Fungo Files

When given the choice, allow your players to rely on their own instincts in games. Give them plays that they can call. Give fewer signs. Trust them and allow them to make mistakes that you can then work on to fix in practice.

This approach may seem chaotic from the outside. But it helps create better and smarter baseball players.

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The Spiders use very few signs. The signs that are used are super simple. The reason for that is it's more important that the player knows what the coach wants him to do than the other team figures it out.

Ultimately, we encourage you to limit the complexity and number of signs that you use. If kids are missing signs and you're getting mad at kids for missing those signs, you're probably overdoing it.

It can actually be a lot more fun by taking some control away from the coach and allowing the kids to play on instinct. Here's my case for this approach.

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Coaches, I encourage you to limit the amount of coaching, correction, and instruction that you do during games. Use practices to work on situations that weren't executed properly. Then let the players apply that work to the game.

This approach provides more purpose to practices, but it also removes some of the unnecessary noise and confusion for your players. Try it.

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Coaches, I'm begging you: Stop calling every pitch of every game. Stop making the game about you and taking the focus off of the kids. Your calls aren't that good. Your catcher can do it.

Trust them. Coach them so that they're prepared on how to call a game. Allow them to learn from the experience. They will become better catchers, better players, and better leaders in the process.

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A catcher's job isn't just catching and throwing the ball. While these may be the most visible, a great catcher satisfies several responsibilities that are more subtle and often go unnoticed.

These roles may be less visible, but they are extremely important. The best catcher do these things. If you're a catcher, make them a priority. If you're a coach, make sure to coach them.

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Starting at a very young age, the perception begins that playing the outfield is a punishment or demotion. Unfortunately, this often carries on into the older ages, and this just should not be.

Outfield is absolutely critical. A great team has a great outfield. A great outfield can make average pitchers who throw strikes look like aces. Embrace the outfield. Highlight the importance of it. And develop good outfielders, starting from the youngest of ages.

I explain how to do it in this episode.

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I interviewed Southeast Little League (Davenport, IA) head coach Dave McFate on Friday about his team's journey to the Little League World Series and the experience up until that point.

Coach McFate walks us through the Little League season from the regular season to the selection of All-Stars, Districts, Regionals, and now the LLWS in Williamsport. He also explains how both he and his players stay focused while under the public spotlight.

Of course, we recorded this after their first game, a heartbreaking loss (but HUGE comeback) against Indiana. Since then, they've won games against both Washington and Utah and are scheduled to play their next game on Tuesday.

Thanks so much to Coach McFate for sharing the behind-the-scenes experience from the Little League World Series. Take a listen, you'll love his insight!

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Your position does not define you. You may not be a shortstop on this team. You may be a third baseman or second baseman or outfielder. Whatever position you play, be the best one that you can be.

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This is a message for the little guys, who have been scrappy, hustling, and putting in work at young ages. I know it's frustrating. Your time will come. The gap will close. Do not give up!

This is also a message for the big kids. Don't take your advantage as a big kid at young ages for granted. If you're not careful, those little guys will pass you up as they grow.

And this is also for the coaches. Do not overlook those little guys. Keep encouraging them. You will be a big part of their eventual development.

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Possibly the most polarizing topic in youth baseball is dad coaches. The scrutiny is intense -- and sometimes deserved. But, we also need dad coaches. Is that something you want to do?

Well, I spent 16 years as a dad coach. I had some amazing experiences in that role. But, there are seven questions that you need to ask yourself before you take this on.

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