor Baseball team.

The Rookie program has been successful, especially when several parents on each team share the responsibility of coaching. This shared coaching approach is often necessary due to various commitments and work schedules of our volunteers. But, kids love to have their parents involved in their activities and the Rookie program is an excellent opportunity for both the player and parent to work together and have fun as new skills are introduced. Coaching is for everyone who enjoys sport and cares about kids – high school athletes, moms and dads, grandparents and enthusiasts. Coaches are sensitive, caring people who are organized, want to work with others and who will teach from the heart. And, remember winning isn’t everything! Coaches teach their young athletes the importance of fair play, and respect for other players, coaches and, when they are older, umpires. This manual is intended to provide a parent/coach with a documented program to follow throughout the season. Unlike T-Ball, teams start to keep score as the players are curious about who won the game. The focus remains, however, that the players have fun and the score is only a result of the game and not the focus. Rookie baseball continues to build player self-esteem through positive reinforcement during the skills development and games.

Your Role as a Coach

Being a Rookie coach doesn’t require a great knowledge of baseball, but it does help to know the basics of the game. Fort Saskatchewan Minor Baseball encourages all coaches to participate in the National Coaching Certification Program Level 1 Technical clinic. This clinic provides coaches with basic skills and information invaluable to them as they work with players to develop skills. Fort Minor Ball reimburses coaches the clinic fees if they coach in the Fort baseball system. As an instructor, a coach provides simple teaching points to help the players learn and encourages skill development through games and other activities. As a leader, a coach set goals that are challenging, but realistic for the age of your players. Always encourage and support the players to help them be the best they can be. Make sure they understand the importance of being a good sport and fair play – lead by example! As a counselor, a coach listens to the players’ concerns and deals with them the best he/she can by being supportive, and makes T-Ball a positive, fun experience for his/her team. Remember, most players come to the ball diamond expecting to have fun. They want to learn new skills and see improvement without feeling pressured. Share in the small victories as the players develop skills. You will see how your efforts are reflected in their energy, enthusiasm and their smiles. Through baseball, you help your players grow and develop as individuals. While the skills they learn may only be used for a few years, the attitudes they develop toward themselves and others will last a lifetime.

Rookie Manual


Skills and Strategies

The following table outlines basic skills and strategies that will be taught during the Rookie season by the parent/coaches.

Skills Strategies

Basic baseball stretches

Throwing • Full range of motion • Start at the chest • Grip on the baseball • Long throws

Batting • Grip • Stance • Swing • Soft toss • Distance from plate Base Running • Sliding • Base coaches • Home to 1st base • Home to 2nd base • Home plate Fielding Grounders • Toilet position • Glove down and open • Two hands • Funnel ball into body

Receiving • Two hands • Target • Movement

Outfielding • Fly balls • Fingers pointing up • Two hands • Cushion the catch Catcher • Stance • Blocking the past balls • Positioning • Pop-ups

Fun Teamwork Where fielders stand (positions) Where to throw the ball Force outs Fielders covering bases Running 3 feet off the baseline Strike zone Tagging out Rundowns How to play 1st base Base running when a fly ball is hit Infielding / Outfielding teamwork Introduction to pitching

Rookie Manual


Preparation Preparation undertaken one week prior to the start of the season:

• Make copies of your team schedule and player list, including the names and phone numbers of the coach(s)

• Coach should phone the parents/players to provide:

• The date and time of the first game. Players should arrive by 6:15 p.m. to warm-up and skills instruction. Game will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. and no new inning will begin after 7:30 p.m.

• The location of the ball diamond and diamond number of first game

• The team sponsor

Information The following information should be provided to the players and parents at the first game of the season:

• Team list, including the names and phone numbers of the coach(s)

• Team schedule

• Length of the season (May and June)

• What to do for rainouts (if in doubt, show up at the diamond unless your coach calls to cancel the game)

• Team and individual photos (normally taken during the second week)

• Copies of the Rookie Manual for each family

Expectations Parent/coaches are encouraged to provide as much assistance as possible during the season. Parent/coaches can help:

• Prepare the on deck batter

• Help the catcher put on equipment

• Use the manual to teach the skills to the players, and reinforce and practice at home

• Coach at 1st and 3rd base

• Control the players on the bench

• Scorekeeping

• Load the pitching machine

• Look after game reports to be submitted to the newspaper

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Player Development

The Rookie development young player’s skills by introducing them to pitching with the use of the pitching machine at the start of the season. The pitching machine results in more turns at bat for the players and more balls being hit. As a result, the players have more opportunity to use their fielding skills to field the ball and make throws to their teammates.

