YBE 150: Growing Entry-Level Players with Justin Sherman

Teaching entry-level players is arguably the toughest job as a baseball coach. Hitting a baseball is hard enough for adults, much less teaching it to uncoordinated kids. Same goes for pitching/throwing. And then the many rules in the game. How do you help grow beginner players? Justin Sherman from justintimebaseball.com shares his tips in part 2 of a two-part interview. Plus Rob answers the Question of the Week (23:41) about how to handle playing time for disinterested players.

In this 35-minute episode, you'll learn:

• three drills to help kids learn how to catch (1:45)
• whether competition is helpful for younger kids learning foundational skills, plus two drills for older kids (3:36)
• the age Justin likes to start partner catch, and key concepts to teach at this stage (5:00)
• a fun throwing drill that kids will love (5:36)
• a fun hitting drill that you can do if you are the only coach (or only have one other helper) (6:29)
• three baserunning drills to teach entry-level players (9:43)
• whether scrimmages are helpful, and a simple yet fun version of a scrimmage (10:22)
• what to do if you have players who don't pay attention or horse around (12:18)
• whether to repeat previously-taught concepts over a season or if that's a waste of time, and whether homework is helpful or harmful (13:05)
• how to help kids learn persistence (16:05)
• a simple way to know if kids are giving their best (17:23)
• two overarching tips for coaches and parents when teaching young players (18:49)
• what parents can do to be better coaches (20:15)

Sponsor

Driveline Baseball

Driveline Plus is a growing library of everything baseball player development. Members get how-to videos on youth training, discounts on products and inside access to Driveline trainers. Listeners of today's episode get $25 off their first year of Driveline Plus. Tune in to the episode to get the code, just for YBE listeners.

 

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

• Session 105: The Open Baseball Journal: 10 Questions Baseball Parents Should Ask Their Child Every Season
• How to Optimize Your Batting Lineup

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