Youth Baseball

Manual
2 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL
Youth Baseball Manual

INTRODUCTION 5 THE PARENTS/GUARDIANS 28

HEALTH AND SAFETY 6 COMMUNICATION 28

ABUSE AWARENESS 6 COACHING YOUR OWN CHILD 28

BASIC FIRST AID 6 PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT 29

PITCH SMART 8 MANAGING CONFLICTS 31

THE COACH 10 PRACTICES 33

PHILOSOPHY 10 GOALS OF PRACTICES 34

CODE OF CONDUCT 11 PLANNING 35

THE BIG PICTURE 13 USA BASEBALL MOBILE COACH APP 36

PLANNING 14 SKILL DEVELOPMENT 37

THE TEAM 19 BASIC THROWING PROGRAM 37

TEAM CULTURE 19 GAMES 41

TEAM ENVIRONMENT 19 GOALS OF GAMES 41

TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL GOALS 21 PLANNING FOR GAMES 41

INCLUSIVITY 23 IN-GAME MANAGEMENT 43

BENEFITS OF PLAYING MULTIPLE SPORTS 23 RESOURCES 48

SEASON OPENING TEAM MEETING 24 TEAM CONTACT INFORMATION 50

ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES 26 TEAM ROSTER 51

MANAGING CONFLICTS 27 SAMPLE PRACTICE PLANS 52

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 3

4 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL
Introduction
This youth baseball manual has been developed maximum engagement, movement and
to support the thousands of dedicated baseball physical activity.
coaches around the country in their mission to ● The benefits of supporting your athletes’
provide a positive, development-based experience participation in multiple sports.
for their athletes. The manual can serve as a blueprint ● Managing relationships within your program,
for building a productive environment for athletes, including conflict resolution techniques.
and a call to action for coaches to work towards ● Developing a positive team culture.
the betterment of the youth baseball experience. ● Best practices concerning health and safety.
Key concepts that this manual covers include ● Keeping it fun!
the following:
● The importance of emphasizing enjoyment of
the game and the best interests of the athletes.
● How to create appropriate practice and
game plans based on the USA Baseball
American Development Model that enables

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 5

Health and Safety
REL ATED LINKS
Abuse Awareness
● Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
BASE is USA Baseball’s zero-tolerance campaign ● Hazing
for any type of abuse within the sport of baseball. ● Physical Misconduct
For coaches, BASE can help you create plans for ● Sexual Misconduct
handling safety issues that may arise within your team. ● Emotional Misconduct
All coaches on the coaching staff must complete the ● Harassment
BASE Compliance program at USABDevelops.com. ● Background Checks
● Bullying
Athletes can achieve more in a safe setting, and
coaches can contribute to this growth by making sure
that they are offering the safest setting possible. Basic First Aid
For additional information and resources from the Emergencies, injuries, and natural disasters are rarely
BASE program, please visit USABASE.org. USA predictable, however, having a controlled plan and
Baseball provides an effective and inexpensive resources in place can help mitigate any confusion
away for organizations to track and manage and increase response time to get aid to those who
coaches’ completions of the BASE Compliance. need it. Recognizing when athletes are injured in any
If you would like for your organization to manner is a critical responsibility for all coaches.
become a BASE Organization, please email All coaches, volunteers, and athletes should be
[email protected]. well informed on all common injuries and illnesses,
their signs and symptoms, and the processes to go
REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES about treating them. If an athlete continues to play
when injured, there is an increased risk of a more
serious injury.

The following outlines various plans and resources

that you, as well as the practice and game facility,
should have in place to help keep your athletes safe
at the ballpark. Please note, coaches should receive
formal training on First Aid, CPR and AED prior to
stepping on the field.

● Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

○ Every facility should have an Emergency
Action Plan that is reviewed and
rehearsed annually by all coaches

6 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 and facility staff to ensure that should gloves. Gloves should always be worn
an emergency occur, everything runs when treating a bleeding athlete.
smoothly. An Emergency Action Plan
should be a written document (ideally ● Safety Equipment
one to two pages) that is posted in ○ While you can ensure athletes are
a public location and distributed to wearing the appropriate safety
certified athletic trainers, teams, staff, equipment, such as helmets, catcher’s
administrators, coaches, and parents. It gear, and protective cups, injuries may
should include step-by-step directions still occur. To better prepare yourself
such as, but not limited to: for how to handle any injuries or health
◦ Contact information for local concerns, remember these tips:
emergency medical service ◦ Every team or facility should have
providers (EMS, Police, Fire) and an easily accessible first aid kit,
other pertinent emergency numbers. inclusive of bandages, ice packs,
◦ Facility address, locations or maps, athletic tape, and plastic gloves.
specific directions, and global ◦ If an athlete is struck by a baseball,
positioning coordinates. either via a thrown or batted ball,
◦ Personnel names, contact go out to the athlete and check on
information, and responsibilities. him or her. If the area is swelling or
◦ The equipment needed to carry out bleeding, take the athlete out of the
the tasks required in the event of an game to provide medical attention.
emergency and the location of the ◦ Injuries often occur when athletes
equipment. This includes the location slide into bases. For minor scrapes
of the nearest AED if available. and cuts, give athletes medical
◦ Identification of the mode of attention on-site and determine
transport for the injured participant. their ability to reenter the game on
◦ Identification of the emergency care a case-by-case basis. For major
facility that the injured participant injuries, such as broken bones, keep
should be taken to. the athlete where he or she is and
◦ Detailed plans for the event of seek professional medical attention.
natural disasters/emergencies, such ◦ Any time athletes are struck in the
as severe storms, lightning, flooding, head, they should be removed
earthquakes, tornadoes, and fires. from any activity and a medical
professional should examine him
● Basic First Aid Kit or her for a concussion as soon
○ Each team and facility should have a as possible. If an athlete has a
basic first aid kit for injuries. Some items concussion, he or she should take
the kit should include are as follows: the required rest time prescribed by
Bandages of various shapes and sizes, doctors before returning to play.
oval eye pads, hypo-allergenic first aid
tape in dispenser, antiseptic wipes, first
aid cream, instant cold pack, over the
counter pain reliever medicine, scissors,
tweezers, first aid guide, and disposable

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 7

REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES risk of injury. Pitch Smart is a series of practical, age-
appropriate guidelines to help parents, athletes,
and coaches avoid overuse injuries and foster long,
healthy careers for youth pitchers.

Pitch Smart provides a valuable resource for ways

in which you can work to prevent arm injuries. To
REL ATED LINKS further aim to prevent arm injuries, remember these
key tips for safe pitching practices:
● Written Risk Management ● Ask your pitchers when they last threw, and
● Heat Illness Prevention how much they threw in that outing.
● Competitive Edge ● Pay close attention to pitchers as they are
● Overtraining warming up. If a pitcher looks as if his or her
● Electronic Communication arm is sore, be sure to talk to the pitcher and
● Patterns of Injury decide if he or she is unable to compete that
● Facility Risk Management day.
● Hydration Guidelines ● If a pitcher verbalizes that their arm is hurting,
● Ice & Heat take them out of the game to rest.
● Travel Tips ● If you notice a pitcher grabbing their elbow
● Concussions or shoulder, or favoring their arm in any way
● Locker Room Tips while on the mound, call timeout to check on
● The Injured Athlete the pitcher and take them out of the game to
● Lightning Safety rest.
● Minimize the amount of time pitchers spend
playing catch immediately before and after
Pitch Smart pitching appearances.
● Disregard the game setting and the
USA Baseball and MLB have teamed up to help scoreboard, and prioritize the athlete’s long-
young athletes reduce arm injuries by providing a term arm health.
comprehensive resource for safe pitching practices.
Baseball is a safe game to play at all ages, By using the Pitch Smart guidelines (Figure 1) as
but research has shown that pitching too much, your team’s pitch count standards, you will help to
particularly at a young age, can increase a pitcher’s better protect your athletes’ arms and teach them
safe pitching practices. The chart below shows the

FIGURE
1
PITCH COUNTS AND REQUIRED REST
FOR ALL PLAYERS

AGE 0 DAYS REST 1 DAYS REST 2 DAYS REST 3 DAYS REST 4 DAYS REST 5 DAYS REST

7-8 1-20 21-35 36-50 N/A N/A N/A

9-10 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+ N/A
11-12 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+ N/A
13-14 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+ N/A
15-16 1-30 35-45 46-60 61-75 76+ N/A
17-18 1-30 31-45 46-60 61-80 81+ N/A
19-22 1-30 31-45 46-60 61-80 81-105 106+

8 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

pitch count guidelines for each age group and the
recommended days of rest per pitches thrown. The
days of rest are calendar days, meaning the day
after a pitching outing is day one. For example, if
a pitcher who is 12 years old throws 45 pitches on
a Saturday, he or she would be available to pitch
again that next Tuesday (Sunday and Monday
being the recommended two days of rest).

