Teaching T-Ball to Children

T-ball got its beginning in 1960, when Dayton Hobbs, an elementary school principal, created the game as a way to introduce young children to the sport of baseball. Hobbs thought t-ball offered many benefits to young children. It didn't cost much to play, it had high parental involvement, and it let children have fun. By teaching children how to play t-ball, you can provide them with a positive introduction to baseball.

Things You'll Need

  • Tee ball
  • Baseball tee
  • Baseball bat
  • Baseball mitt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach a child good batting practices. Have a right-handed child hold the bat with his right hand on top and his hands touching. A left-handed child should place his left hand on top. Instruct him to use a level swing, so the bat swings parallel to the ground. Require him to set the bat down -- rather than throw it -- after he hits the ball.

    • 2

      Give a child practice running the bases. Beginning t-ball players often don't know where they should go after they hit the ball. Have an adult stand on first base and call to the child after she bats to let her know where she should run. Once she has gotten the concept of running to first base, place adults on all the bases and have them show her how to make it back to home.

    • 3

      Develop a child's skill in throwing a ball. Young children typically lack the coordination to throw a ball correctly. Choose one aspect of good throwing form -- such as looking at his target, stepping in the direction he wants to throw, or pointing his shoulder at her target -- and have him practice that skill.

    • 4

      Instruct a child in how to catch the ball. Select a mitt the right size for her hand. Tell her to keep her eye on the ball. Give her practice catching the ball in her mitt, by rolling it to her or gently tossing it to her at close range.