Baseball BC | Grassroots Parent Leader Athlete Development Program

Grassroots Parent Leader Athlete Development Program

Overview

Baseball BC’s Grassroots Program strives to provide inclusive, diverse, and equal opportunity for all participants in a fun and safe environment where children can learn the fundamentals of baseball. We work towards building physical literacy using Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) ideals for kids starting with the Active Start Stage.

The Parent Leader/Helper Athlete Development Program is no exception. With the help of specialists, we have developed a manual for associations who are looking to provide resources to new coaches. This manual will explain baseball positioning and proper mechanics as well as provide drills & skills and practice plans to assist in ensuring everyone is active, learning and having fun. So, coaches and the parent leaders only need to follow the program manual and practice plans to be successful.

We have found that when players are partnered with their parents for skills & drills, children have more fun and learn proper techniques at a quicker pace then when partnered with another youngster. That is why Parent Participation is encouraged for all grassroots divisions. This helps relieve pressure for the coaches when running practices or on game days. Each age division suggests different levels of support from parents. At 5U & 6U, we advise parents partner with their own child during the drills and on the field for games. AT 7U, children’s cognitive awareness is improving, and some drills will not require parents to help. 8U & 9U teams tend to carry full rosters of 11-12 players and by having parents run the different drill stations, coaches are available to help with technique correction & can support ALL the athletes.

We recommend Parent Leaders/Helpers and coaches read this manual focusing on the age division they are coaching. Included are 10 weeks of practice plans for each age division that follow the Grassroots Learning Progressions Chart. Review the designated weekly practice plan and review the proper mechanics related to that practice plan.

Still, Baseball BC is offering more. We will meet with executive members and coordinators for an initial informational and Q&A session, then meet with coaches and parent leaders in more detail so everyone is set up for success, and we will always be available to answer questions or offer suggestions along the way.

The goal is to coach the fundamentals of baseball and develop a sense of fun and enjoyment for the game. The key with young athletes is to break skill development down as simple as possible. Keeping the activities short and well planned will result in a great practice. Introducing kids to a variety of drills and games that are FUN will make for a wonderful season and help ensure everyone plays baseball again next season!

Interested...? Want an Info Session via Zoom...? Contact Scott Mackenzie today...! scottm@baseball.bc.ca

Manual - Grassroots Parent Leader Athlete Development Program

Practice Plans - 5U, 6U, 7U, 8U, 9U

MORE Baseball BC Parent Leader & Coach References

Baseball BC | NCCP Info / Certification Path - https://baseball.bc.ca/coaching

Baseball BC on Twitter

Tweets by @Baseball_BC

Read More +

Watch how being more Inclusive can Advance Girl's and Women in Sport here

Read More +

Coach Certification

Read More +

Hey Girls - Come Try Baseball

Read More +

Come Give Baseball A Try!

Read More +

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD)

What is LTAD?

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a systemic approach developed and adopted by Baseball Canada to maximize a participant's potential and involvement in our sport. The LTAD framework aims to define optimal training, competition and recovery throughout an athlete's career. Enabling everyone to reach their full potential in the game of baseball and as an athlete.