A Pitch Smart Compliance program has been

developed to assist the public in identifying the
organizations that have adopted Pitch Smart
guidelines and principles. If your organization would
like to become Pitch Smart Compliant, please email
[email protected].

REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES

REL ATED LINKS

● Pitch Smart

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 9

The Coach
● People-Oriented Leaders (Social
Philosophy Leaders)
1. Democratic: Coach and athletes have a
One of the most important exercises you can do as say in team matters, decisions made by
a coach is create and write down your coaching consensus.
philosophy. It is USA Baseball’s goal to provide a 2. Laissez-Faire: Little or no direction,
positive and impactful sport experience to athletes individuality is the norm, communication
at every level of the game by developing competent, is two-way.
caring coaches who mold and shape young athletes
into leaders. As a coach you can be one of the most ● Transactional Leaders
influential people in your athletes’ lives. By becoming ○ Focused on actions, performance, and
a role model for your athletes, you can create an effort. All drills, practices, and training
atmosphere of positivity and fun for your entire exercises are focused on individual and
team. The research on sport is clear: the number one team improvement (getting a little better
reason that kids begin playing a sport is because it is each time, each day) and impacting the
FUN! The number one reason that kids drop out of a desired result of winning.
sport is because it is no longer fun. You have a direct
impact on encouraging your athletes to be lifelong ● Transformational Leaders
participants of the game by keeping their baseball ○ Strive to build athletes through teamwork,
experience fun. responsibility, hard work, respect, and
sportsmanship. Developing the team
Coaches who put genuine thought into how they through selflessness, working towards
want to approach and organize time on the a shared vision, and focusing on team
diamond not only maximize their productivity, building are the main objectives.
but also provide their athletes with a positive and
enriching experience. When creating your coaching One thing to keep in mind is that these four styles are
philosophy, consider the following leadership styles: all useful, given the situation. Being adaptive in your
leadership style is highly effective. Which style do
● Task-Oriented Leaders you identify with?
1. Autocratic: One-way communication,
“my way or the highway” coaching Legendary coaches and renowned leaders often
approach. possess the following strengths: good listening skills,
2. Dictatorial: Two-way communication, patience, clear expectations, strong organizational
coach has the final say. skills, the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships,
and excellent communication. When creating your
coaching philosophy, be sure to reflect on those traits
and others and ask yourself, “What kind of coach do
I want to be?”

10 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

REL ATED LINKS
Code of Conduct
● Leadership Style
● How to Help Your Athletes Achieve A Code of Conduct is intended to provide standards
Their Goals of ethical conduct that can be applied to any
● Coaching Philosophy baseball team and organization.
● Quality Coaching
● Best Coaches in the Country Baseball is played at numerous levels including
● Be Who You Want Your Team to Be professional, collegiate, interscholastic, community,
and recreational, as well as extending from the local
level to international competitions. The responsibility
of all athletes, coaches, umpires, officials and

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 11

workers is to abide by only the highest level of The coach should be thoroughly acquainted
sportsmanship and conduct. with baseball rules and be responsible for their
interpretation to team members. The coach should
Coaches must be aware that they have tremendous not try to seek an advantage by circumvention of the
influence, either good or bad, in the development of spirit or letter of the rules. Athletes should be taught
the baseball athlete, and thus, should never place to respect the dignity of the game, umpires, and
the value of winning above fostering the highest their opponents.
desirable ideals of character.
Coaches should confine their discussion to
In all personal contact with the athletes, umpires, the rules and not challenge umpire decisions
officials, administrators, state and national involving judgment.
organizations, the media, and the public, the coach
should strive to set an example of the highest ethical Coaches should actively use their influence to
and moral conduct. enhance sportsmanship by their athletes and
spectators. Before and after contests, rival coaches
Coaches should prohibit bench jockeying, including should meet and exchange friendly greetings in
all personal and malicious remarks, cursing and order to set the correct tone for the game.
obscene language towards opponents, umpires
or spectators. Umpires should be treated with respect and support
by the coach. The coach should not indulge in
The coach should take an active role in the prevention conduct which will incite athletes or spectators
of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse and under no against the umpires. Public criticism of umpires or
circumstances authorize or endorse their use. athletes is unethical.

The coach should never use alcohol or tobacco Coaches should expect a courteous and dignified
products when in contact with athletes. attitude from the umpires. Coaches should never

12 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

engage in sexual harassment, abuse, or any allowing your athletes to be loose and
other harassment. enjoy themselves as long as they are still
on task, never asking your athletes to do
Coaches should develop and promote a spirit of something you would not do (such as
cooperation among the baseball family, including excessive punishment runs), encouraging
sponsors, the community, and any person connected your athletes to discuss the game with
with the program. you, and mixing in fun competition-driven
games and drills within a practice.
Coaches should recognize the responsibility
encumbered upon them to model ethical behavior. ● Prioritizing Sportsmanship
They should pledge themselves to observe, practice, ○ One of the greatest character traits
and maintain this code of ethics. A coach should baseball can teach all athletes is
be committed to having a constructive impact on sportsmanship. Start teaching your
athletes, understanding the game’s general health athletes about sportsmanship by
and safety components, and keeping the integrity explaining what it is and what it includes:
of the game. Further, a coach should be committed playing fair, being honest, following the
to recognizing and responding to misconduct and to rules of the game, respecting officials,
creating a safe environment for all athletes, coaches, coaches, teammates, and opponents at
parents, and umpires within the game of baseball. all times, and remembering the golden
rule to treat others as you wish to be
REL ATED LINKS treated.

● Ethical Coaching Decisions ● Being an Encourager

● The Game is About Players’ Fun, Not ○ Your athletes need constructive criticism
Coaches’ Knowledge to improve. However, in order to get the
most out of your athletes, it is important
to provide them with specific, truthful
The Big Picture praises as well. If you balance your
criticism with praise, your athletes will
Ultimately, baseball is just a game, and games are be more likely to accept the constructive
meant to be fun! With that in mind, sports can also criticism since they will be more confident
be impactful vehicles for character development. It from your earlier praise. This will give
can be easy to get caught up in the minute details of your athletes a realistic sense of where
the game, especially when a game is on the line, but they need to improve and how to do
taking a step back occasionally and looking at the so, and it will ensure them that you as a
big picture can help to guide your perspective when coach will communicate honestly and
coaching youth athletes. The big picture includes: help them improve.

● Keeping a Positive and Fun ● Helping Athletes Reach Goals

Environment ○ The most basic desire that every athlete
○ Athletes can achieve more when they has of their coach is for their coach to
are having fun. You can create a positive help them play better. However, it might
and fun environment to make sure your not be as simple and straightforward as
team is enjoying the game by: praising it sounds. Helping your athletes reach
your athletes when they do skills well, their goals often requires a more creative

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 13

 approach, such as using video, music, skills for success in the game. The following (Figure
or other forms of technology to help you 2) is an excerpt from the ADM that explains the
connect with them. One of the quickest developmentally appropriate time frames for
ways to lose your team’s attention is to practicing and competing (playing in games) for
forget the game of baseball is difficult. each age group. When creating your season plans,
It is important to remind yourself that the follow the periodization and competition schedules
game seems a lot easier when you are below for the age group you are coaching.
not the one playing. Keep this in mind
when determining your expectations of To explore the ADM, click the link below.
your athletes.
American Development Model
REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
Stages of Planning

The following are items to consider in the pre-season,

practice, and game stages of planning.

