Coaching a youth baseball or softball team can be an incredibly rewarding experience. As a manager/coach, you will have a direct impact on the level of enjoyment that your players experience.

Each team should practice at least once each week. Even if only a handful of players show up to your practices, they can be worthwhile. The key to a successful practice is keeping all of the players involved and getting them lots of touches. Here are a selection of drills that you can try.

• Ice - every manager must bring ice to every game and practice
• First Aid - every manager should have basic supplies
• Team bag - your equipment
• Line-up board - a white board where you can post the order (available in all sporting goods stores)
• Rake/Shovel - for basic field maintenance
• Line-up planning spreadsheet - for preparation
• T-ball manual - basics for new managers/coaches