Format This manual takes a weekly approach to developing the basic key skills for Rookie players. By have all teams work on the same skills, they will develop at a similar rate. Additional skills are included weekly that are flexible and can be used by the parent/coaches as additional development for the players. There will have to be variations on where these skills take place on the diamond so that both teams can perform the drills at the same time. Some variations could include using both sides of the backstop for batting practice (one team on each side); use 3rd base and home plate instead of 1st and 2nd base for some drills, etc.

Guidelines These guidelines provide an outline of what to expect of Rookie baseball. The primary goal is provide Rookie aged players with a fun experience, teach them good sportsmanship, and establish good baseball skills.

• Game Time – Players should arrive at the field by 6:15 p.m. for warm-up and skills development instruction. The skills practice will include key elements of baseball – fielding, throwing, batting, base running, etc. Games will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. No new inning will begin after 7:30 p.m.

• Diamond Dimensions – The distance from home plate to 1st base and between bases is 55 feet. Home plate is 38 feet from the pitching mound. To ensure dimensions are accurate, the distance from home plate to 2nd base is 77 feet and 9 inches.

• Inclement Weather -- The director will make every effort to determine if a game will be canceled due to poor weather and will contact one coach for each team. In the event that the playing conditions are not predictable, consider that the game is being played as scheduled until you hear otherwise. Make up games will be left up to the discretion of the coaches. (NOTE: In the event of lightning judged to be relatively close to the Fort, all games should be suspended and not resumed until the lightning stops.) Typically, games rained out are not made up unless all coaches agree to an addition game.

• Scorekeeper – Each team will have a scorekeeper for each game. The Home team scorebook will be the official record and score. The score is a secondary issue as the main focus is having fun and developing skills.

• Baseball Cleats – Metal cleats are not allowed. Rubber or plastic cleats are allowed.

• Throwing the Bat – A player who throws a bat will not be “out”, but parent/coaches are responsible for teaching their players about the safety and that they should drop the bat, not throw it. They could hurt another player.

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Guidelines (Cont’d)

• Protective Cup – Fort Saskatchewan Minor Baseball recommends that all players wear a protective cup.

• Batting Helmets – Batting helmets MUST be worn, with the chinstrap fastened at all times, while batting and base running.

• No. of Players Per Team – There are 7-9 players per team. This allows each player to enjoy lots of playing time and players won’t stand idle.

• No. of Defensive Players – A maximum of 6 players are allowed in infield positions, including the pitcher and catcher. Remaining players will play outfield. For smaller teams, parents/coaches can assist in the outfield.

• Speed of Pitched Baseballs – The ball should not be lobbed. Pitch speed should be sufficient so the ball travels fairly straight to the plate.

• Batting Order – All players are in the batting order and bat in rotation throughout the game. All players bat every innings.

• Number of Pitches Per Player – Each batter will receive 5 pitches maximum. If the ball has not been hit in fair territory by the fifth pitch, the batter is “out”.

• Last Batter – If the last batter is at the plate and he/she is put out at 1s base, the batter is out and no runs will score. If the last batter is not put out on the play, the play at the plate will be a forced play.

• Pitching Machine Interference – If a batted ball hits the pitching machine (ball bucket or any adult in the field), the ball is declared dead and the batter is safe at first base. Base runners who would be forced to move will advance one base. If the base runner is not forced to move, they stay at the base they were on.

• Stealing Bases -- There is no stealing in Rookie. Base runners may not leave the base until the batter makes contact with the ball.

• Bunting – Bunting is not allowed at Rookie. Bunting means moving the hands up the barrel of the bat, turning toward the pitching machine/pitcher and squaring to the ball.

• Infield Fly Rule – The infield fly rule does not apply at Rookie. (An infield fly is when a pop-up stays in the infield and there is a runner on 1st and 2nd base. No matter is the ball is caught or not, the batter would be out.)

• Dead Ball – If the defensive team stops the player from advancing, the ball is considered dead.

• Passed Ball (over throws) – Base runners cannot take extra bases on a passed ball or over throw.

• Offensive Inning – An offensive inning is complete when the entire batting order than batted.

Rookie Manual


Warm-Up/ Stretching Importance

No matter the age of the player, it is important for them to warm-up and stretch before a game. If a player doesn’t warm up, they can’t play properly and it increases the chances of becoming injured. Young muscles are still growing and need special care to stretch them properly before you start throwing the ball around or hitting.

Examples Running is part of every warm-up. In the daily instructions, there are suggestions of incorporating learning base running will this component. Stretches help to loosen muscles. Use stretches that will work muscles in the thighs, arms and shoulders.