PRE-SEASON PLANNING:
REL ATED LINKS ● Coach Philosophy: What type of coach
do you want to be?
● Making Baseball Fun Again ● The Coaching Staff: Who will help you
● Cultivating Communication lead and coach the team?
● Displaying Sportsmanship ● Team Logistics: Team name, practice and
● Sportsmanship on the Field game times and locations, schedule
● Spreading Sportsmanship ● Team Gear: Equipment, uniforms
● Magic Ratio ● Team Culture and Environment: What
● Setting Goals values do you want your team to uphold?
● How to Help Your Athletes Achieve ● Coach Education and Certification:
Goals USA Baseball Coach Certification
○ The USA Baseball Coach Certification
Program is a certification pathway
Planning for any individuals who are currently
coaching baseball or aspire to coach at
The secret to having a successful experience at any level of the game. The program aims
practices, games, and even for the entire season to create a higher standard of coaching
often comes down to planning. education and enhance the ability of
coaches to better serve their athletes,
American Development Model their team, and the communities.
○ The pathway consists of three
When planning for baseball activities, it is important certification levels (“A,” “B,” and “C”),
to follow developmentally appropriate programs. which are each free of cost, and require
The USA Baseball American Development Model the completion of a series of courses,
(ADM) provides an in-depth look at what activities resources, and programs offered by
are considered developmentally-appropriate at USA Baseball. The curriculum includes
various age levels to ensure athletes are cultivating educational resources that cover topics

14 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 RECREATIONAL TRACK PERIODIZATION AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE
DAYS PER WEEK COMPETITIVE MONTHS
ADM STAGE AGE PRACTICE COMPETITION IN SCHOOL PER YEAR

ACTIVATE Entry to 7 75% 25% 1 to 2 Days 4 Months

DISCOVER 7 to 12 75% 25% 1 to 2 Days 4 Months
PROGRESS 12 to 14 65% 35% 2 to 3 Days 4 to 8 Months
DEVELOP 14 to 16 65% 35% 3 to 4 Days 4 to 8 Months
APPLY 16 to 18 65% 35% 4 to 5 Days 4 to 8 Months
INSPIRE Any 70% 30% At Leisure At Leisure

ADVANCED TRACK PERIODIZATION AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE

DAYS PER WEEK COMPETITIVE MONTHS
ADM STAGE AGE PRACTICE COMPETITION IN SCHOOL PER YEAR

DEVELOP 14 to 16 50% 50% 4 to 5 Days 4 to 8 Months

APPLY 16 to 18 45% 55% 4 to 5 Days 8 Months
EXCEL 19+ Collegiate or Professional Level Development

Figure 2 - American Development Model Schedules

such as health and safety, creating a ○ For more information about USA
positive environment, recognizing and Baseball Coach Certification,
responding to misconduct, practice click here.
planning, game management, skill- ● Athlete Safety: USA Baseball BASE
specific development, and hosting local Compliance
coaching clinics in your own community. ◦ The BASE program provides abuse
Requirements for each level are listed awareness training for amateur
below. baseball coaches across the United
◦ A Certification States and consists of an online
▪ Four Online Courses course and a standard background
▪ “A” Code of Conduct check. The free course provides
◦ B Certification resources to create a positive and
▪ Completion of A Certification safe environment for all athletes,
▪ Nine Online Courses coaches, parents, umpires, and
▪ “B” Code of Conduct spectators by understanding how
◦ C Certification to recognize all types’ misconduct
▪ Completion of A and B and abuse. Topics covered
Certifications include identifying and reporting
▪ Eight Online Courses incidents and the abuse awareness
▪ Community Coaches Clinic policies that should be in place.
▪ “C” Code of Conduct The standard background check

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 15

 is six dollars and includes the JDP is a valuable tool that aims to simplify
National Criminal Database, JDP practice planning for baseball coaches
National Sex Offender Registry, at all levels. The app, which is free to all
along with hundreds of State and users, features the ability for baseball
Federal Sanctions Lists, Fugitive coaches at all levels to plan practices
Watch Lists, FBI Most Wanted, and using drills supplied in the application
Terrorist Watch Lists. through the practice planning function.
◦ For more information about USA The app also includes information
Baseball’s BASE, visit related to Pitch Smart, the American
USABASE.org. Development Model, USA Baseball
Develops education, and athlete safety.
PRACTICE PLANNING: ○ The USA Baseball App features the
● Creating Practice Plans following:
○ USA Baseball has created a tool to ◦ Downloadable from the Apple and
help make practice planning easier and Android application stores.
more readily available through the USA ◦ Drill library with baseball-specific
Baseball app. The USA Baseball app drill documents and videos.

16 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 ◦ Ability for coaches to create includes coaches, scorekeepers, or anyone
practice plans using the drill else who is frequently in the dugout or on the
documents and videos. field.
◦ Practice plans created by USA ● Pitch Smart
Baseball and a panel of experts. ○ USA Baseball and MLB have teamed
◦ Access to free USA Baseball Online up to help young athletes reduce arm
Education courses, inclusive of skill- injuries by providing a comprehensive
specific and culture-based courses. resource for safe pitching practices.
◦ Information on USA Baseball’s Baseball is a safe game to play at all
American Development Model. ages, but research has shown that
● Skill Development: pitching too much — particularly at a
○ USA Baseball hosts a library of Online young age — can increase a pitcher’s
Education Courses that cover the various risk of injury. Pitch Smart is a series of
baseball skills that athletes can practice practical, age-appropriate guidelines to
and develop. The courses, geared help parents, athletes and coaches avoid
towards coaches, provide insight into overuse injuries and foster long, healthy
teaching new skills and helping athletes careers for youth pitchers.
build confidence while mastering skills. ○ Visit PitchSmart.org for more
◦ To view the course catalog and take information.
the courses, please click here.
○ USA Baseball offers free Community
Coaches Clinics for coaches at any level
in the game. The clinics feature entry-
level content and drills from coaches and
are three hours long. A library of past
virtual Community Coaches Clinics can
be found here.

GAME PLANNING:
● Game Logistics: Location, Game Time,
Team Arrival Time, Uniform
○ These communications from the coaching
staff should be to the team and parents
as a whole group, not to individual
athletes. If the communication is directed
at one athlete, the athlete’s parents or
guardians should be included in the
communication.
● Game Details: Line Up, Substitutions,
Pitching Rotations, Pre-Game Warm Up
● Responsibilities of the Coaching Staff:
Who are the 1st and 3rd base coaches? Who
is the scorekeeper? Who is in the dugout?
Anyone who has repeated contact with minor
athletes needs to be BASE Compliant. This

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 17

18 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL
The Team
REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
Team Culture
Culture is the integrated pattern of human knowledge,
belief, and behavior that depends upon the
capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to
succeeding generations. It is the customary beliefs,
social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious REL ATED LINKS
or social group. It is also the characteristic features
of everyday existence shared by people in a place ● Respect Officials
or time. It is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, ● Clubhouse Culture
and practices that characterizes an institution or ● Culture is a Verb
organization. Ultimately, culture is the way you and ● Culture is a Verb - Part II
your team do things on a regular basis. ● Culture is a Verb - Part III
● Culture is a Verb - Part IV
A good team culture starts with good leadership
that makes the distinction between individual goals
and team goals. Developing a team culture that Team Environment
takes priority over a “me-first” attitude is challenging
at every age level. It is never too early to instill One of the most challenging tasks of a coach is
responsibility, accountability, and good habits within bringing a team together as a collective group and
a group, and to help them understand their own moving towards the same goal. The environment
individual goals and collectively create a list of their in which a team practices and competes is vital to
team goals. When establishing your team’s culture, the overall success of the team, both on and off the
consider the following and be sure to get the athletes field. Below are several factors that help to create a
involved in the process: successful team environment:
1. What values do we as a team view as most
important? ● Maintain Respect and Safety
2. What kind of team do we want to be? ○ Ensure all coaches have completed the
3. How can we improve ourselves and help our BASE program through USA Baseball.
teammates? ○ Model appropriate behavior.
4. What are the smaller goals that move us ○ Set standards before the season starts
towards the ultimate goal? and communicate them with parents,
5. How can we be good teammates? athletes, and coaches.
6. How can the coaching staff help the athletes? ○ Avoid using explicit language.
7. How can the athletes help the coaching staff? ○ Ensure athletes are wearing proper
8. Are there any routines we can do as a team? safety equipment.

