Category Archives: Coaching

Coaching, News, Sports, Sulphur Springs Texas

Sulphur Springs Boys Basketball |12 Year Old Coaching Two Undefeated Teams

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12 year old coach Grayson McClure
12 Year Old Coach Grayson McClure

Here is a local feel good story. The Sulphur Springs Basketball local league for local youth, led by Bryan Burney,is in need every year for coaches. There is never enough volunteers to coach all the children that sign up. This year was no exception but something exceptional did happen.

7th grade middle schooler Grayson McClure, asked if he could coach. He was allowed, and 12 year old Grayson McClure became the head coach. All basketball practices have been run by Grayson, including practice plans and drills. He has had some help from fellow friend and middle schooler Chase Haney, and big brother Trevor McClure who were quickly on board to help assist.

Of course there was some concern about a 12 year old coaching not only 1 team , but 2 ! Yes Grayson is coaching a 5th-6th grade team , and a 3rd-4th grade team as well. The concerns were quickly dismissed as parents commented:

  • Our son is by far not the best , but Grayson makes him feel like a valuable part of the team
  • I want Grayson to coach my son from now on in every sport !
  • He is doing a better job than most of the adults do.
  • I think it’s awesome for someone Grayson’s age to do something like this because it gives these younger kids someone positive to look up to.

12 year old coach Grayson Mcclure coaching
Grayson McClure is a straight A student and and participates in Sulphur Springs Middle School Athletics. This has not only been a great experience for the youth basketball coaches , but to the players and organization as well.We believe taking  on such as a task with all the online social activities our youth are involved in today, contributing their time to our communities youth in
Sulphur Springs Boys Basketball at such a young age, as Grayson and Chase have done, definitely deserves some kudos.

Did we mention both teams have undefeated records of 6-0 thus far.

12 year old coach grayson mcclure in action with big brother Trevor Mcclure
Grayson McClure with Trevor McClure

 

Yes, Both teams are undefeated as of this writing.

We apologize but no pictures of Chase Haney were available at time of publishing.

Coaching, Sports, Youth Baseball

Runner on third – trick play | Coaching Youth Baseball

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Here is a trick play we can use on defense when there is a runner on third and we have less than two outs.

When the opposing team has a base runner on third and less than two outs, many times we can expect a bunt with the runner bouncing off off third base and running toward home on the release of the ball by the third baseman. The defensive team can try something to get the runner out. Have the shortstop cheat toward third. If you are pretty sure the opposing team will bunt, you can have your third baseman cheat in toward home.

The next pitch should be a pitchout.  Now, when the batter shows bunt, the third baseman rushes in, and even though it is a pitch out, the baserunner will probably be instinctively bouncing off the base toward home. The shortstop comes quickly and quietly to cover third from his position and the catcher throws to the base after the pitch out.

Get more free youth baseball coaching tips and drills at Coaching Youth Baseball

Coaching, Sports, Youth Baseball

Coaching Youth Baseball – How to Increase Base Running Speed in Players

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Coaching Youth Baseball – How to Increase Base Running Speed in Players

Youth baseball coaches spend a lot of practice time focusing on batting, throwing, and fielding skills. Speed training often consists of just having the kids run the bases as fast as they can a few times. Coaches that take the time to work with their players on their base running speed will make their teams more competitive.

Here are some specific tips to use to help your players run faster. Working with each player individually to help them increase their speed will have the most benefit, as each player will need different improvements.

1. Arm position. The runner’s arm position should be close to the body at a 90 degree angle and about waist high. As the player runs, the arms should be moving front to back. Sideways movements will slow the runner down. The shoulders and hands should be relaxed. Have players practice the correct movements in slow motion until they develop the appropriate muscle memory.

2. Focus. The runner should be looking at his destination, not at the ground in front of him. For baseball players this means the next base. However, the player does need to be aware of what’s going on around him, so he doesn’t get tagged on the baseline or run into another player.

3. Foot position. Keep runners OFF their heels. The proper foot position for the fastest speed is to land on the ball of the foot and push off, rolling forward to the toes. Professional running shoes have the cleats only on the front of the shoe, because this is where a runner’s power comes from.

If a coach spends a few minutes every practice working with his players on their running form, his team will be faster overall. And a faster team wins more baseball games!

Base running is often overlooked in youth baseball practices. it is a very important part of the game. the author is correct..just a few minutes every practice
Coaching Youth Baseball

Amazon, Books, Coaching, Shopping, Sports, Youth Baseball

Little League Confidential | Coaching Youth Baseball

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Little League Confidential is a must read . You will find yourself unable to put this book down as you read about this coaches youth baseball season and compare to some of your own. Its hilarious . Little League Confidential was written Bill Geist, who is familiar to viewers of the CBS Evening News, used to be a Little League coach in New Jersey. And he somehow lived to tell about it.  Little League Confidential assumed cult status as a baseball classic, though some just considered it one very funny book. Geist reveals the ups and downs (well, mostly downs) of coaching a local youth baseball team sponsored by a local beauty salon. His portraits of players and parents and his thoughts on competition in small town New Jersey are heartfelt and hilarious.
 Little League Confidential is a youth baseball coach’s account of his woes, travails and soul storms in the course of one season is side-splitting.  He describes the draft system for securing players and a shrewd angle-worker who rigged the system. He analyzes the four major types of coaches: “It’s only a game, so let’s just have fun” (the nerd, according to the kids); “Win or I’ll kill you” (the asshole, according to the kids); “We’re here to build character, to learn life’s lessons” (the despicable preacher, according to Geist); “I pick the kids with the best-looking mothers” (attribution superfluous). He writes of the games, with pitchers flinging balls three feet over the batters’ heads, outfielders aiming for third base but throwing to first and a few tyros who are actually good. For anyone in need of a good laugh you must read Little League Confidential, especially if you are a youth baseball coach.

