Coach's Role
Review the 8 Helpful Tips for Little League Coaches to better understand a coach's role. Coaches serve as a positive role models to players and parents, teach fundamentals, sportsmanship, playing rules, strategies and playing tactics. They communicate schedules, expectations, events and activities with players and their families.

Coaching Resources
Review our Resources page to get Program Guides, example practice plans, line-up and welcome email templates and more. 

Playing Rule Books
 Coaches should be familiar with the rules outlined in the Little League International Rule Books.

Parent Meeting
Topics should include:

• Introductions
• Player and parent expectations
• Sportsmanship
• Coaching philosophy
• Volunteer assignments (teams need umpires, Team Parent, score keepers, field prep, playing music)
• How to address concerns
• Means of communication
• Game Changer App / RSVP for practices/games

Bring the Fun
Did you know, that approximately 70% of kids stop playing organized sports by the age of 13 because they say it’s not fun anymore. That’s why MCLL leaders must do their best to keep fun in the game. The first impression you want to make on your players is that this is going to be fun! Bring plenty of energy to the field. Make jokes, smile, laugh, play games, have competitions. Check out some ideas on how to make practice fun.

Team Building
Teamwork is the foundation of any successful sports team. One of the fastest ways to build a strong sense of teamwork is to organize team building activities during the season. The key to a successful team building activity is to make it a fun event, emphasize collaboration, and involve everyone - including players, coaches and parents. Relay races, tug-o-war, obstacle courses, the human knot, birthday lineup, team caterpillar,  potato sack or ankles-tied races are loads of fun!

Recognition
Encourage and reward your players! A few ideas: consider giving an award certificate for MVP, most improved, best sportsmanship or best attitude. For older divisions, coaches can come up with a something to award to players, it could be a rotating award that is given to different players each week (i.e. rotating golden bat or batter's helmet or WWE wrestling belt). Or, it could be as simple as giving a player a Gatorade, fist bump, let them go first in a relay race or have them lead the cheer at the end of a game/practice.

Safety Training Requirements
Coaches must complete required training outlined on our Safety Training webpage.