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 19

 ● Show Care Towards Athletes athlete needs to feel supported so that
○ Engage in team-building games and when he or she does make a mistake or
activities. start to struggle, the athlete knows that
○ Participate in community service projects. the coach and team are supportive.
○ Share personal stories and anecdotes.
○ Initiate team gatherings, such as dinners ● Avoid Excessive Pressure
or barbecues. ○ Coaches often put too much pressure
on their athletes, trying to pump them up
● Create Autonomy for the game, but oftentimes that added
○ Allow athletes to make decisions on their pressure can make them play more
own, and not rely on the coach to make timidly and be afraid to make mistakes.
every in-game decision. When athletes
are empowered to make decisions, they ● Provide Recognition
often take more ownership of the game, ○ Athletes need to be periodically
assume more responsibility for their recognized for the good things they do
actions, and become more confident of by the coaching staff. This promotes
their skills. a positive environment that increases
confidence.
● Provide Support
○ Support is needed throughout games ● Develop Trust
and practices, but it becomes crucial ○ Coaches must trust the athletes to make
when an athlete begins to struggle. Each decisions on the field, and the athletes

20 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 must trust the coach to teach them the REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
game and guide them. It is important to
convey through actions and words that
a coach trusts the athletes to do the right
thing.

● Treat Athletes Fairly

○ All athletes are not as equally talented, REL ATED LINKS
but they must be treated equally and
fairly. If some athletes think that another ● Engineering Your Sport Environment
is receiving excessive attention, then they ● Engineering Your Sport Environment
will start to resent that athlete and the - Part II
coach. ● Cultivating a Team Identity

● Encourage Innovation
○ The team should be able to show its Team and
various personalities, as long as they
do not interfere with performance. By Individual Goals
letting the athletes’ personalities come
together and shine, a team personality Setting goals is an important skill for your athletes to
is created that can stimulate even higher learn. As a coach, you can help your athletes set both
performance. individual and team goals. Setting goals is a great
motivational tool for athletes. All coaches want to
● Promote Cohesion coach motivated athletes. Intrinsic motivation is that
○ Possibly the most crucial factor to a burning desire found within each and every person.
successful team climate is the cohesion With intrinsic motivation as the driving force, athletes
of the team. Cohesion is a measure of generally feel more motivated and excited. The key to
an athlete’s attraction to, a sense of building a successful environment is to develop and
belonging to, and a desire to remain strengthen the internal, intrinsic motivation BEFORE
a part of the team. The team should adding the external, extrinsic forms of motivation.
operate as one unit, not as several small
units. Help your athlete set goals and make sure that those
goals fall within the developmentally appropriate
● Take Pride limits outlined in USA Baseball’s Athlete Development
○ Athletes are more likely to give their best Model. Help your athletes set SMART goals (Specific,
effort and take accountability for their Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based).
actions and the team’s success when they Your athletes’ goals should challenge them but not
believe in the coaching staff and their be so challenging that they are unattainable. A great
teammates. team-building exercise would be to have athletes

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 21

write down their individual goals on a poster board the athlete will encourage commitment and
and then, as a team, brainstorm team goals to write eliminate frustration.
down as well. You can display the poster board of ● Time-Based: include a time or date to help
goals in the dugout for motivation. the athletes stay focused and motivated.
● Specific: What do you want to achieve? Be
clear and straightforward, so goals are easier Example: By the end of the season, the team will
to achieve. have successfully gotten the first out of the inning fifty
● Measurable: Ensure that athletes can track percent of the time.
the goal, allowing them to see their progress.
● Attainable: Check to see that the goal REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
can be achieved in the time available and
whether the goal is appropriate within the
athlete’s ability.
● Relevant: Why do you want to achieve this
goal? Ensuring that the goal is important to

22 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

REL ATED LINKS such as dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder.
● Athlete Centered Approach ● Having open communication from the start
● How to Help Your Athletes Achieve about abilities and limitations.
Goals ● Being considerate of the modifications to the
● Age Based Goal Setting game or the extra time athletes may need.
● Team Identity
● Team Building REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
● Every Player on Your Team is
Significant

Inclusivity
Baseball is America’s pastime, which means it is for REL ATED LINKS
all individuals regardless of race, color, religion,
disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, or ● Disability Etiquette: What to Know
national origin. As a coach, it is vital to understand ● Interacting with Athletes with
your responsibility to your young athletes. Athletes Disabilities
need a place to belong, a place to feel welcome, and ● Intellectual Disability
a place to develop. To build that sport foundation, ● Sensory Disability
coaches must frequently revisit their own personal ● Principles for Adapting Activities in
values. Every word that the athletes hear influences Recreation Programs
them, and they look to coaches as role models. ● Keeping Injured Players Involved
Part of your responsibility as a coach is to refrain
from unacceptable dialogue that is disparaging
or harmful to youth. The goal should always be to Benefits of Playing
provide a safe, respectful, positive, and competitive
environment for all athletes. Multiple Sports
Coaches can help create an environment of The transition into cooler weather and the changing
inclusion by: of the seasons into fall can be challenging for anyone
● Giving the same level of respect to everyone. who enjoys spending their spring and summer days
● Never tolerating derogatory or belittling on the baseball field. While these changes signify
language between athletes. the end of the baseball season, they don’t have to
● Recognizing and mentoring each athlete.
● Listening and displaying empathy to all
athletes.
● Respecting any assistive devices, such as
canes or wheelchairs, and always asking
before moving assistive devices.
● Remembering that some disabilities may not
be easily noticeable and can be hidden,

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 23

signify the end of sports participation for the year.
By encouraging your athletes to play other sports Season Opening
during baseball’s off-season, you’re helping them
become better all-around athletes and people. Team Meeting
There are several benefits for athletes to participate Before your season starts, it is a good idea to have
in more than one sport throughout the year, such as: a meeting with the parents and guardians of your
1. Reducing the risk of overuse-related injuries. athletes, and your athletes to discuss the overall team
2. Developing better skills as an all-around standards, expectations, and goals for the season.
athlete. When these items are discussed with parents,
3. Enhancing the development of mental skills. guardians, and athletes at the start of the season,
4. Building confidence. channels of communication and expectations are
5. Continuing to develop life skills. established before any issues arise. When people
6. Avoiding emotional, physical, and mental know what the expectations are, they are more likely
burn out. to reach them. This following serves as a guideline
7. Learning to compete outside of baseball. for your team meeting.
8. Handling adversity and failure. 1. Introductions
9. Experiencing different coaching styles, which ○ Tell everyone about yourself as an
can prepare them for different leadership athlete, coach, or parent.
styles later in life. ○ Have parents/guardians/athletes
10. Broadening their social circle and introduce themselves to the group.
experiences. ○ Once everyone is introduced, explain
what type of coach you are. What is
REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES your coaching philosophy?
2. Standards and Expectations
○ Team values
◦ Explain the core values for your
team.
○ Expectations of athletes
◦ Explain the expectations you hold,
REL ATED LINKS as a coach, for your athletes.
◦ Provide everyone with a handout
● Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports of the coach’s expectations for the
● 7 Reasons to Invest in Multi-Sport athlete.
Camps ○ Expectations of coaches
◦ Explain the expectations you want
your athletes and parents/guardians
to have of you and your coaching
staff.
○ Policies
◦ Explain the team policies, including
being late, unsportsmanlike conduct,
and practice and game behavior.
3. Goals for the Season

