Expert: Rick Bundy - 3/25/2009

Question
I am one of 3 coaches for our T-ball instructional team that consists of 13 players total.  We (the entire league) has a hard time keeping their attention on the game while on the field, any ideas on how to help this out?  We have cones setup on different positions and assign them to a specific cone.  We also have all 3 coaches on the field trying to keep their attention, but some kids lose their attention span in just a few minutes and start wandering off, throwing clay, playing with clay, or other things.  Thoughts of incentive prizes (candy, concession stand item of their choice, or other items) have been recommended, but I'm afraid at this age it will only work for a few minutes then they will forget about it.

Answer
Carlos:  Thank you for your question.  It is the age for sure.

I have worked for the Az Diamondbacks Training centers for the past 9 years, doing instructional camps for kids 6-15.  There have been some instances where they have waived the age and signed up some 5 year olds.  That particular group of 5-6 year olds, in a camp setting, can keep you busy.

We have found that instruction has to be very short and brief, as well as short spurts of activity, then on to something else.

In practice, you might try a game we call Hit and Get.

In it's simplest form, you divide your players into 3 groups and put one at home plate to hit off the Tee.  One group at 1B and one at 2B.  No gloves needed in the field.

The batter hits the ball off the tee and runs around the bases.  One player from each group at the bases, runs to and touches the baseball.  The batter scores a point for every base reached before both the runners touch the ball.  They can only touch it, or stop it; can't toss or kick it back to the other runner.

Team at bat hits through their line up one time, then teams rotate.  When each team has batted, it is one inning.  Play as many or as few as you feel good with.

To take it up a notch, you can divide the group into 2 teams, one at bat, one out in the field with their glove.

Batting team hits one time through the line up.  Batter runs the bases as in the first version.  In this version, if the ball gets stopped in the infield, they must make a throw to every player in the infield, ending with a throw to a coach, who is on  the mound.

If the ball goes through to the outfield, the outfielders must make a throw to every outfielder in the outfield, ending with a throw to the coach on the mound.

The kids really get into this game, and it provides an opportunity to work on throwing and receiving also.

The third version, for when they become more proficient, requires the team in the field to make a throw around to every player on defense, ending with the last throw to the coach on the mound.

I like your idea of using cones to designate an area.  No matter what you do, it will only work temporarily for kids this age.  It is their nature.

In a practice setting, quick, active drills and games, then move to something else, will work the best.  Each new activity works initially; but eventually falls victim to that crafty little butterfly or enticing hunk of clay.  The only cure for that is age.

Playing a modified whiffle ball game is another good activity.  Batter hits ball, runs to first base.  Defense must throw the ball back to the pitcher/coach before runner reaches 1B, or the team at bat gets a run.  It moves fast.  They get to hit something a coach throws to them, which is a change for them.  Can shorten the base distance, to match their size.

It is good that there are 3 coaches, for the 13 players.  That small group setting certainly should help hold them a little longer.

Good luck to all of you as you go forward.  That age group is really fun to work with, while at the same time very frustrating due to the lack of attention span.  What is really special, however, is the look on their face and the light in their eyes when they get it right.  It's the best!

Yours in baseball,

Rick