Baseball Instruction for Kids

When teaching baseball to children, it is important to start by developing basic skills. Most baseball instructors agree that building confidence in young players is essential for their long-term success. Kids gain confidence by learning all of the positions, gaining a full understanding of the game and excelling in the position that suits them best. Baseball instructors have the job of developing each player's full potential. To be successful at your job, you must fully understand the game, keep the kids interested and provide positive reinforcement during practice and games.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your lectures short. Kids do not have long attention spans and prefer to learn sports actively. Instruct them by playing mock games and by demonstrating how to pitch, hit, catch and run bases.

    • 2

      Break up the kids into small groups and give each child personalized attention. Allow your assistant coaches to work with groups of three to five kids. Have each coach practice a different skill with his group. After 15 minutes, rotate the kids, which gives you and your coaches an opportunity to work with each child.

    • 3

      Practice catching with rubber handballs or sponge balls without gloves. This develops the child's coordination and builds confidence in their ability to catch a ball. Introduce a baseball glove and baseball when sufficient catching progress is made.

    • 4

      Start beginner batters off with a tee. Graduate to soft pitches thrown by you and your assistant coaches. Show the kids how to hold a bat properly and how to stand when they hit the ball and praise them for their effort and good technique.

    • 5

      Continuously practice to enhance their skills. Allow the kids to play against each other and review the game rules as they play. Make sure that the atmosphere is fun, encouraging and positive, and always encourage good sportsmanship.