24 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 ○ Explain your goals as a coach for your of the contact information template
team and athletes. for parents to fill out.
4. Logistics ◦ After the meeting, update the digital
○ Schedules form of the contact information
◦ If practice dates are already template and distribute to parents/
established, share that information guardians via email or in person.
with the parents/guardians and ◦ Discuss communication preferences.
athletes. ○ Equipment
◦ If schedules are not determined, ◦ Provide parents/guardians/athletes
discuss with parents/guardians what with a list of the equipment that the
practice days and times work well athletes will need. For example:
with them. Cleats, glove, baseball pants, socks,
○ Contact List helmet, bat, mouth piece, batting
◦ Hand out contact information gloves, and catcher’s gear.
to each parent/guardian if the 5. Volunteers
document has been completed ○ Ask parents/guardians if they would like
before this meeting. to volunteer for any of the following:
◦ If the contact information document ◦ Provide snacks after games.
has not been finalized before the ◦ Be the scorekeeper for games.
meeting, pass around a blank copy ◦ Be the “Team Mom/Dad” to

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 25

 promote open communication community. The following outlines some guidelines
between the coach, parents/ for taking care of the field and responsibilities that
guardians, and athletes. can be divided among the athletes. Responsibilities
◦ Be the “Team Pitch Counter” and can be assigned for the season or on a weekly basis.
track each pitcher’s pitch count
to stay within the Pitch Smart ● Rules:
guidelines. ○ Take pride in what you do.
6. End of Meeting ○ When finished, help with another job.
○ Ask parents/guardians/athletes if they ○ You are done when the team is done.
have any questions.
○ Thank them for their time. ● Example Responsibilities:
○ Let them know you’re excited for the ○ Sweep the home dugout
season to start! ○ Sweep the visitor dugout
○ Rake, groom, and tarp home plate
○ Rake, tamp, and tarp the pitcher’s mound
Athlete Responsibilities ○ Pick up clay on field
○ Broom the edges of the field
The field is your team’s home, and represents your ○ Get out/set up hose
community. The hard work put into taking care of ○ Pick up trash (stands, dugouts, etc.)
it shows the hard work will be put in when playing ○ Clean up food/lockers
on it. It is important to involve athletes in the upkeep ○ Rake and groom bullpens (Home and
and care of the facility as an act of service to your Visitor)

26 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

REL ATED LINKS that these relationships take priority within the
entire program.
● Team Facility Responsibilities ● Coaches should be open to their athletes
about how important it is to communicate
about issues on and off the field.
Managing Conflicts ● Agreeing to disagree on issues is acceptable
in coach/athlete and athlete/athlete
Athletes can find themselves in difficult situations relationships. A coach modeling this behavior
sometimes. Knowing how to manage conflicts is vital to the process.
with athletes and other staff members is important ● Coaches that follow through with their
to retaining the athlete and showing respect. philosophy and discipline in a consistent and
Keep in mind that athletes come from all different fair manner minimize team chemistry issues.
backgrounds and family dynamics. Take this into When athletes know the coach is consistent in
consideration for how to treat and develop each handling team and athlete issues, they respect
individual athlete. the process.
● When coaches get feedback from athletes
One of the main causes of team conflict is on establishing standards and policies, the
confusion over athletes’ roles. Coaches who clearly athletes feel a part of the process and this
communicate the roles with each of their athletes are inclusion helps them with accountability and
able to maintain control of the team’s atmosphere. ownership of their behavior.
Successful teams practice open and honest
communication. REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES

The following are recommendations on managing

conflicts between the athlete and coach:
● Guide and direct the athlete. Be careful not
to be a dictator. Coaches need to find out
what makes the athlete tick, how they feel
about making adjustments, and how they REL ATED LINKS
handle adversity. “What are they going to
do personally about their situation?” “What ● Avoiding and Managing Conflict
is their action plan?” Questions like these are
important and should be addressed with the
athlete. Discovering each athlete’s learning
style is important as well. Are they a visual
learner? Do they learn better by doing?
Can they hear instruction and then make
corrections?
● Coaches should establish a positive and
trusting relationship with each athlete and
always be a great listener. When coaches
develop a caring and trusting relationship,
they minimize a lot of conflicts. Creating
this type of relationship takes time, but it
minimizes conflicts and reassures the team

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 27

The Parents/
Guardians
Communication Coaching
The relationship between the coach and the parents/ Your Own Child
guardians is a key factor in the team’s success. If the
coach and parents/guardians are all on the same The coach and the parent play a central role in
page, it makes the messages that the athletes are the sport experience. Children who learn about
receiving on and off the field more impactful. baseball often have their first baseball experience
shaped by their first coach, who might also be their
The goal should be to maintain open lines of parent. For some, this is a great sport experience,
communication with all parents/guardians leaving the young athlete wanting to come back for
throughout the entire season. In order to do this, more. For others, that first experience may be the
consider some of the following tips: opposite. Having a negative first experience can
cause the young athlete to not want to participate
Provide parents/guardians with contact information or not want to try again. Coaching your own child
for the entire coaching staff and other parents/ can be difficult and many parent coaches are either
guardians at the beginning of the season. too tough on their own child(ren) or not tough at all.
You want your child(ren) to feel as if they are being
Set clear rules and guidelines for how to address treated in the same manner as their teammates, no
concerns with the coaching staff. This should be done more and no less. It is important to keep in mind that
in the season opening parent/guardian meeting. one day, you will no longer be their coach, but you
will always be your child’s parent.
Provide parents/guardians with a detailed schedule
and communicate any schedule changes as soon Here are some suggestions that could help you if you
as possible. Additionally, include any duties that are involved in this coaching situation.
parents/guardians may have throughout the season. ● Have your child refer to you as coach in team
settings.
Ask that parents/guardians give you as much notice ● Refrain from spotlighting your own child in a
as possible if their child is going to miss a game single priority position.
or practice. ● Provide equitable character development
opportunities.
Establish an email group to be able to send out ● Prioritize your off-field relationship over your
messages to all of the parents/guardians. on-field relationship.

28 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
Parent/Guardian
Involvement
The following are ways the parent should be
encouraged to be involved with the baseball program:
REL ATED LINKS ● All parents/guardians have a substantial
emotional investment in their children. All
● Coaching Your Own Child relationships that the coach has with parents
need to be kept professional. Remember,
coaches should avoid becoming personally
involved with any parent/guardian(s).
Relationships should be kept as neutral and
respectful as possible. Everything a coach

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 29

 does needs to be in the best interest of the of service project and the help it might need
team and individual athletes. to complete it.
● Parents/guardians should be encouraged ● During games, parents/guardians should be
to attend practice sessions and workouts encouraged to enjoy the game as a spectator,
as they are an integral part of their child’s and allow the coaching staff to coach their
development in the sport. child. Sideline behavior should be kept
● Parents/guardians are encouraged to positive at all times.
volunteer to provide team snacks, work
the concession stand, or serve in any other
volunteer role for the team.
● Community service projects can involve both
athletes with their parents/guardians or just
athletes only. This choice depends on the type

