21/09/2026
As the season is about to start - we want to thank all members of the families and we have some tips to help at home -
5 Tips for Parents to be the Best Backyard Coaches Possible
1. Stay positive and have fun
While nobody wants the season to end, focus on making backyard activities fun and always keep a positive attitude. While teaching skills, remember that praise is powerful. When your child tries a new skill or does something correctly, celebrate the win, even if it’s small. Praise is more effective than criticism, plus it keeps the activity focused on fun.
2. Be specific with feedback
Try to be specific with your praise when taking on the role of backyard coach rather than the standard “good job.” If you’re practicing batting, instead of saying “nice hit” be specific with feedback by saying something like “way to keep your eye on the ball.” When working on catching pop flies, rather than saying “great catch,” you can say, “great hustle and nice job calling the ball.”
3. Emulate the dugout experience
So much of what children learn from and enjoy about sports is the “dugout experience” with their team. In between drills, take a moment to re-create this bonding moment by pausing for a dugout snack. Keep that fun going by teaching your little one your favorite sideline cheers or developing a secret handshake that they can pass along to their teammates in the future!
4. Go beyond the game
Playing softball is full of opportunities to teach life lessons, so make sure to relate what your child is learning in the backyard to skills they can use throughout life. This includes courage to try something new, perseverance to keep trying, the strength to deal with success and failures, listening and taking direction, exhibiting good sportsmanship, and so much more.
5. Express admiration and joy
When kids see you having fun and enjoying yourself, they’re more likely to do so themselves. Laugh, play together, share stories, and bond over the love of the game. Whether it’s with a youngster taking her first swing off a tee or a seasoned softball player practicing their drills in hopes of keeping skills sharp, this is quality time spent together.
You can always find a way to celebrate the bond that sports provide families each season and help develop those lifelong lessons that children learn during their softball experience — no matter if it’s in a huge stadium or on the grass out back.