• Put hand under the elbow of the right arm and pull the arm toward the body. Keep arm straight. Reserve and do with the other arm.

• Put right hand over head to tap the shoulder. With Left hand push the right elbow back gently. Reverse.

• Touch the toes, either standing with feet shoulders width apart, or on the

ground with legs spread. Crossover – left to right.

• Jumping jacks

• Neck rotations

• Arm circles – arms straight out at sides. Start by making small circles, palms down, rotating forward. Gradually increasing the sizes of the circles until a full circle. Keep arms straight at all times. Reverse and do circles backwards.

• Lunges – put right foot forward one comfortable step, hands on waist. Push forward with the back leg. Reverse.

Game Reports Coaches should get together after each game to complete a game report and arrange for it to be faxed or sent by e-mail to the local newspaper. Sponsors like to be recognized and players like to see their name in the newspaper. Copies of the Game Reports will be kept in the Equipment Shack.

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BlastBall Overview BlastBall is a developmental game that provides an ideal entry level of play

for youngsters who will go on to other levels of baseball or softball. It is also a great fitness and recreational activity for schools and community programs. The game can be played indoors or out, regardless of the weather. The game is designed to generate face-paced action, create enthusiasm and, because of its simplicity, allows retention of youth participants in the game. The game teaches the young athletes the five basic fundamentals of baseball/softball – hitting, throwing, catching, running and fielding. At the Rookie level, the game offers something different and fun. Hitting off a t-stand is a great way to improve batting skills and is used from T-Ball through to Midget. Batters had focus of the target and not worry about a pitch. At Rookie level, however, the game will only be used occasionally to offer variety and a change for the players.

Field Set-Up • Position the BlastTee (home plate) so that hitting allows you’re a safe area of play – an open area like a field, park, gym or backyard. No backstop is required.

• Like a regular ball diamond, position your BlastBase to the right of the Tee in the first base position (recommend base distances of: 30’ for ages 5-8, 40’ for ages 9-14). To the left of the Tee and perpendicular to your BlastBase line, pace off an equal distance and position the Cone. The base and cone establish your fair and foul lines.

• Lay out the Line Marker 10 feet directly in front of the Tee running between the base and cone (first and third base lines). This becomes the fair/foul line for play. If the ball is hit inside that line it is four and should be re-teed for another try. If it goes beyond the line, either in the air or on the ground, it is considered in play.

Game Time The game should last about 45 minutes to one hour.

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Basic Game Rules

• The defensive players take an infield or outfield position.

• A ball is placed on the t-stand.

• The batter hits the ball and runs to the BlastBase (first base).

• The ball must be hit across the Line Marker and in fair territory or it is a foul ball. The batter hits again.

• If the ball is hit in fair territory and a defensive player catches the ball in the air and yells “Blast” before the batter reaches the base, the batter is automatically out.

• If the ball is hit in fair territory and a defensive player fields the ball and yells “Blast” before the batter reaches the base, the batter is out.

• If the batter reaches the base before a defensive player either catches the ball in the air or fields it and yells “Blast”, he scores a run.

• When the player jumps on the BlastBase it emits an audible “HONK”.

• You will end the (half) inning by batting once through the line-up. A key is to keep the game moving, with little or no standing around. As soon as a batter has completed batting, hustle on and off the playing field.

Variations The following list includes some options for how to change the game as the skill level of the players improve or for variety:

• If the fielders are catching the ball or fielding it quicker that the runners can get to the BlastBase, add one throw and a subsequent catch to anyone by the defensive player who fields the ball.

• Add one throw and subsequent catch to one specific position on the defensive team, such as the first baseman.

• Move the Line Marker out to a distance of 15 feet from the tee.

• Add outs to the game instead of all players hitting each inning.

• Reduce the size of the ball or the bat.

• Add a coach pitcher and lob the ball to the batter instead of using the tee.

• Add second and third base, moving the BlastBase to another base position.

• If BlastBase is used as Home plate, a backstop should be used to retrieve the throwbacks of the defensive players.

• Play “crazy” BlastBall! Players hit backwards, throw with the wrong hand and run toward the BlastBase at third instead of towards first.

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Pitching Machine Tips Safety Keep the players away from the pitching machine. The equipment should be

operated by a parent/coach only.

Tips • The pitching machine should be 38 feet from hot plant and in line with 2nd base.

• Adjust the pitching machine so the ball travels fast enough to go fairly straight across home plate. Do not pitch the ball too slow so that it is lobbed across the plate.

• Load balls into the machine in a consistent manner, using a group across the seams.

