Daniel Jan Chu asked:

How can I break-in my new baseball glove fast?

Ron’s answer:

These days, there is a product you can get at your local sports store which you rub into your glove and cook. Literally, you put your glove in the oven. Gloves are pliable within an hour or two. You still have to play catch and work it but it is pla... Continue Reading »

Maurice Brown asked:

Is a 3-5-3 defense to hard for 8 and 9 year olds to learn

Ron’s answer:

I think this really depends on your approach to the roles of the "5" and their ability to engage at the line of scrimmage and attack points. While I agree with the above, my 7-8-9 year olds did fine this year by going with less up front and letting ou... Continue Reading »

Brad Moberg asked:

Is a sports drink or water better during practices?

Ron’s answer:

Water is great during activities and a sports drink is best after the activity to help replenish.

Eddie Canes asked:

At what age group should you start serious conditioning drills

Ron’s answer:

I would offer at the earliest age possible assuming that by serious you also mean age appropriate. Proper training never starts too early.

Keith Garrigan asked:

My son is afraid to stay in the box after getting hit, how do we work past this?

Ron’s answer:

It might help, as Joel mentions above, to pitch from a closer distance. I would start with wiffle balls pitched underhand from the side. If one of these hits him, it certainly will do no damage and will help him to stop thinking about getting hit. A... Continue Reading »

asked:

My son is 8 and left handed. He wants to start throwing right handed so he can play more infield position on the baseball field. Good idea

Ron’s answer:

I agree with just about everything above. Please explain to your child that all 9 positions on the baseball diamond are important, not just the infield positions. As a 9U travel/tournament ball manager, I run into this "I want to play the infield" bu... Continue Reading »

Laurie Wilson asked:

What should you expect for play time when you pay for your kid to be on the team

Ron’s answer:

This topic is of special interest to me as I am struggling with the issue on my 9U travel team currently. I have 5 legitimate 9U players and 11 8U eligible players (5 of whom are technically 7U) on the team. This is my first year with the program. W... Continue Reading »

Mike Papaleo Sr. asked:

are you aloud to tag up to home in 9 and under travel

Ron’s answer:

Mike,
Sidd Finch is correct for the most part and this is definitely true in many rec and town travel leagues. However for ECTB Premier Travel, where our team plays, the answer is yes. It is also something we will discuss in practice this week as o... Continue Reading »

Softball Chic asked:

When coaching 10U or any youth team, how much freedom should the kids have? This pertains to batting, base running ....

Ron’s answer:

Making a pitcher work is fine but a 2-0 count is a hitters count. I try to suggest to my players that in a hitters count they should be looking for a pitch in a particular spot. If they get it there, they should take a healthy cut. If not, take the ... Continue Reading »

Robert Martin asked:

My son is great in basketball and football very popular, i would like to know how do i make the coachs understand that education comes first

Ron’s answer:

The simple answer is it starts and ends with you and what is important in your home. Coaches are charged with teaching the game they coach and instilling values accordingly. While we would love for all coaches to hold academic education above results... Continue Reading »