How to Be a Great Youth Baseball Coach That Inspires Winning Values

"The one constant through all the years, has been baseball," says James Earl Jones in the iconic film, Field of Dreams. "This field, this game: it's a part of our past... it reminds us of all that once was good and it could be good again."

Yes, baseball is in our collective blood. And at the heart of it all is youth baseball.

As a youth baseball coach, you can introduce the game to the next generation and teach them the joys of the game.

Keep reading to learn how to go above and beyond as a youth baseball coach. Use these baseball coaching tips to motivate and craft winning mindsets in your players.

Knowledge and Love of the Game

First and foremost, baseball coaches are instructors. As such, they must know the game inside out and have the ability to communicate that knowledge to their players.

The best coaches focus on developing skills while going beyond the basics. While it's important to teach a youngster to stay in front of the ball, great coaches provide practice drills to stay low and speed the transition from the glove to the throwing hand.

Great coaches are passionate about baseball, and it shines through in their instruction. Players emulate what they see in their coach. If their coach demonstrates a love for the game, they're more likely to love it too.

Demonstrates Leadership

True leaders recognize that baseball is a team sport. Three or even four players may need to work together to produce a single out. A good coach will foster camaraderie and teamwork to develop a tight-knit team.

Many youth coaches will hide a poor player in right field. But a strong leader may give that player a chance at second base where a strong arm is not required. Or you may develop four or five pitchers rather one or two strong pitchers that most teams go with.

Giving other kids a chance to pitch will develop your pitching staff for next year while allowing your top starters to rest their arms more during a long season.

A Good Youth Baseball Coach Knows Strategy

Baseball enthusiasts often point to the "game within the game" as a reason for loving the game. That is, baseball is not simply a pitcher throwing a ball and the hitter trying to hit it. At any given moment, a myriad of decisions can be made which ultimately could decide whether a team wins or loses.

For example, good coaches know where opposing hitters like to hit the ball, and they shift their defences accordingly. Also, they can instruct a runner to steal second because the pitcher has a slow delivery. Knowing how to create a batting lineup that will produce the most runs is another example of good strategy.

Focus on the Process

Strong leaders understand that winning is not the primary objective of youth sports. Rather, it is the development of their players and having fun.

Yes, every coach and player wants to win, and it is a great goal, but it shouldn't exclude everything else in the process. The best baseball coaches know they are helping to shape young lives, which is infinitely more important than winning at all costs.

You might even want to offer awards for athletes that demonstrate leadership off-the-field.

The Bottom Line

Think you're ready to be a youth baseball coach? Focus on the kids, and developing their talent. Implement practice drills that improve their skills each day.

Be firm and honest and encourage your players. Continue to learn everything you can about the game to improve your own knowledge and ability to strategize.

Trophies are a great way to reward players for improvement, teamwork, and achievement. Check out our best baseball trophies now.