• Raise the ball into the air so the player knows the pitch is about to come.

Slowly lower the ball into the chute of the machine and rest it on the upper back edge of the chute. Release the ball and let it roll into the machine. Note: If you drop the ball into the machine, the pitch is inconsistent.

• Use balls that are still hard. After balls have been used in the pitching machine for a while, they get softer and tend to cause inconsistent pitching coming out of the machine.

• One coach should stand beside the catcher with a bucket to collect pitched balls. The coach at the pitching machine also has a bucket to balls.

• Allow only 5 pitches per player. Out of the five pitched balls, the players should have enough good ones to hit.

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Soft Toss Drill and Batting Faults

Soft Toss Drill • Have the player stand 8 feet from a fence and the parent/coach softly tosses a ball diagonally to the player just above the knees.

• Players will hit the ball into the fence.

• Players should have a solid stance, steady head and keep their eyes focused on the baseball.

Batting Faults The following table lists some common batting faults and instructions on how to help correct them.

Fault Problem Correction Player is taking a wild swing at the ball.

Player is not watching the ball.

• Tell the player to watch the pitching machine where the ball comes from.

• Don’t pitch the ball until the players is looking directly at the pitching machine.

• Tell the player to watch the ball come out of the machine all the way to the catcher’s glove and do no swing the bat for two pitches.

Player spins around when swinging the bat.

Bat is too heavy or stance is too narrow.

• Try a lighter bat or a wider stance, or both. • Tell the player to keep his feet firmly planted.

Player is blinking or closing their eyes when the pitched ball gets close to them.

Player is reacting to the ball coming toward their eyes.

• Tell the player to leave their eyes wide open. • Tell the player to watch the ball come out of

the machine all the way to the catcher’s glove and do not swing the bat for two pitches.

Player is popping up the ball.

Player has an uppercut swing.

• This is best corrected during the “soft toss” drill by having the player deliberately swing the bat like they are chopping down a tress with a definite downward swing of the bat.

Player is swinging the bat after the ball goes past them.

Player is not seeing the ball soon enough or just not aggressive enough. Bat could be too heavy.

• Make sure the player’s head is fully turned so they are looking at the pitch with both eyes.

• During “soft toss” tell the player to swing harder.

• Try a lighter bat. Player throws the bat after hitting the ball.

Player is releasing their grip on the bat while swinging.

• Have the batter practice swinging the bat, and then dropping it and running.

Player is baking away from the plate when the pitched ball gets near.

Player is afraid of the ball.

• Demonstrate to the player what happens when they step backward. Stand at home plate with the bat held out across the plate in a normal batting stance. Take one step back while still holding the bat out across the plate to show the player that the bat comes right out of the strike zone when they step backwards. They will never be able to hit the ball because the bat will never be in the strike zone when the ball crosses the plate. To help correct this, place bats on the ground behind the batter’s feet. When the batter tries to step back, they can’t because the bats are in the way.

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Week 1 – Throwing Mechanics Comments It is a new season and during the first few weeks you will notice varied levels

of skills from the players on your team.

• Focus on the long-term development of the whole team over the next eight weeks of the season.

• New Rookie players will have a hard time hitting from the ball from the pitching machine to start. Encourage the players to be patient and after some practice they will begin hitting the ball.

• Focus on teaching new skills in small doses and don’t forget positive reinforcement at all times.

Pre-Game Routine

As players arrive at the ball diamond, pair them up with a partner and practice throwing until all players have arrived. Once the whole has arrived, lead the players in stretching and warm-up exercises.

Key Skills It is important for Rookie players to learn proper mechanics of throwing the ball. By teaching your players the proper throwing mechanics, they will be to throw the ball farther and straighter. During Week 1, teach the skill of throwing to all players. Practice this very important skill with the players by breaking them into smaller groups lead by parents/coaches. NOTE: When players advance to the Mosquito level, additional movements will be added to their throwing skills as they learn how to pitch.

Additional Skills During the week, teach players the various infield and outfield positions.

Game Format Play baseball using the pitching machine.

Weekly Tips • Have players run on and off the field to keep the games moving.

• Rotate the players through the outfield and infield positions each inning. Games are only about 3-4 innings long. Continue the rotation where you left off at the next game, so players will have had an opportunity to experience playing in all positions throughout the season. A Player Rotation Chart is attached on Page 23 of this manual to assist with this.

• Keep the game moving by using consistent methods when loading the balls into the pitching machine.

• Observe all players while they are batting and note of their batting technique. Observe the batters and help correct any batting faults.

• Take time after each game to complete a game report, including a few game highlights, to submit to the local newspaper.

