John T. Reed's Youth Baseball Coaching

After coaching youth baseball for sixteen years, after reading numerous books on the subject, I can now say that it's refreshing to read a book that tells it like it is! Mr. Reed identifies the coaching incompetence in us all and tells us how to correct it. I personally can accept this, many other youth coaches may not. If you are a youth coach and have a high opinion of your coaching talent, I do not recommend this book. However, if you are opened minded and seek to greatly improve not only your coaching abilities but also overall enjoyment of the game, I strongly suggest this literature.

I knew that this was going to be a good one as soon as I saw the authors' name on the cover (check out John T. Reed's *football* coaching books, excellent!). Based on my personal journey of 10 years coaching youth baseball, and associated 100+ books read & scores of clinics attended over that time - *this* is the best take on what constitutes effective 12 & under baseball coaching that I have seen to-date. Finally, a reasoned and thoughtful delineation of the differences between "real" baseball and "youth" baseball - and how to effectively coach to those differences. John T. Reed does it again!My plug for the best companion coaching book out there - Positive Coaching, by John Thompson (a fuller exploration of the emotional side of effective youth coaching, IMHO). Utilizing these 2 books, you have all of the tools that you need to be an effective youth coach. Go get 'em!

Most books on youth baseball that I read before this did not properly prepare me for the challenges I would face in coaching my team. This book is packed with details on every aspect of the youth game. The sections I found helpful include: how coaches cheat the draft; how to properly equip your kids for safety (including where to get proper equipment); what to teach your kids that will actually make your team better; and what not to waste time on. Some of the notions in this book were so radical to me that I was fascinated and unable to stop reading. While I do not agree with him on everything, I see exactly where he is coming from. The chapters on each youth position are packed with detail, hints, and drills. He spends over 20 pages (full size pages with small print) on the right field position! I now agree with his statement that 98% of youth coaches are incompetent. If you are serious about coaching a team, or even just working with your son or daughter, this book is a must!

Book lays out very complete and thorough plan to put a successful baseball team together. With "Time" always against the coach, Mr. Reed shows how to use practice time to teach what you need to know for game situations. Lot's of good little tricks also included for plays against the opponent. I recommend this book highly as a coach in the Minor League level myself.

Page for page this is by far the best baseball coaching book I have ever read. Having just completed coaching 7-8 year olds and coaching them in an incompetent way, I can't wait until next season to implement the "Youth Baseball Coaching" system in practices and games. Every youth baseball coach and parent should read this book.