Expert: Willie Ansley Jr. - 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
I think you have to take the players who pay attention and put them in the infield and the ones who dont go in the outfield.You might want to try to stay firm with the kids. At that age some kids will not focuse unless you stay on them.The gifts is not a good idea because you are not teaching them what they will have to do in the future.