COACHES' CORNER - Coaching Made Easy

​​​​​​Required Coaching Certification

MVLAGS operates under USA Softball, which requires the following certification to meet their insurance requirements:

• ACE coaching certification, SafeSport certification, and background checks: managed through USA Softball, complete most training online in 3-5 hours.
• Cardiac & Concussion Training: Required for by the State of California for all youth coaches. Complete ~1 hour online training bi-annually.

 

Coaching Skill Clinics 

MVLAGS will run a variety of clinics for players and coaches before and during the spring season. The emphasis of the clinics will be on coaching the coaches - supporting our coaches with the basic knowledge, drills and techniques to implement sound practices and raise the level of play for all ages.  Coaches are encouraged to attend any or all clinics to learn from experienced coaches who lead the clinic(s).

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Tips for Planning Practices

There is a clear correlation between team improvement and practice organization.  This is true regardless of the experience of the staff.  That is, a very experienced coaching staff which does not plan practices may not witness as much skill improvement as a less experienced staff that puts an emphasis on practice planning.  

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In considering a practice, there should be:

1. PURPOSE - What you're trying to accomplish.  Such as, which skills do you want to emphasize at practice this week/season?

2. A PLAN - The approach for accomplishing the purpose.  Such as, what drills will be used during the practice?

3. DETAILS - Which staff members will lead which drill?  How can player inactivity be minimized?  What space and what equipment are required for each drill station?  How much time should be devoted to the drills?

 

Keep the players interested, engaged, and consistently moving! Probably the most important factor is dividing the team members into groups, so that each player has a higher ratio of activity (to inactivity).  If different staff members are teaching different skills at separate stations, the groups of players can be cycled through the stations with less downtime and with more variety.  ​

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Need some help planning practice plans?

• Check these out: 6U | 8U | 10U | 12U/14U - feel free to copy, borrow, or create your own 

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Air Quality guidance for coaches when AQI is high:

• AQI 0-100: practices and games continue within this range

• AQI 100-150: Practices and games will most likely continue. Physical exertion should be reduced.  Coaches and families can use their best judgment based on individual players' sensitivity. 

• AQI 150+: Practices and games will be canceled for all ages.

As always: Coaches and families can use their best judgment based on individual players' sensitivity. ​

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