Coach Guides

1) Remove free-standing water with scoop (modified orange juice container possibly in Rapid–Dry bag). Fling the water off of the field. This is the single most important step. The more water removed, the easier it is to make the area playable. Do not remove any dirt, this only makes the hole worse and creates deeper puddles in the future.

2) Next, move the drier dirt surrounding the now dry puddle into the hole where the water collected. Work the dirt into the hole with the hard rake. There is enough dirt there, it just has to be redistributed to establish the proper grade for drainage. You may want to bring a full size rake from home since many of the rakes had to be shortened to fit into the boxes.

3) Now that the area is level and firm, add a small amount of Rapid-Dry and mix into the top layer. This will set the area and make it firm enough to play.

For more information on field preparation, please refer to the following downloads:

Making Fields Ready for Play

How to Remove or Minimize Grass Lipping

Baseball Lockers

With the season getting underway, here's a checklist of sorts from Todd Williams (Author of Baseball's Best - Drills, Tips & Strategies) that you can use to highlight your expectations for your players and their families; and a list of what they can expect from you as a coach.

(NOTE: If you use this information to set expectations properly at your initial team meeting - and/or hold a "housekeeping" meeting with just the parents - you will have better players, content parents, happier umps and thrilled League officials.)

WHAT I EXPECT FROM PLAYERS

• to be on time for all practices and games,
• to always do their best,
• to share team duties,
• to be cooperative,
• to respect themselves and others,
• to have a positive mental attitude,
• to always be positive with teammates,
• to accept that they'll make mistakes, but to keep their emotions in check and stay focused,
• to accept that winning and losing graciously is an important part of any sport.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM FAMILY MEMBERS

• to come and cheer all the players on and make them feel important,
• to allow me, the coach, to run the team,
• to recognize that I'll make mistakes, just like the players,
• to set a good example of respect for the players, the coaches, and
• the umpires by not yelling out negative comments and by being good sports,
• to call me privately if you have a concern, and never question my leadership in front of the players,
• to offer help when needed,
• to accept team assignments willingly.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME

• to be on time for all practices and games important,
• to be as fair as practical on playing time,
• to do my best to teach the fundamentals of baseball,
• to be positive and respectful of each individual player
• to set reasonable expectations for the season,
• to teach the value of winning and losing graciously,
• to be open to ideas, suggestions, or help,
• to set a good example of respect for the players, the fans, and the umpires by handling confrontations in a dignified manner.

You can see more of Todd's tips on his Newsletter and his website at:

http://www.baseballsbestdrills.com