Kings Youth Baseball: Guiding Principles

·        Make It Fun – Every moment of the Knothole experience, from practices to games, should be fun for everyone.

·        Limit Standing Around – Knothole teams and coaches should place a major emphasis on fast-paced interactive practices that eliminate downtime.  We should have a plan and be well organized every time we step onto the field.

·        Everyone Plays – Kings Knothole is an inclusive experience.  Its never fun to sit and watch others play while waiting for a small opportunity to get in a game.  Our teams have a two (2) inning minimum playing requirement for every player in each game.

·        Teach Various Positions to Every Participant – Kings Knothole teams shouldn’t pigeonhole kids into one particular position.  In order to provide each participant a full experience and appreciation for the game that lasts a lifetime, we try to teach each player various positions.  If kids are taught the fundamentals of different positions, over time they will find the position where they belong naturally, rather than dictate where they will play. Every player should be allowed to play in the infield, along with every player should play the outfield and sit the bench.

·        Emphasize the Fundamentals – Knothole teams focus on teaching and developing all the fundamental skills of each participant that include throwing, catching, hitting, base-running and fielding.  These should be a large focus at every practice.

·        Facilitate Skill Development – Regardless of skill level, every child should be provided a learning environment that measures and assures improvement.  When kids experience improvement, no matter what their athletic ability, they will continue to participate and return to learn more in order to build on their progress.

·        Yell Encouragement, Whisper Constructive Criticism – Keep it positive, coaches and parents should not tolerate negative comments from anyone involved in the program.  Kids realize when they make a mistake.  What they don’t need is it compounded by negative feedback and comments.  Instead, they need instruction to correct mistakes supported by positive encouragement.

·        We are All Coaches  - We want parents involved in the development of our players and teams.  Our league and coaches will help parents learn how they can help their child develop their skills as a baseball player through home instruction, league clinics, camps and other opportunities outside of the standard baseball season.