Resources

The Darien Little League is committed to the training and education of managers, coaches and players.  We recognize the importance of a consistent approach to teaching the fundamentals of the game starting at the Tee Ball level.

We will be offering pre-season clinics for players, managers and coaches beginning in the winter months.  These clinics will stress skill development in players and proper teaching techniques for managers and coaches at all levels.

Educational Materials

There are several books written for both new and seasoned Little League baseball managers available from Little League, Inc. as well as other sources.  They cover such things as practice techniques, rules, safety, working with parents, player draft and helping players cope with their first taste of competitive pressure.  Some suggested titles are:

Know Your Baseball Basic Instruction Manual

by Al Herback and Al Price

Provides a basic explanation of the fundamentals of baseball as it applies to young ball players.  It is intended to be used by coaches who may have a minimum of baseball knowledge.  Over 100 photos illustrate key skill sequences.  A basic skills check-list, important practice drills and practice plan are also included.

Managing Little League Baseball by Ned McIntosh

This is written by a father/coach for other father/coaches.  It is a straight forward and insightful book on the philosophy, a practice routine, and a practical program developed over 15 years with three sons.  It covers such things as participating in a player draft, keeping 15 boys busy and having fun at the same time in practice, moving players in and out of a lineup according to game rules, dealing with parents, helping boys cope with their first taste of competitive pressure.

Youth League Baseball  Coaching & Playing by Skip Bertman

Covers all the positions plus hitting, bunting, base running, coaching the bases and signals.  It goes into practice planning and drills. 

Youth Baseball A Coaches and Parents Guide

by Wendell Kim and Sally Tippett Rains

This book is designed to help coaches and parents teach the art of baseball.  It goes through equipment needed and how to use it, fundamentals of hitting, pitching, fielding and base running.  It also includes a chapter on running a successful practice.   

Know Your Tee Ball - Basic Instruction Manual   

by Al Herback and Al Price

Recognizes that kids this age have very short attention spans and are very active.  In addition to providing a basic explanation of the fundamentals of tee ball, this manual offers ways to capture the attention of the young player.  It is intended to be used by coaches who may have a minimum of baseball knowledge.  It covers warm-ups, throwing, catching, fielding, base running, hitting, how to organize a practice and game.

The Little League Guide to Tee Ball    by Ned McIntosh

Covers all basics for parents and coaches teaching the fundamentals of the game.  It explains the skills that help rookie players develop coordination and confidence.  Includes:  breaking in a new glove, using a simple drill to become a more accurate thrower, learning “set†position for fielding balls, using check points to develop a natural swing.  Also included are the official Tee Ball rules plus tips for choosing the right equipment, keeping practice drills short and interesting for players and managing a Tee Ball team.  

Little League Connect:
Is a state of the art video analyisis tool. It allows you to receive coaching from your child's coach right from your computer.View live coaching sessions and receive real time drills to work on at home. For more information go to: www.littleleagueconnect.org