It's 10 PM. You just realized your first practice is tomorrow and you have no plan. Deep breath. You're not the first coach to be here, and you won't be the last.
Here's the thing nobody tells you: the kids don't care if it's perfect. They care that you showed up. The fact that you're reading this right now means you care more than you think.
The 60 Minute First Practice Template
Warm Up (10 min)
- Jog from foul line to foul line (2 laps)
- Arm circles, high knees, butt kicks
- Partner catch starting at 20 feet, backing up to 40
Skill Work (25 min)
- Ground ball basics: get low, glove on the ground, two hands
- Throwing mechanics: step toward target, follow through
- If you have time: fly ball basics (call it, get under it, catch above shoulder)
Game Time (20 min)
- Scrimmage or a simple game like "500" or coach pitch rounds
- Keep it fun. This is where they fall in love with the sport.
Cool Down (5 min)
- Huddle up. Tell them one thing they did well. Ask them what was fun.
- This is the moment they decide if they want to come back.
The secret: Your job at the first practice isn't to teach perfect mechanics. It's to make every kid want to come back for the second one.
Don't have time to plan from scratch? You can generate a free practice plan in 30 seconds and walk onto that field tomorrow with confidence.