USE YOUR ASSISTANTS
If you have volunteers to assist you at practice, you can easily put them to work by giving them a group of players and a selected drill. You can then rotate players through various stations so that each player is getting frequent repetitions and more individualized attention. 

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ROTATE PLAYERS
Remember to work with all your players. Move them around to different positions within each drill. Drills that require some players to be baserunners and some to be fielders can be enhanced by letting runners rotate out to the field and vice-versa. 

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PRE-PLAN
We know everyone one of you is busy with a daily life so, pre-plan practices whenever possible. If you can organize goals and drills ahead of time, it will help you to meet your team's goals and make practice run a whole lot more smoothly. 

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HAVE FUN
Have fun but take it seriously. It's a fine line to walk. Your primary goal at each practice is to ensure that every player improves in some way. However, the most important goal for the season should be that no matter what, every player wants to come back and play again next season. 

CONCUSSION TRAINING

All coaches are required to submit a completion of concussion training certificate.
Please visit https://nfhslearn.com/certificates/12300079/download and complete your free training. Once completed, send a copy of your certificate to [email protected].  Safety is our highest priority.


HELMETS
Use any time players are swinging bats, are around others with bats or running bases. 

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SUPERVISION
Watch your players carefully at all times. 

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BATS AND BALLS
No player should pick up a bat or ball unless a supervising adult has said it is OK. Players should never throw to another player unless that player is looking.

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BE CAUTIOUS
If you don't think your players are ready for a particular drill, just choose another. You can also vary drills to ensure safety by rolling grounders instead of hitting fly balls, using soft-core or tennis balls instead of baseballs. 

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SPACING
Any time more than one player is swinging a bat or throwing a ball, make sure there is plenty of distance between everyone. Structure practice so that there will never be players from one drill running through another to chase loose balls, etc. Players not actively participating should be stationed in protected areas.

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FIRST AID
Always carry a first-aid kit and instant ice packs. Keep parent and emergency phone numbers handy in case of more serious injuries.

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LIGHTING/ EXTREME WEATHER

• Play must stop immediately if lightning is within 8 miles.

• Fields must remain cleared for at least 30 minutes from the last lightning strike, and the 30-minute clock restarts with each occurrence.

• All players, coaches, and spectators must seek appropriate shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle with windows closed — dugouts and bleachers do not provide adequate protection.

• Play may only resume once an official “all-clear” is given.


Small outdoor buildings including dugouts, rain shelters, sheds, etc., are NOT SAFE. Substantial buildings with wiring and plumbing provide the greatest amount of protection. Office buildings, schools, and homes are examples of buildings that would offer protection. Once inside, stay away from windows and doors and anything that conducts electricity such as corded phones, wiring, plumbing, and anything connected to these. In the absence of a substantial building, a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed provides good protection. Occupants should avoid contact with metal in the vehicle and, to the extent possible, move away from windows.