• Ensure the pitching machine is returned to the equipment shack after every game and the shack locked when all equipment is returned. The equipment is expensive.

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Week 2 – Fielding Ground Balls Pre-Game Routine

As players arrive at the diamond, use the “soft toss” drill to work with them to improve their batting skills. A t-stand can also be used for players that are new to baseball. Since either of these drills should be conducted by the backstop, only a couple of players can work on batting at a time. Other players can practice their throwing skills with other parents/coaches. It takes patience, proper skills and practice in order to improve batting. Once the whole team has arrived, lead the players in stretching and warm-up exercises.

Key Skills Teach your players the basics of fielding ground balls.

• Break the team into small groups and have parents/coaches work on this skill with the players.

• Emphasize that the players should get down low (like sitting on a toilet) while fielding the ball.

• The glove should be kept low to the ground and out in front of the body so they can see the ball going into the glove.

• Teach the three “R” positions: Relaxed, Ready and Receiving. Continue to work with players on their batting. Make quick simple changes to help them improve their batting. Do not hold up a game to try and make major adjustments to a player’s batting – do these in pre-game warm-ups.

Additional Skills A “forced out” occurs when a base runner is forced to advance around the bases by a hit ball. During the week, teach players that they can make an “out” if the fielder picks up a ball and touches the base before the runner reaches base.

• For example, if a runner is on 1st base and the ball is hit, the batter is running to 1st, forcing the runner on 1st to move to 2nd base. If the ball is picked up or thrown to the 2nd baseman, and they touch the base before the runner arrives, the runner is out.

• If there is only a runner on 2nd base, for example, the runner is not forced to run. So, if the hit went to the 3rd baseman and the runner advanced, the 3rd baseman would need to “tag” the runner to get an out.

Reinforce the “teamwork” concept. At this age, players have a tendency to field the ball and then run across the diamond to make a play at a base.

• Encourage players to field the ball and then throw it to a teammate who is covering a base. (Note: This is why we have a rule preventing runners from taking an extra base when a ball is overthrown. It helps to encourage players to make the throw without negative consequences.)

Game Format Day 3 -- Play baseball using the pitching machine. Day 4 – Utilize BlastBall, using coach pitch and a run does not score until they reach home as usual.

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Week 3 – Catching the Ball Weekly Tips • Have players run on and off the field to keep the games moving.


Pre-Game Routine

As players arrive at the diamond, use the “soft toss” drill to work with them to improve their batting skills. A t-stand can also be used for players that are new to baseball. Since either of these drills should be conducted by the backstop, only a couple of players can work on batting at a time. Other players can practice their throwing skills with other parents/coaches. It takes patience, proper skills and practice in order to improve batting. Once the whole team has arrived, lead the players in stretching and warm-up exercises.

Key Skills Teach your players the basics of how to catch the ball.

• Break the team into small groups and have parents/coaches work on this skill with the players.

• Players should get into the habit of cushioning the ball as they catch it as opposed to jabbing their glove at the ball.

• Emphasize using two hands to catch the ball at all times.

• When catching a ball above the waist, the player’s glove thumb and bare hand thumb are together and open, ready to catch the ball.

• When the ball is caught below the waist, the player’s glove pinky and bare hand pinky are together and open, ready to catch the ball.

• Play a throwing/catching game by parking up the players. They should stand about 20 feet apart. See which pair can make the most throws in one minute.

Additional Skills Teach players how to field the ball and made a throw in one continuous movement.

• The importance of fielding the ball with two hands becomes apparent when you integrate fielding ground balls and throwing the ball into one continuous smooth motion.

• Removing the ball from the glove to make the throw is quicker when the bare hand is already positioned beside the glove when making a catch.

Teach the players how to play 1st base.

• Draw a line down the middle of the base parallel to the foul line – the 1st baseman use the infield side of the base for making plays and leaves the outside part of the base for the runner. This is an unspoken rule in baseball that helps prevent collisions between the runner and 1st baseman.

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Additional Skills Cont’d

• If the player at 1st base sees the ball is not hit to them, they should set up at the base. The throwing side foot should be against the bag. Players should learn not to freeze their foot to the bag – they may have to move away from the base to stop a wild throw and then return to the base to make the play.

• Teach the 1st baseman to hold their glove open and out in front of the body, facing toward the throw, to provide a good target. The baseman should stretch for the ball only if the play at 1st base is going to be close.

Teach players how to play 2nd base and shortstop.

• These two positions play a little deeper toward the outfield in comparison to 1st and 3rd base positions. The extra depth gives them more time to react to fielding a ball hit up the middle of the diamond.

