Guide to Developing 6U/8U Softball Players and Ensuring Safety
This guide provides detailed insights into developing young softball players aged 6U/8U, focusing on fundamental skills, game management, player expectations, and safety measures. It emphasizes the progression from basic mechanics to game strategies, setting seasonal goals, and prioritizing safety through equipment checks and proper player supervision.
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Player Development plus Practice and Game Management for Coaches 6U/8U Players 1
6U Player Expectations & Training The 6U player is just beginning the game. Teach the basic mechanics of throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting. Expectations social interactions with their peers. which way to run bases, where to throw the ball, and how to stand in relation to home plate players hit off of a tee challenge more skilled players can progress to coach pitch by the end of the year 2
8U Player Expectations & Training 8U is designed to reinforce and build on the skills learned in 6U. introduce more challenges At this age level, players build on the mechanics of throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting. There is more emphasis on playing a game where runs are counted, outs are recorded, and education on the rules begins. The season begins with coach pitch and progresses towards players pitch by the end of the year. Skills Gained catch with two hands hit a pitched ball make some accurate throws across the diamond backing up bases encourage teamwork Consider introducing bunting as a new skill. 3
Set Your Seasonal Goals I want everyone on my team to play softball with our league again next year. Promote a love of softball Make sure the girls have fun Avoid injuries Teach basic softball skills Basics of Throwing/Fielding/Hitting Pitching/Catching as applicable (8U) 4
Safety Is Paramount Safety for all Batters/runners must always wear a helmet Always have an adult monitoring batters Watch for unequal experience When players paired up throwing / catching Keep your eyes open Consider use of whiffle balls, foam balls or tennis balls help reduce injuries less player fright players gain confidence in ability Have players catch without gloves Catchers required to wear the catcher s mask when warming up pitcher 5
Safety Is Paramount (cont.) Equipment Fielding face masks required for pitcher and corner infielders Keep gear in good shape Check helmets & screws occasionally Lots of balls and buckets Hit into hitting nets not into fences Floppy bases Can be slippery when wet Cones-used as guides or throwing targets Bats Check for correct sizes for the players 6
Practice: Plan It Out Plan Ahead / Be Prepared What do I want to accomplish during this practice? Think it through / Make a timed layout Arrive Early to Set Up Be Flexible Improvise When You Need To Flow Make it smooth and Keep it Moving Keep it Fun and Interesting Techniques Minimize lecturing and talking; demonstrate (use sandwich method) Get low, down to their level Pick drills that players can accomplish Make it competitive (when possible) Use Stations and Rotations Smaller, Coach-led subgroups when possible 7
Training: Throwing Mechanics Use progressive training - pieces of the entire motion Wrist snap Elbow up in shape of L Don t tuck it Follow Through Down on one knee and follow across outside of knee Standing 90 degrees to partner- step toward target and push leg comes up on follow through Facing partner-pivot on push foot/ leg, break hands, point glove at target and bring throwing hand out and back Use Stations and Rotations Smaller, Coach-led subgroups when possible Options Use whiffle balls or tennis balls Players hands are smaller Discard gloves and use bare hands Encourages use of two hands to catch Drills Throw into a hitting net (if available) Use cones as targets (if available) Challenge teams of two or more groups for points to be an accurate thrower Keep it Fun and Interesting 8
Training: Fielding Mechanics Ground balls Use alligator method Feet wide apart Knees bent and butt down Hands out in front glove on dirt and bare hand above Pop Ups & Fly balls Two hands Hands over head Get under ball Watch ball drop into glove Secure it! Introduce the crow hop (8U) to power the throw Options Use whiffle, foam or tennis balls Players hands are smaller Discard gloves and use bare hands Encourages use of two hands to catch and secure ball Drills Use whiffle golf balls and toss back and forth Improves hand/eye coordination Throw into a hitting net (if available) Use cones as targets (if available) Challenge teams of two or more groups for points to be an accurate thrower 9
Training: Hitting Mechanics (prelim) Grip Prefer to line up door - knocker knuckles Young hands may not allow but this needs to be introduced and understood by all Extension of pointer fingers will show to be parallel with each other Comfortable but not too tight. Stance Square to plate or slightly behind Knees slightly bent and good balance Bat Position 1st place on shoulder with forearms in upside down V 2nd raise bat off shoulder about 6 - 8 and then back the same amoiunt to just behind back ear No need to raise them higher 3rd hands don t change position; do NOT create a chicken wing with back elbow. Elbow up is a baseball term 10