30 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 and the athlete have handled the situation in
Managing Conflicts a positive and productive environment.
● Parent/guardian-coach meetings ultimately
Every parent/guardian wants the best for their need to be productive. Coaches need to let
child, and sometimes that desire can make emotions the parents/guardians voice their concerns
run high. It is inevitable that conflicts will arise with as the coaches remain good listeners. It
parents/guardians throughout the season. Whether is helpful for the coach when this is done
it is over a topic that is small or large, the following because a better solution can be attained.
are strategies to navigate the conflicts that arise. Keep calm and most times a solution will be
● Establish the parent/guardian-coach the result even if it is agreeing to disagree.
relationship at the season opening meeting. The athlete should always be the major focus
● It is important that the coaching staff in this process. Avoid any comparisons to
communicates that both the parent/ other athletes, or evaluating another athlete.
guardian(s) and the coaches want a positive Comparisons are not productive and can add
experience for their athlete. to a possible negative confrontation.
● Coaches need to be very clear in stating ● Another coach should be present in the
the acceptable issues and situations that are parent/guardian-coach meeting to verify
appropriate for parent/guardian-coach everything that was discussed.
meetings. These can be stated in the pre-
season team meeting. Playing time, what REL ATED LINKS
positions athletes are playing, and where
athletes are placed in the lineup should not be ● 6 Ways Parents Can Help Their
discussed with parents/guardians at any time Athlete Resolve a Coach-Athlete
during the season, unless you as the coach Conflict
want to discuss those items.
● State the proper times to set up a meeting
with the coach. Typically, after games would
not be the best time. The coach should choose
when and where this meeting will take place.
● Information can sometimes be
miscommunicated between the athlete and
parent/guardian(s) on what the issues are
that the athlete is experiencing; therefore,
the athlete should be present in coach-
parent meetings. Information can be
miscommunicated between the athlete and
parent/guardian on issues that the athlete is
experiencing and sometimes an athlete fails
to give their parent/guardian the total picture,
therefore the athlete should be present in
coach-parent meetings. The athlete and
coach should first try to resolve issues
between themselves. If the coach emphasizes
the importance of this, then there will be less
parent/guardian conflict because the coach

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 31

 The USA Baseball App
A free resource aimed at raising the standard of education
for coaches, umpires, and parents in order to provide
athletes with unparalleled development and competitive
opportunities in a safe environment.
Practices
Practice time should make up at least 65% (at least Your coaching style and philosophy will influence
75% for 12 and under age groups) of your team’s how you run your practices. When determining how
time during the season on the field. The remaining to make the most out of your practices. Consider
percentage should be time spent in games. With that the following:
much emphasis on practice, it is important to ensure
your athletes are engaging in developmentally ● The Age We Live In
appropriate baseball skills and activities. It is ○ Proliferation of academies, camps and
equally as important to make sure your athletes private lessons.
are having fun! To review the developmentally ○ Challenge of getting athletes to “buy in”
appropriate activities per age group, please visit to the learning process.
www.USABADM.com. ○ Potential sensitivity to and/or
misunderstanding of constructive
As a coach, you set the tone for your practices. criticism.
Whether you want your practices to be more
businesslike or looser and more relaxed, it is important ● Your Philosophy And Personnel
to be consistent with your practice demeanor, day in ○ What kind of team do you want to be?
and day out. ○ Coaches at the high school level
and below coach in a non-recruiting
The development of your athletes should come atmosphere; your athletes are who they
before anything else. Here are some checkpoints for are, and that cannot be changed.
making sure the development of your athletes is the
first priority. ● Practicing What’s Important To You
● You arrive at practice prepared with an ○ Based on your personnel and
organized practice plan. philosophy.
● You ensure your athletes are having fun and
enjoying the game. ● Athlete Capabilities
● You focus on teaching your athletes the ○ What can you expect from your athletes?
fundamentals of the game. ○ What are their limitations?
● Athlete development and fun are priorities
over winning. Ultimately, athletes should be fully engaged in
● Communication is open and respectful practice and should enjoy their time at practice.
between athletes and the coaching staff. The key to achieving effective practices lies in the
● You praise your athletes to build their planning and preparation of practices.
confidence, not tear it down.

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 33

REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES goals. For example, during infield and outfield fungo,
the goal could be to practice eventually at game
speed, but first spend time reviewing or emphasizing
fundamentals at a slower speed.

Like the physical warm-up, the mental warm-up

routine must be specific and purposeful. Begin
REL ATED LINKS by stating the goals for today’s practice. Practice
goals should be intentional and purposeful. By
● Matching Coaching Philosophy to communicating the goal with athletes at the start
Context of practice, the team can all be on the same page
● The Importance of Practice and work towards achieving the goal together.
● Get Your Team to Love Practice Communication is key!
● Practice
● Run Practice the Same…Yet Different REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES

Goals of Practices
The overarching goal of practices is to provide an
efficient, productive, and purposeful training session
that gives every athlete the opportunity to improve REL ATED LINKS
mentally, emotionally, and physically. The goal
should always be to provide a safe and positive ● Teams Play Like They Practice
environment for athletes to grow. ● In Practice, Fresh = Fun!

Individual practices can have specific, skill-based

goals as well. For example, if today’s goal is to
learn bunt coverages, then focus first on the specific
individual fundamentals that each position player
and pitcher will need to learn (e.g. how to position
your feet and body to pick up a slow-moving ball;
and footwork around each of the bases to receive
throws, etc.) and then spend time with the entire team
learning and executing the various plays. Always
begin with instruction and a slow walk-through
before moving to full speed practice. Specific
activities during practices can also have their own

34 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 ● Use indoor and outdoor facilities to maximize
Planning efficiency.
● Arrive at practices with a positive and
The key to planning a fun and impactful practice enthusiastic attitude.
is to prepare. Play to your own strengths as well ● Create a written practice plan inclusive of
as those of your coaching staff when dividing up drills and time frames. Email the plan to the
responsibilities during practice so as to maximize parents and team members in advance of
the learning and development of your athletes. By practice, if possible. Post the written plan
diligently preparing you can have a practice that is somewhere it can be viewed by all athletes
both organized and efficient. during practice.
● Establish and communicate practice goals at
Keep in mind that practice does not make perfect. the beginning of practices.
Planned, purposeful teaching optimizes learning ● Focus on development and fun, providing
and impacts growth both in sport and life. constructive feedback to athletes and

The following are some considerations when

planning practices:
● Delegate responsibilities among the coaching
staff.

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 35

 teaching the relationship between process
and results. USA Baseball App
● Celebrate achievements and milestones your
athletes reach. USA Baseball’s free app provides an on-the-go
● Practice the situations that happen most often practice planning tool for coaches at all levels.
in games. Download the app from the Apple or Android stores
● Allow athletes to practice in many different to start building your practice plans.
positions.
● Evaluate each practice and be flexible Download The USA Baseball
enough to change something for the next Mobile Coach App
practice. Include the coaching staff in these
evaluations and ask the team what they For a sample practice plan, please see the USA
feel they need to work on to better prepare Baseball app.
themselves to execute in games.
● Offensive and defensive signs should be REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES
reviewed every practice, but especially
before games.
● Be cognizant of the time frame for practices
and any outside factors that may impact
practice times.
● Establish consistency in all aspects of
practice. When athletes know what to expect, REL ATED LINKS
as well as what is expected of them, they will
be able to develop more comfortably. Your ● Practice Planning for Fun
routine should be adjusted if you can tell that ● The Routine: Our Path to Consistency
practices are becoming mundane and/or
athletes are no longer having fun.
● Failure will occur in every practice. Teach
athletes how to embrace this failure, learn
from it, and move on. Make those moments
fun challenges instead of stressful experiences
that produce fear and doubt in athletes’
minds. There are many professional athletes
who have overcome major obstacles because
they chose to make adjustments. It is a choice.

If you keep your practices both productive and fun,

your athletes will be excited to come back. You will
have a positive impact not only on the athletes you
coach, but also on the future growth of the game.