• Show the players how to cover 2nd base. For example, when the ball it hit to the left side of the diamond, the shortstop will field the ball and the 2nd baseman will cover 2nd base. When the ball is hit to the right side of the field, the 2nd baseman will field the ball and the shortstop will cover 2nd base.

• No matter which player covers 2nd base, they set up by squarely facing the teammate who will throw them the ball.

Game Format Play baseball using the pitching machine.



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Week 4 – Improving Batting Skills Comments By Week 4 you will find that players are making some fairly accurate throws

and, in some cases, throwing further than expected. Emphasize to players receiving a thrown ball that they need to make a good target with their glove open and the bare hand positioned beside the glove. Newer players are probably having some difficulty hitting the ball. Load the balls into the pitching machine in a consistent manner. Old squishy balls tend to make for an inconsistent pitch. Remove these balls from the bucket and don’t use in the machine (these can still be used for “soft toss” drills, etc.)

Pre-Game Routine

As players arrive at the diamond, use the “soft toss” drill to work with them to improve their batting skills. Other players can practice their throwing skills with other parents/coaches. It takes patience, proper skills and practice in order to improve batting. Once the whole team has arrived, lead the players in stretching and warm-up exercises.

Key Skills During Week 4 focus on improving your team’s batting skills by teaching the basic mechanics of batting a ball.

• Players will require individual instruction with their batting.

• Closely observe the batter and correct their batting faults.

• Be resourceful during batting practice. Since this drill should be conducted by the backstop, only a couple of players can work on batting at a time. Other players can practice their throwing skills with other parents/coaches. Each team playing on the diamond can use opposite sides of the backstop so both teams can practice at the same time.

Additional Skills Teach players how to play 3rd base.

• Teach the 3rd baseman to keep the baseline clear for the runner.

• If there is a play at 3rd base, instruct the 3rd baseman to set up on the bag squarely facing the person throwing to them.

• After making the catch, the 3rd baseman should come off the bag to avoid a collision with the runner.

Teach the players to anticipate where the ball is going to be thrown.

• Have them back up the person receiving the ball in case the throw is wild. For example, the right fielder would run in to back up a throw from the shortstop to the 2nd baseman. Infielders and outfielders should always be thinking of backing up throws.

Game Format Day 7-- Play baseball using the pitching machine. Day 8– Utilize BlastBall, using coach pitch and a run does not score until they reach home as usual.

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• Players should focus on doing their best and having fun, while parents/ coaches are slowly improving the skill level of the players. Always praise the players for their accomplishments.

• If younger players are not quite grasping the skills, remember they will be taught again in their second year of Rookie baseball. The focus of the skills development is long-term.

• Let the player’s know that they will learn how to slide next week and they should wear old pants and socks.


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Week 5 – Base Running, Sliding and Tagging Out Comments Half of the ball season is over and players are gradually improving. Continue

to provide lots of positive feedback to players for doing anything that resembles the skills being taught and for good effort. Be verbal with your positive reinforcement. Your goal is to catch and acknowledge every player on the team for doing something good. Do not ignore or leave out the players who may be having difficulties with new skills. Also, parents/coaches should start pitching to the batters, underhand at first to get them used to the pitch, but the ball must not be lobbed.

Pre-Game Routine


Key Skills As players start to hit more often, defensive players also improve their fielding and throwing skills. Consequently, base running will require extra emphasis.

• Base runners should be taught to listen and watch their base coaches while running bases. Base coaches should make sure that players run the bases aggressively.

• Parents/coaches should not forget that the focus of the game are to have fun and not get overly excited at the Rookie level trying to entice players to run extra bases in order to manufacture runs to win the game.

• The intent is to make players aware of more competitive base running that they will see as they move up into other levels of baseball.

• If the batter hits the ball and it is just in the infield, the batter should run straight through 1st base and stop about 10 feet past the base, turning off the field.

One of the most fun sessions of the season can be teaching the players how to slide. (If you have a Slip n’ Slide, this is a great tool to help teach the skill!)

• Take the players into the outfield and have them remove their shoes (ensure that you walk over the area and there is no debris or glass).

• Two parents/coaches will hold a 3-foot piece of string about 2 feet off the ground. A parent/coach will hold a loose base on the ground just beyond the string.

• Players will take turns by running and sliding under the string so their foot comes in contact with the base.

• Players should not slide on head first into the base with the hands extended out in front of the body.

• Slide feet first, throwing the arms above the head.

• It is important for players to learn this skill before they move up to Mosquito where they are sliding on shale.

