The Complete Softball Coaches Manual (Coaching Manuals)

Book Synopsis: Welcome to the Complete Coaches Manual. What will you find inside and how should you use this complete manual? This manual covers mostly softball related topics (and I use the term softball throughout), but much of what’s inside can be used for baseball too. Other than the major differences in pitching, and the things you have to change with 60’ bases vs. 70’-90’ bases, much of the two sports can be taught the exact same way. Inside you will find a list of all of the defensive positions and a complete list of all of the responsibilities that position has. Some are the same, but many are very different and unique. And some are very different if the player is left or right handed. All of that is covered in detail. Everything from a First baseman fielding a bunt or scooping a bad throw, to a Shortstop’s double play footwork at Second base, to an Outfielder playing a ball off the fence or making a Do or Die Crow Hop throw home to stop the winning run. There’s also a complete guide to playing Catcher that covers everything from framing to blocking to throwing runners out. And it goes way beyond the mechanics of each position’s responsibilities. I also cover things like Sprinting mechanics, Pitching and Throwing mechanics, Position based throws, Catching a throw, Fielding fly balls and ground balls. I cover Hitting, slapping and bunting mechanics too, along with the mental approach to hitting. There’s a pitch calling chart, a bat size chart, some examples of signs and signals for offense and defense and more! Consider it a complete guide to everything you need to need to know to teach the game of softball (and most of baseball too!). And these aren’t just my opinions either. It’s a list compiled of what’s been proven to work based on my 16 years of coaching competitive youth softball (up to High School varsity) and competitive youth baseball. I have also taken many tips and tools from World Champion College Softball Coaches and Major League Baseball Players/Coaches.

What’s the best way to use it? Well in the front you will find a table of contents that is also an outline of everything inside the manual. You can use that to find what you’re looking for inside, or just use it as a reminder of things you want to cover at practice or a private lesson. Then inside, everything is broken down into a very detailed step by step checklist that is easy to follow and explain to your players. This manual is great for coaches of any experience level, whether you just volunteered to help out with the coach pitch team or you’re the head Varsity Coach. And it’s great for kids of any skill level too. If you think your players aren’t ready to learn about the ideal bat speed or attack angle, then skip it until they’re older. But it’s in there when they’re ready. But if you want to teach your 10 year old player how to slap hit or how to dive and get up, it’s in there with easy to follow step by step directions. I’ve even included some drills and games that I’ve come up with and borrowed over the years to help keep practice interesting. If your heart is in the right place, you can’t go wrong coaching. This guide will help you let the players reach their fullest potential.