Training: Hitting (cont.) Mechanics Swing Mechanics (General) Softball and baseball swings are Not the same A softball swing is a pulling with the bottom hand, keeping the hand inside and showing the knob of the bat to the pitch(er). Keep hands inside Snap wrists through on contact. Do NOT cast your arms out. That is the baseball swing. Swing Mechanics (Pitch) Upon pitcher s windup Batter starts motion by moving (body/hands) a little toward catcher. This shifts a little weight onto the back foot and it s called loading. Like in baseball, the hitter moves weight forward upon pitcher's release and may do a few different things with foot . o Fott may remain relatively stationary, may be lifted and placed back nearly in same spot (tapping) or may sslightly forward, usually not more than a foot or so.tride Drills Using tee - place ball on tee and have players drive knob of bat forward to knock ball off tee; both hands on bat and then one hand only Place players next to fence about 2 from it. Bat should not hit fence on a practice swing. If it does, players are casting arms and not keeping hands inside the pitch . Hit off tees into hitting net Have them load and keep head down on the ball . Focus on ball only 11
Training: Hitting (cont.) Drills Pull Drill place ball on tee and have players drive knob of bat forward to knock ball off tee; both hands on bat and then one hand (each) only Casting Drill Place hitters next to fence, about 2 from it. On swing bat should not contact fence. If it does, players are casting and not keeping hands inside the pitch . Adjust distance as necessary. Tee Hitting Hit off tees into hitting net Have hitters load and keep head down on the ball . Focus on center of ball Soft Toss Coach underhand's pitch to batter from in front and off the side and batter hits into net. Drop Pitch Coach stands on structure, on same line as batter, to allow dropping of ball for batter to hit. Batter must focus and time swing to account for falling object. (May be too difficult for 8U player.) 12
Game Preparation Pre-Game Have a Routine Be early to set up Encourage parents and kids to arrive on time Line-up and defense planned before you arrive Your dugout Gloves, visors and bats on bench - not in bag Ask a parent to manage catchers and their gear (8U) Coach warm up pitcher while catcher getting gear on (8U) Coach pitch be ready, pay attention to ball/strike count Pitching Machine know how it works 13
Game Time Have the game planned out Be ready to improvise for no shows Batting Line Up Top to bottom style vs. Set line-up style (8U) Keep track of at bats during season to make sure it s fair Field Positioning Rotate players to infield/outfield positions and bench Importance of 1st base and catcher Start on time Keep the Game Moving More play less inactivity Let umpire to take charge Know the Rules Avoids discussion and delays 14
Game Time (cont.) Safety Adult on batting/hitting stick Catcher s mask mandatory Watch for throwing of bat Compare teams/players for experience differences Example 3rd baseman/pitcher too close when your strong hitter is up 15
Resources Research on your own Find / try drills Not all are effective Share the ones that work with peers Some helpful sites to start https://www.dugoutcaptain.com/dysl/ https://www.softball-spot.com/ https://www.mlb.com/usa-softball/fundamentals http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/ https://kbandstraining.com/baseball-training/ 16
Final Thoughts Set a Good Example Don t be too competitive Be positive but honest Use sandwich method Be respectful of parents, players, opponents and umpires Learn names of players and parents Take issues offline as much as possible 24 hr rule Coaches and managers work as a team Evaluate each player s strengths/weaknesses Provide to both player and parent 17
Parent Feedback Coach was incredibly encouraging and positive he focused on what the girls did WELL (even when a lot might be going wrong!). He was fantastic with the girls who were totally new to softball. Very inclusive, positive and taught the girls new skills too. His coaching style was wonderful for young girls. He was laid back but never let practices get out of control. We had new 6U players, and he worked with them in a way well suited to their age & experience. His attitude was really about the girls having fun and developing skills, there was no pressure of winning. She was very encouraging and made sure all the girls felt successful and had fun, great communicator, very organized and responsible. He had a great tone. He brought interesting drills each week. The practices were well run with all the girls getting the same attention and time to practice their skills. The coach was patient and encouraging with all the girls. 18