Rookie Manual


Key Skills Cont’d This is a great time to work with fielders on “tagging” out base runners that

are sliding into a base.

• Emphasize to the baseman to make a low tag and hold the ball in the glove while making the tag so it doesn’t pop out of the glove.

Additional Skills Base runners will sometime get caught between two bases with the infielders trying to chase them and tag them out. (Note: The “run down” play can be introduced, but do not expect most players to be able to execute this skill well, as many are still working on the basics and this may be too advanced for some.)

• If a runner is caught between two bases, fielders will try to force the runner back to the previous base.

• Ideally, only one throw should be needed to get the runner out.

• Timing of the throw is important to get the runner just as they are nearing the base.

• Teach the players that if they run more than 3 feet off the baseline, they will be called out.

Game Format Play baseball, with a coach pitching to the players.


• Players should focus on doing their best and having fun, while parents/ coaches work to improve their skill level. Always praise the players for their accomplishments, big or small.

• If younger players are not quite grasping the skills, remember they will be taught again in their second year of Rookie baseball. The focus of the skills development is long-term.


Rookie Manual


Week 6 – Outfielding Comments By the end of Week 6 players should be able to hit a pitched ball. For those

who are not yet hitting the ball, observe them closely for faults that can be corrected. Be sure to praise players for doing anything that resembles the skills they are being taught. Stay focused on the fun aspects of the game and the development of basic skills.

Pre-Game Routine


Key Skills Outfielders are the most important players on the field, but most players don’t understand the importance of these positions. Teach them that they are the last line of defense – if the ball gets past an outfielder, it means the base runner can advance an extra base or two or three.

• Outfielders need to track down a fly ball while they are running, which can be tricky for a Rookie player.

• Break the team into small groups. Parents/coaches can throw short pop-ups directly at the players in the group from about 10 feet away.

• Teach the outfielders to get under the ball and bend their knees while making the catch in order to cushion the ball.

• Players should use two hands to catch the ball and not just jab at it.

• Parents/coaches can roll grounders or one-hoppers to the fields in the group. Have them get down on one knee to block and catch the ball (knee to the side of the body to help block the ball, not in front).

Additional Skills Once players master catching fly balls, base runners will have to learn when they can or can’t run when a pop-up fly is hit.

• Players should run half way to 2nd base if the pop fly is hit to right field. If the ball is caught, the base runner goes back to 1st base. If the ball is dropped, they have time to advance to 2nd.

• If a fly ball is hit deeper to the outfield, they can wait on the base and after the fielder catches the ball, the base runner can run to the next base if possible.

Game Format Play baseball, with a coach pitching to the players.

Weekly Tips • The Rookie Director will be looking for help planning the year-end Rookie wind-up event that is held on the last day of the season. One parent/coach from each team will be required to assist with planning.


Rookie Manual


Week 7 – Catcher Skills Comments It’s Week 7 and you should be seeing improvement in the player’s skill levels.

Jump right into the game a little sooner than usual this week and spend less time on formal skills instruction. Improve individual player’s skills in small does during the games.

Pre-Game Routine

Once the whole team has arrived, lead the players in stretching and warm-up exercises.

Key Skills It’s important not to forget to teach our young players some of the basic skills needed to be a catcher. Not all catcher skills are used in Rookie, which is why this skill was left to the end of the season. Only briefly work on these skills so that the players have some knowledge of what to do. (Note: Do not place a player who is scared of the ball in the catching position.) Introduce the players to pitching skills. Some players will be anxious to learn how to pitch and it is important to encourage them in this area, but also to start them off with the correct mechanics.

Additional Skills Take time to teach any other skills that you have not have had time for as yet.

Game Format Play baseball, with a coach pitching to the players or perhaps a player pitching if the coach feels the player has showed sufficient talent not to slow the game down too much.

Weekly Tips • Assist with organizing the wind-up event.

• Invite your sponsor to the year-end wind-up event.

• Have fun!

• Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair along to the wind-up!

Rookie Manual


Week 8 – Final Game and Year-End Wind-Up Comments This is the final week of the ball season and time has passed by very quickly.

Give yourself a pat on the back for helping to teach the young players the key skills of the game. Learning the new skills can be slow and tedious for players, but as they progress through the baseball program in the next two or three years, the skills they have learned become the foundation that make the game fun and interesting. Most of all, we hope that you, as well as the players, had a lot of fun!

Pre-Game Routine

Once the whole team has arrived, lead the players in stretching and warm-up exercises.

Key Skills Review

Take the players into the outfield and quickly review the skills that the players learned this season verbally. For first year Rookie players, their skills, including batting, will noticeably improve next season. For second year players that are moving up to Mosquito next season, they will have a foundation of key skills that will be refined further and look forward to learning about strategy.