Youth Baseball Drills | Youth Baseball Tips , Instruction and Drills

Coaching, Pitching, Sports, Youth Baseball

Coaching Youth Baseball Pitchers|Coaching Youth Baseball

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We are true believers that developing a strong midsection, including the abs and lower back have a great impact in developing the torque needed todeliver the ball with high velocity. This commonly called the core.This can be started as a youth baseball pitcher. Even though a solid core is important for all baseball players,It is a necessity for pitchers.

Once that landing foot hits, the rotation begins and the energy begins to be transfered into the midsection(the core)

Coaches Club members can go to the conditioning department to see 8 effective exercises to help strengthen the core. Play Ball Academy | Coaching Youth Baseball>

I’d advise incorporating some of these movements into the regular routine of youth baseball pitchers.

You can get some free youth baseball drills and youth baseball tips at coaching youth baseball

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Batting | Hitting, Coaching, Uncategorized, Youth Baseball

Youth Baseball Hitting | Increase Your Batting Average

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Youth Baseball Hitting | Increase the batting average for youth baseball hitters.

Hit the Ball Hard !

Much of a hitter’s success comes from being smart and staying within the strike zone. Hitters who are selective and can patiently wait for a good pitch to hit will greatly increase his chances of having a successful at bat.

Hit Home Runs This Season!
Bat Speed Training That Will Add Hitting Distance.Get Noticed For Your Ability To Make Consistent, Hard Contact With Our Highly Regarded And Proven Guaranteed Program. Become a Power Hitter! Hit the ball HARD!

Be selective and aggressive as a youth baseball hitter. Do not let the pitcher expand the strike zone. A youth baseball pitchers goal is to get you to swing at bad pitches and expand his strike zone. The goal is to get on base. nothing wrong with walks. If you can’t get on base you are not doing your job. Remember the more pitches you see the better youth baseball hitter you will be.  Also, Go up to bat with a purpose. What kind of pitch are you looking for? Is anyone on base? Be selective and look for the pitches you can drive somewhere. I think this simple tip can be introduced to youth baseball players as early as ten years old.

Hit the Ball Hard !

Be patient and look for a good pitch to hit !

Who else wants to be a better hitter in less than 1 week?
The Super Eight Hitting system

Coaching, Sports, Youth Baseball

Ready Position Youth Baseball | Youth Baseball Drills

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Finally, A baseball coaching package that has it all!
How to WIN more games, have more FUN, and be the kind of youth baseball coach your  player”s will LOVE and their parents will BRAG about.

As the new year approaches, many of us will begin getting ready for the

Ready Position demonstrated by Trevor Mcclure
Ready Position demonstrated by Trevor Mcclure

youth baseball season.  Sign ups, coaching plans, and even some youth baseball practices will start. As a gentle reminder I wish to put out a little reminder one of the most important things youth baseball coaches should teach is the ready position.

Ready Position Youth Baseball from  http://coaching-youth-baseball.com/

Seeing it is one thing – being able to teach it is another!
A professional hitting instructor, coach, mentor and World Series Championship to his name, It”s literally minutes away.
Coaching, Sports, Youth Baseball

Baseball Practice Drills | Fun Youth Baseball Drills

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Youth Baseball Practice Drills – Make it fun

If you’re coaching a little league, high school, or college team, it doesn’t matter; make youth baseball practice drills should be fun for your players. Do your youth baseball practice drills, situations, etc. but then play a live game, set up some competitions, or play some stickball. There are many ways to work on the skills and have fun in the process.

Find more fun youth baseball practice drills at
Youth Baseball Drills | Youth Baseball Tips , Instruction and Drills

Coaching, Youth Baseball

Youth Baseball Drills|Bunting and Bunt Defense

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Youth Baseball Drills|Basic Bunt Defense

Who Else Wants To Be A Better Hitter In Less Than 1 Week?
Youth Baseball Hitting Drills

Start these youth baseball drills with a pitcher on the mound, a catcher behind the plate (in full gear), a runner on first base, and/or second base.
We then need fielders at each of the infield positions and a batter in the box (with his helmet on). Extra players will be the bunter’s and base runners.

You can see the full article with two youth baseball drills on bunting and bunt defense at youth baseball drills.

Baseball Players: Hit Home Runs This Season! Bat Speed Training That Will Add 40 Feet Of Hitting Distance – And More! Get Noticed For Your Ability To Make Consistent, Hard Contact With Our Highly Regarded And Proven Guaranteed Program. Become a Power Hitter! Hit the ball HARD!

Coaching, Youth Baseball

Youth Baseball drills | Free Coaching Youth Baseball drills

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We should try and split our players into groups for the biggest part of our practice section. It is much easier for coaches  to provide youth baseball instruction with youth baseball drills with just a few players instead of the whole team.  It is also much better for the players, they get more repetitions for each skill more quickly and their attention span is held more easily.

However we need to have a full field on the field with base runners to teach cutoffs in youth baseball. Learn more at http://coaching-youth-baseball.blogspot.com/