South Marple Little League

SMLL Coaching Development

Baseball teaches competition, teamwork, and how to win or lose with dignity, but young players enjoy the game most when they feel themselves improving. Well-organized, engaging practices are therefore more important to player development than games alone.

Effective practices break the game into small, teachable parts and recreate real game situations through purposeful drills. Games are not the ideal setting for teaching, as distractions and emotions limit learning, and correcting mistakes publicly can discourage young athletes. Instead, coaches should observe games, note teachable moments, and address them later in practice, where players are focused and receptive.

Ultimately, successful practices are intentional, age-appropriate, and grounded in fundamentals. Young players need frequent repetitions of basic skills—throwing, catching, hitting, and running—presented in ways that are active, fun, and varied to maintain focus. By planning practices around clear developmental goals, using game-like situations, and progressively building skills, coaches create an environment where players gain confidence, improve consistently, and develop a lasting appreciation for the game.

USA Baseball Practice Plan hub:

https://usabdevelops.com/page/1524/practice-plans

The above link has a selection of youth practice plans (with included video demos) provided by USA Baseball to help coaches of all levels organize and execute efficient, development-focused practices. Additionally, linked to the site is a library of over 300 skill-specific drills. These drills are broken down by:

Skill Type: Hitting, fielding, base running, etc.
Difficulty Level: Ranging from "Easy" to "Hard" to match the players' developmental stage.
Duration: Most drills are designed for 5–10 minute intervals to keep practice fast-paced.

Pitching Fundamentals Resource: https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/maximize-performance

USA Baseball, Recorded Coaching Clinic: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlgOvx_El5TU--mIbagBOjheRBeRtM6u2

Additional Level-Specific Resources:

Tee Ball:

The Little League University page for Tee Ball Drills provides a comprehensive collection of instructional activities and videos designed for players ages 4–7. These drills are part of the broader 10-week Tee Ball Curriculum, which emphasizes fun, fitness, and fundamentals.

The curriculum is structured to keep young players engaged through high-activity, low-wait-time drills.

https://www.littleleague.org/university/search/tee+ball+drills

Coach Pitch:

Link: 7u Baseball Fundamentals

The Little League Coach Pitch Program is a 12-week instructional guide designed to help volunteer managers and coaches organize and run efficient practices for the Minor Baseball Division.

The program is specifically tailored for coaches who may have limited baseball backgrounds or teaching experience. Its core focus is on building a solid foundation of fundamentals while ensuring the experience remains fun for the players.

https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/the-little-league-coach-pitch-program/

Sr. Farm / Minors:

Link: Sr. Farm Fundamentals

Link: Minor / Major Fundamentals

The below links provide structured baseball practice plans for youth players, primarily focusing on the 8U age group and intermediate levels.

Red Sox Foundation Practice Plan (8u+)

8-10u Practice Plan Template

Collection of 8u Practice Plans - full season (10 total)

Additional Resources:

Minors Practice Plan; Focus: Throwing Accuracy, Base Stealing, Outfield Cuts

Minors Practice Plan; Focus: Pitching, Catching, Situational Awareness

Majors: