T-ball: The ups and downs, and why it can be worthwhile

I just finished my third season as my oldest son’s T-ball coach. I’ve never missed a game or a practice, and I’m on my second age division where pitching is involved. I only say that stuff to be able to say this: it’s not a good game. The kids are great. I love that it’s outdoors and I don’t mind overseeing things for an hour. But still, the game is seriously lacking in common sense. There’s too much inactivity and waiting for balls that will never come, stuff that 4-to-7-year-olds aren’t built for, especially at 5:30 on a Thursday afternoon. I’ve modified where possible. I, along with my first co-coach, developed the I-formation defense. All the kids stand single-file on the pitching mound and each gets their own, non-piled-upon turn to field. And for the kids waiting? I chuck balls into the outfield and they happily chase them down, although one of my players declined with, “I’m not a dog.” It probably looks like pure chaos from the outside. It feels slightly less so in the eye. T-ball: The rules of the game The only pushback I’ve ever gotten came from a recreation department email after opening day this season, reminding all the coaches of some rules: Kids need to keep their helmets on when on base. Safety issue. Makes sense. No electronic distractions on the field. Full disclosure: one of my players was taking pictures with an iPad. Great pictures, I’ll say. But another safety issue. I support it. One bat out at a time. Good rule. No pitching u...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Children's Health Parenting Source Type: blogs