36 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

Skill Development Basic
Skill development is one of the main goals of practice Throwing Program
and should coincide with the ADM developmental
benchmarks for each age group. For example, One of the staples of a practice should be the warm-
athletes ages 7 and younger should be focusing on up throwing program. Proper arm care and warm
fundamental movement skills while athletes ages 12 ups are important for all athletes, not just pitchers.
to 14 can focus on more specific and advanced skills. Throwing programs can and should begin prior to
the start of the season as well.
There are many different skills within the game. USA
Baseball hosts a library of Online Education Courses For pitchers, preseason throwing programs help
that cover the various baseball skills that athletes to build up arm strength safely after following
can practice and develop. The courses, geared the recommended rest period per the Pitch Smart
towards coaches, provide insight into teaching new guidelines. Pitch Smart provides preseason throwing
skills and helping athletes build confidence while programs by age. These guidelines were created
mastering skills. for the use of healthy throwers preparing for their
upcoming season. Pitchers who are returning to play
To view the course catalog and take the courses, from an injury should consult their doctor as part of
please click here. their rehabilitation plan. Pitchers should progress
at their own pace and only throw at distances and
for quantities at which they are comfortable; and

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 37

they should start out throwing at short distances and to follow through completely on each
gradually increase distance and intensity of throws throw.
over the course of the session and during the later ○ Athletes each make 10 throws, then
weeks of the progression. move to the next progression.

To view the preseason throwing programs for ● Close Squared Throwing (10-15 ft.)
pitchers, click here. ○ Athletes stand with shoulders square to
their partner and their feet are shoulder
Position athletes should also follow a preseason width apart. Starting with their hands
throwing program, but their program should consist together, they throw back and forth,
of interval throwing. Interval throwing should keeping the front elbow close to the
also be used as the warm up for practices and body on release. The feet should stay
games. Interval throwing is performed through the stationary, and the athlete should be in
following progression, with a focus on the accuracy an athletic stance with some flex in their
of the throws: knees.
○ Athletes each make 10 throws, then
● One Knee (5-10 ft.) move to the next progression.
○ Athletes are down on their throwing side
knee with their glove side knee up and ● Squared Throwing (15-20 ft.)
their shoulders square to their partner. ○ Athletes stand with shoulders square
They throw back and forth, making sure to their partner, and their feet shoulder

38 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 width apart. Rotating their torsos and ● Athletes 45 Feet Apart
shoulders with their hands together, they ○ Athletes throw the ball back and forth
throw back and forth keeping the front using good throwing mechanics.
elbow close to the body on release. ○ Athletes each make 10 throws, then
○ Athletes each make 10 throws, then move back to the next progression.
move to the next progression.
● Athletes 60 Feet Apart
● Standing Throwing Position ○ Athletes throw the ball back and forth
(30-40 ft.) using good throwing mechanics.
○ Athletes stand in the normal starting ○ A crow hop or a shuffle can be used to
position of throwing, making sure to reduce strain on the arm.
get their throwing side foot (back foot) ○ Athletes each make 9 throws, then move
positioned and posted properly in order back to the next progression.
to establish balance and power. They
should point their front shoulder to the ● Athletes 90 Feet Apart
target each time that they throw and then ○ Athletes throw the ball back and forth
rotate and follow through properly. using good throwing mechanics.
○ Athletes take their time throwing back ○ A crow hop or a shuffle should be used
and forth, even taking a deep breath to reduce strain on the arm.
before each throw. ○ Athletes each make 8 throws, then move
○ Athletes each make 10 throws. back to the next progression.

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 39

 ● Athletes 120 Feet Apart ● Cool Down
○ Athletes throw the ball back and forth ○ Athletes should slow start working
using good throwing mechanics. their way back to the 45 foot distance,
○ A crow hop should be used to reduce making throws on their way back in.
strain on the arm.
○ Athletes each make 5 throws, then move Key points to remember throughout the interval
back to the next progression. throwing progression are to:
● Keep good throwing form with elbow closed
● Athletes 130-140 Feet Apart on release to prevent flying open.
○ Athletes throw the ball back and forth ● Keep throws as accurate as possible. It is
using good throwing mechanics. okay if the ball bounces before getting to the
○ A crow hop should be used to reduce partner.
strain on the arm. ● Cool down by slowly moving back in after
○ Athletes each make 5 throws, then move making 5 throws at the farthest distance so
back to the next progression. that the interval throwing progression ends
back at 45 feet.

40 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

Games
Game time should make up no more than 25% of REL ATED LINKS
your team’s time during the season on the field. While
the emphasis should be more on practice time, your ● Setting Goals
athletes will likely be most excited for games. Games
are a great developmental tool for athletes to gauge
their mastery of skills. At the youth level, the focus Planning for Games
should be on development over winning.
There are many considerations when planning for
games. The age and level of play should dictate the
Goals of Games plan for the game. At the youth level in particular,
it is important to provide athletes with experience
The goal of games should be about more than just in a variety of different positions so that they can
winning. Development and enjoyment for your become fundamentally sound in all areas of the
athletes should always come before winning. The game. However, the athlete’s skills should match
ultimate goals of games should include athletes the position. If athletes are put in positions that do
mastering and successfully performing skills learned not play to their strengths, it could hurt their self-
in practices. Just like in practices, there can be goals confidence, as well as the overall feeling of success.
for games as a whole and goals for sections of games It is important to develop your strategy around the
(like innings, half innings, and individual plays). For talent you have, rather than trying to force the talent
example, the goal of the game could be for athletes to fit into your strategy.
to have fun, while the goal for a specific inning could
be to get three up and three down, or to have three While it is important to play to the strengths of your
quality at bats. athletes, you also have a responsibility to challenge
them. As a coach, teach your athletes to embrace
As with practice goals, it is important to communicate adversity. In doing so, you will be able to see how
goals with athletes prior to the game or inning. The your athletes handle pressure and rebound from
more involved athletes are in the goal setting process, failure. Every play in baseball results in both a failure
the more invested they will be in achieving the goal. and a success. When a batter successfully gets
on base, the pitcher has failed to get him out. The
REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES exposure to failure and success can teach athletes
how to deal with setbacks not only in baseball, but
in life as well.

Planning for games is an important part of a game

day. The following is a list of things to have organized
that involves the events of a game day:
1. Line Up: Before getting to the ballpark, have
the lineup drafted out. Communicate the line

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 41

 up to the athletes as part of the pre-game in advance to ensure all athletes have rested
warm up. the required number of days per Pitch Smart.
2. Plan for substitutions: In addition to the 4. Pre-Game Warm Up: There should be a
lineup, have a plan for when substitutions will plan for the time of the arrival at the field,
be made. Try to make sure all athletes are stretching, practicing hitting, pre-game,
involved in the game. and a bullpen plan for the starting pitcher.
3. Pitching Rotations: The starting, relief, and This should have been communicated at the
closing pitchers should be planned out days practice before the game.
5. Responsibilities of the Coaching Staff During
the Game: These can include calling pitches,
first and third base coaching, defensive play

42 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

 calling, positioning of athletes, and ensuring work is the first step in getting ready to take the field.
that the bench athletes are focused and into Additional methods, such as band work can be
the game. effective as well. Coaches should make sure athletes
6. Coach Behavior: Remember that the athletes take warm ups seriously and are staying focused.
react to the coach’s game management and
behavior. If the coach reacts negatively to Pitching Staff
a play or athlete, it reflects in the athlete’s
reaction as well. Teams take on a coach’s On game day, a common mistake made by young
personality and approach to the game, pitchers is an anxiousness to jump right on the mound
therefore the coach needs to keep their without playing proper catch. More than any other
approach positive and process driven. day, it’s imperative that a full throwing program
Keeping a sense of humor in managing the be employed prior to a start. An interval throwing
game keeps a team loose and confident. program that extends well past the mound distance
7. Respect for Others: A coach needs to address should be used. It’s also acceptable to work on the flat
how the athletes should address umpires, ground prior to moving to the bullpen, emphasizing
especially to the catcher and pitcher, as any mechanical points as needed before getting
they have the most contact, as well as the ready for the game. The mound work done prior to a
opposing team and coaches. All interactions start should include attention to mechanics and pitch
should be respectful and positive. variety as much as about actually warming up.
○ For more ways to create a respectful
environment with umpires, check out the If the schedule for the team does not allow for a
Introduction to Umpiring Course. proper warm up due to field usage or travel, then
encourage your pitcher, catcher and a coach for
REL ATED LINKS supervision to arrive earlier than the team in order
to have sufficient time to complete a proper warm
● Mental Preparation up. Always find space where the pitcher and catcher
can safety execute a proper warm up.

