An instructional video for coaches with an emphasis on attitudes and skills development of baseball players.

Abstract

A 90-minute instructional videotape to aid youth league baseball coaches in teaching skills and attitudes was produced. The project was directed to the instruction of youth ages 8 to 12 years. Participants included four boys ages 8 to 12 years, four boys ages 13 to 18 years, and a former professional pitcher. An experienced college baseball coach taught the skills and verbalized affective principles as they were shown on the screen.

Basic fundamentals of hitting, infield play, pitching, outfield play, and catching, as well as the skills of bunting, baserunning, and sliding, were discussed in six sections of the video. Each section was organized according to the following general format: mental aspects, fundamentals, visualization, drills and coaching points, team practice, and teaching keys. A special emphasis of the video was the direct and indirect reminders concerning the importance of the psychological impact of youth sports competition. The entire edited of the video was included in the manuscript. A coach's checklist of fundamentals, drills, and affective points was included in the text.