Sportsmanship, enthusiasm, optimism, and fair-play are just a few of the traits that your players will look to you as an example to emulate. If you are a coach who likes to yell “unfriendly objections” to umpires, chances are many of your players will be inclined to do the same. Stress the importance of a positive attitude, as this will come in handy during tight game situations. Always try to exhibit your enthusiasm for the game, and your players will follow suit.

When coaching is done with enthusiasm and patience, coaching youth baseball can be an enjoyable experience that you will remember for many years to come. The goal is to be someone that your players can remember in the years to come as an effective mentor and positive role model in their lives.

Every parent wants to see their child do well during the game.  However, sometimes the things that we think will make them have a better day does not actually work.  Just like everything else in Little League Baseball, let’s keep it simple and FUN!  Here are some tips…

 During game time . . .

•  Be supportive and congratulatory. Offer tips in a positive way. Don’t make your kid feel bad about a mistake or bad skills. He/She is most likely doing the best he can, especially knowing that you’re watching.
• Dads and Moms – support your child’s interest by attending the games and cheering! Being the only kid on the team whose parents aren’t in the stands can make your child feel pretty rotten and left out. If you or your wife can’t attend a game because of  work or another conflict, maybe your parents or in-laws can. Support from family is very important to a kid.
• Remember, you can’t teach skill during the game. You can only teach a child how to apply what he/she has learned to the actual game.
• If you are the parent and the coach, treat your kid the same way as you do every other team member. This means no yelling or scolding just because he’s yours. This also means no special treatment, like letting him play every inning of every game when there are others on the bench who never get to play – even if you do have a superstar on your hands!