In-Game Management Managing and developing a pitching staff involves

more than just teaching pitchers the Xs and Os of
Game management starts in practice. If the coach pitching mechanics. A pitching staff is built from
has the team prepare at game speed, then the the coach’s thorough knowledge of their pitchers’
atmosphere is already set for game conditions and strengths and weaknesses. With that understanding,
the athletes will be prepared mentally, emotionally,
and physically for handling adversity that every
contest presents to an athlete.

Warm Up Approach

In-game management begins as soon as your team

takes the field to warm up. A proper warm-up is
essential to every position on the field. A dynamic or
static stretching program and then some light cardio

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 43

44 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL
pitchers can be slotted in roles that best fit their Position Athletes
ability. Coaches should challenge every pitcher on
the staff to get better and take improvements from Coaches should provide support for position
practice bullpen sessions into the games. athletes during games as well. Both offensively and
defensively, coaches should be aware of what is
On game day, the pitching staff bears significant going on with their athletes, and should have open
responsibility for the outcome of a game. A team lines of communication with athletes if changes need
relies on their pitchers to bring competitive intensity to be made. All athletes should be engaged in the
to the mound, and that requires preparation. Prior game and ready to participate when needed, even if
to toeing the rubber to start any game, pitchers they are not in the starting lineup.
should have a well-defined routine to get themselves
physically and mentally ready to pitch. If the coaches prepare the team correctly with the
process, the athletes will have the freedom to figure
Coaches should help pitchers think through their the game out on their own. Try to avoid over-coaching
strategy and have a basic philosophy that can be during games and let the athletes test out what they
modified for each game. In general, a pitching staff have learned in practice. For example, instead of
should have a core set of principles to follow, backed telling position athletes where to stand for each
by the individuality of each member of the staff and batter, allow them to figure out where to play certain
the role they serve. As a coach, communicating these opponents on their own, or speak to your position
“big picture” objectives to pitchers should be a top athletes between innings, allowing them freedom to
priority. Doing so will establish a consistent message make decisions between the lines. By encouraging
that will make expectations clear to pitchers while your athletes to think on their feet, you are helping to
also maximizing their chance for success. For set them up for success within the game.
example, one objective could be to throw a strike for
the first pitch of every new batter. REL ATED USA BASEBALL COURSES

Coaches should keep track of pitch counts and

adhere to the Pitch Smart guidelines for daily pitch
count limits. No pitchers should exceed the daily
pitch count limit for their age. Once pitchers are
removed from the game, they should follow the Pitch
Smart rest guidelines for the number of calendar REL ATED LINKS
days they should rest their arm before pitching
again. It is up to the coaches, parents and athletes to ● 5 Strategies to Help Your Athlete
communicate with each other on how many rest days Manage Performance and Social
should be taken and when the pitcher is available to Anxiety
pitch again.

In the midst of the game, it is important that the coach

and pitcher have open lines of communication. If
the pitcher is struggling, hurting, or just not feeling
his/her best, the pitcher should feel comfortable
approaching the coaching staff about what is going
on. As a coach, you should be monitoring your
pitching staff for fatigue and discomfort.

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 45

Postgame Team Meeting and short game drills should be implemented during
the next practice. Using games as a developmental
At the conclusion of a game, coaches should gather checkpoint will help to continue to develop your
the team for an end of game meeting. This meeting athletes both on and off the field.
should be used to recap the game, highlighting the
positives. The negatives of the game can be briefly REL ATED LINKS
discussed as well, but should not be harped on. The
best practice for constructive criticism is to sandwich ● Pivoting for the Goal
the criticism between two praises. For example, a ● How To Help Athletes Have
coach could say “Good job team, you executed all Confidence in Tough Situations
of the hit-and-run situations perfectly this game. We ● Embracing Failure is a Vital Part of
weren’t able to get any of our bunts down though, Success
so we need to work on that in practice. However, ● Grit: How to Get Back Up After
with the outstanding performance of our defense, Failure
we were able to hold the other team to only one ● How to Overcome Failure
run for the game!” Coaches should be taking notes
throughout the game on the positives and negatives.

Post-Game meetings need to be kept short and to

the point. It is better to cover most of everything from
the game at the next practice. No matter how a team
played, a coach should end on a positive and move
forward. Coaches and athletes can get emotional
after a tough defeat, therefore meetings after a
game should be carefully thought out. Teams are
aware of when they do not play well. If it is evident
the athletes are not taking care of the preparation
for games in practice, then coaches can address
the issue of preparation. Coaches should get other
coaches’ advice on the next practice and focus on
continuing to build skill sets from game to game. The
key for team meetings is for the coaches to make
them positive, purposeful, timely, and to the point.

One of the takeaways from games for the coaching

staff should be a list of what to work on in next
practice. Games expose skills that need to be further
developed. The coaching staff should meet prior to
the next practice to discuss areas of the game they
would like the team to work on based on the last
game performance. For example, if the opposing
team effectively used the short game and your team
was unable to defend against it, then bunt coverages

46 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

In an effort to
work towards the
advancement of
the youth baseball
experience,
we hope this manual helps you as a coach
feel supported as you strive to create fun,
development-centered experiences for your
athletes. Managing relationships within your
program, emphasizing your athletes’ best
interests, and developing appropriate practice
and game plans will facilitate maximum
engagement, movement, and physical activity.
While there are many important concepts in
youth baseball, keeping the game safe and
enjoyable for your athletes should always be
a top priority. Thank you for your commitment
to our pastime’s future.

USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL 47

 Resources

48 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL

TEAM: AWAY/HOME

OPPONENT: DATE: TIME:

COACH(ES):

FOUL BALL DUTY: DUGOUT CLEANUP:

# PLAYER POS SUB POS

# PLAYER # PLAYER
Team Contact Information
ATHLETE NAME PARENT/GUARDIANS PARENT’S PHONE PARENT’S EMAIL

COACH NAME COACH PHONE COACH EMAIL

Team Roster
# NAME POSITIONS B/T
Sample Practice Plans
The following outlines two practice plans that can be found on the USA Baseball app. For more practice plans,
click here or download the free USA Baseball app in your app store.

Rep-based Youth Practice plan 1 hour 45 minutes

Throwing warm up 10 minutes
Pitcher fielding practice (PFP) 15 minutes
PFP - Bunts on 3rd base side
WATE R BRE AK 5 minutes
Stations 1 hour 5 minutes
Defensive Stations - In & Out
WATE R BRE AK 5 minutes
Offensive Stations - Tee and Live Hitting
Baserunning Conditioning 10 minutes

Game Situations Youth Practice Plan 1 hour 50 minutes

Throwing warm up 10 minutes
Daily throwing program
4 Corners 10 minutes
PFP Circuit 25 minutes
WATE R BRE AK 5 minutes
Stations - Infield Game Situations 25 minutes
WATE R BRE AK 5 minutes
Baserunning Circuit 20 minutes
Post-Practice Clean UP 10 Minutes
The USA Baseball Youth Baseball
Manual Working Group includes the
following individuals:

Michael Cuddyer
Jenny Dalton-Hill
Jason Dobis
Darren Fenster
Mike Gaski
Eric Kibler
Tanner Vesely
Dave Webb
USA Baseball Staff

Updated March, 2023

54 USA BASEBALL YOUTH BASEBALL MANUAL