Additional Skills Review extra skills that were taught to the players.

Game Format Day 15 -- Play baseball, with a coach pitching to the players or perhaps a player pitching if the coach feels the player has showed sufficient talent not to slow the game down too much. Day 16 – Year-End Wind-Up

Weekly Tips • Following the game, fasten you equipment shack key (if appropriate) to your equipment bag handle and lock your bag and all equipment in the equipment shack.

• Remind players and their families that the year-end wind-up is the next day on your schedule.

Year-End Wind-Up Format The last night of the season is a wind-up event for the players and their

families. The Category Director will begin making plans for the event about two weeks before the end of the season, and will be looking for volunteers to assist with the preparations. Please ensure at least one person assists the Director. The event usually is a barbeque, with a few fun games for the players and presentation of medallions to each player. The wind-up committee will determine the cost of their event and collect player/family fees to cover expenses. Fort Saskatchewan Minor Baseball provides player medallions.

Rookie Manual


Player Rotation Charts Seven Player Team

Inning Player

C 3rd LF SS RF 1st 2nd

3rd LF SS RF 1st 2nd C

LF SS RF 1st 2nd C 3rd

SS RF 1st 2nd C 3rd LF

RF 1st 2nd C 3rd LF SS

1st 2nd C 3rd LF SS RF

2nd C 3rd LF SS RF 1st Batting Order

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Player Positions LF 3rd SS 2nd RF C 1st

Rookie Manual


Eight Player Team

Inning Player

C 3rd LF SS CF 1st RF 2nd

3rd LF SS CF 1st RF 2nd C

LF SS CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd

SS CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF

CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF SS

1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF SS CF

RF 2nd C 3rd LF SS CF 1st

2nd C 3rd LF SS CF 1st RF Batting Order

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Player Positions LF CF 3rd SS 2nd RF C 1st

Rookie Manual


Nine Player Team

Inning Player

C 3rd LF P SS CF 1st RF 2nd

3rd LF P SS CF 1st RF 2nd C

LF P SS CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd

P SS CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF

SS CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF P

CF 1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF P SS

1st RF 2nd C 3rd LF P SS CF

RF 2nd C 3rd LF P SS CF 1st

2nd C 3rd LF P SS CF 1st RF Batting Order

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Player Positions LF CF 3rd SS 2nd P RF C 1st

Fair Play Codes

Coach’s Code: • Be responsible in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember

that they have other interests as well. • Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements that no one should avoid or

break. • Group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible. • Avoid over-playing the more talented players. The “just average” players also need and

deserve fair playing time. • Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of the game. • Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game. • Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age

and ability of players. Report any problems with equipment or facilities to the FSMBA Executive.

• Scheduling and the length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the players.

• Develop team respect for the ability of their opponents, as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.

• Follow the advise of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

• Remember that players need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Set a good example.

• Make a personal commitment to stay informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

• Always remember, “The successful coach invests more in the well being and interests of the players that in the win-loss record of their team.”

Player’s Code: • Play for the “fun of it,” not just to please your parent or coach. • Play by the rules. • Never argue with an official’s decision. Let your coach ask the necessary questions. • Control your temper. Do not throw your bat or other equipment, and no “mouthing off.” • Work hard for both yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will

your own. • Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether they are your teams’ or your opponents. • Treat other players like you want to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair

advantage of other players. • Remember the goals of baseball are: to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don’t be a

show-off or always try to get the negative attention. • Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents – without them, you don’t have a game. • Always remember, “It isn’t whether you win or lose, but how you play the game!”

Parent’s Code: • Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports. • Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours. • Encourage your child always to play by the rules. • Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is

accepted without undue disappointment. • Turn defeat to victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good

sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or affecting in a loss for their team.

• Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your child’s team and members of the opposing team.

• Do not publicly question the officials’ judgment and never their honestly. • Support all effort to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities. • Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and

resources to provide recreational activities for your child. • Always remember, “A child learns to be a good sport at home. By the time a child dons a

uniform or joins a team, a sense of sportsmanship (or lack thereof) has already been established.

Spectator’s Code: • Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain

you, and they are not miniature pro athletes. • Be on your best behavior. Don’t use profane language. Never ridicule, scold or harass a

player(s) for making a mistake during a game, coaches or officials. You could be asked to leave.

• Applaud good plays made by both teams. • Respect the officials’ decisions. • Encourage players to play according to the rules • Always remember, “Fans don’t play fair when they mistake children at play for professional

athletes.”

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