Developing Sox (13-18yrs)

DSX-LIFESTAGES

Seeking new experiences, added responsibilities, taking risks and establishing our identity can impact our choices about sport and physical activity participation. It is important in this stage being able to access many and varied pathways from informal physical activity through to opportunities providing more competitive performance based sport.


 
LIFE STAGE - PARTICIPATE, COMPETE & DEVELOP

 
FOCUS: Fun, participation, learning, competing dsx-sox
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Promote the more technical types of:
  • Hitting
  • The short game (bunting)
  • Sliding
  • Pitching/catching
  • Defence/team defence
TACTICAL:
  • Emphasis on teamwork
  • Develop tasks per position
PHYSICAL (FITNESS):
  • Develop softball-specific physical conditioning
  • Develop general speed, agility, and quickness and flexibility
  • Introduce injury prevention
SOCIAL:
  • Pride in teamwork
  • Humility
  • Expressing gratitude
  • Fulfilling team role
COGNITIVE:
  • Develop goal setting, team cohesion, visualisation skills, emotional control, decision making during skills.
  • Introduce game plans, pre-game and game routines, coping strategies
GAME MODIFICATIONS:
  • Use 12 inch standard softball
  • Standard home plate and strike zone
  • Rotate positions
  • Equal playing time
RECREATIONAL SOFTBALL OPTIONS:  
MODIFIED SOFTBALL OPTIONS:  
 
emerging-sox1
 

 

DEVELOPING SOX RESOURCES

Developing Sox Skill Sets

The Developing Sox skills sets have been developed to help coaches identify and develop technical, tactical, strategy and game knowledge skills appropriate for this age group. You can also give this resource to your players to enhance your understanding of what they do know…and more importantly, what they don’t know!

 

Developing Sox Pitching & Catching Programme

Softball New Zealand has developed a National Pitching & Catching Programme targeting the under 18 (Developing Sox),  age groups. The programme aligns with the National Player & Coach Development Pathway. For more information on the Developing Sox Pitching & Catching Programme click here.

 

DEVELOPING SOX COACH ACCREDITATION




Development Coach - Stages 4 & 5, Phase 2

Phase 2 will help determine your level of interest in the game and your future coaching aspirations. It is an important phase that covers a wide range of tactical, technical and planning skills.


 
  Pitching Movement Module - $15

This is a 2 hour pitching module is designed for coaches of all age groups. This is a chance to improve your basic knowledge on the skill of pitching and how to pitch the movement pitches.

Bring your glove and ball along and learn the different grips and releases of the three "must have" pitches: Drop, Rise, Change Up.

Learn how to get more velocity, how to improve control and some tips on helping your pitchers with the mental side of the game.

Participants receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.


 
  Pitching Mechanics & Rules Module $15

This 2 hour pitching module is designed for coaches of all age groups. This is a chance to improve your basic knowledge on the skill of pitching.

Bring your glove and ball along and have a go at pitching. Learn the overall pitching mechanics and how to get more speed by leaping.

Rule 6 of the Softball NZ rule book will be discussed in detail and coaches will become more confident on all the pitching rules.

Participants receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course booklet and certificate of recognition.

 
  Battery Module - $15

A 2 hour power point presentation with game footage to help you oversee the progress of your pitchers & catchers together; discuss the battery development pathways incorporating velocity, control, movement, mental approach expectations; understand the fundamentals of pitching and the role of the catcher; learn how your battery can effectively call the game by understanding pitch counts and hitter tendencies.
 
Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition

 
  Catching Module - $15

This is a 2 hour practical course on "Catching Fundamentals"

Topics covered will include the basics of equipment use; set up; positioning; signals; receiving; framing; blocking; throwing; pick offs; tagging; fielding-pass balls, bunts, pop flies; base cover; strategy; leadership; communication; working with umpires & game knowledge. Participants are asked to bring a ball and mitt (or glove) and be prepared to engage in some physical activity.

Participants receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.

 
  Catching "Calling the Game" Module - $15

This is a 2 hour theory and practical course on "Calling the Game"

What are the characteristics you need to look for in a hitter?
What might be the hitter's weakness?
What should the catcher call to get the best possible result?

When "calling the game" the following will also be discussed: the count; the pitchers ability; the batter's ability and the umpire.

Participants receive a 2 hour power point & practical session from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.

 
  Hitting & the Short Game Module - $15

This is a 2 ½ hour practical course on “Hitting & the Short Game Fundamentals”

Topics covered will include the basics of Bat Selection; Hitting Fundamentals; Tracking & Pitch Selection; Fault Correction; Slump Busting; Bunting: Sacrifice, Fake, Squeeze, Push, Slap, Surprise & Drag Bunting; Slap Hitting & Practice Organisation.

Participants are asked to bring a bat, ball and glove and be prepared to engage in some physical activity.

Participants will receive 2 ½ hours of coaching from an approved Softball New Zealand presenter, coaching resource material & a certificate of recognition.

 
  Fielding & Throwing Module - $15

A 2 hour practical & theory course on Infield & Outfield Fielding & Throwing fundamentals. The module is based on the Softball NZ Skill Sets.

Topics covered will include the ready position; fielding ground & fly balls; foot movement; communication; backing up; relays; double plays; double play pivots; throwing mechanics; side arm throw; underhand & back hand flicks & drills.

Participants are asked to bring a ball & glove and be prepared to engage in some physical activity

Participants will receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and a certificate of recognition.
 
 
  Game Strategy Module - $15

As a coach, you must make your decision ahead of time and based on a number of factors.

In this module you will learn key information and details to help give you and your team a competitive edge.

You will learn how to better manage a game, how to adjust your infield and outfield, when to hit and run and when to bunt, how to anticipate what your opponent will do and different ways to defend bunts and steals.

Participants receive a 2 hour power point & discussion session from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.
 
 
  Creating Athletes Module - $15

"Coaching is about building relationships..."

A 2 1/2 hour theory course for Developing Coaches

Topics covered will include: Coaches as Leaders; Effective Communication; NZ Coach Approach; Understanding the Athlete; Tools & Techniques for Behaviour Management; Planning; TGFU; Health & Safety; Giving Feedback; Evaluating your Coaching.

Participants will receive 2 1/2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and a certificate of recognition.
 
 
  Base running and Sliding Module - $15

This course will focus on the basics of good base running and sliding with special emphasis on the need to be aggressive. This module will cover the fundamentals of sliding along with several advanced options. The following slides will be taught to helping base runners avoid the tag:
Bent leg Pop up Head first Hook Retreat Back door.

Participants will receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and a certificate of recognition.
 
 
 
  Mental Skills for Softball Module - $15

A 2 1/2 hour theory course for Developing Coaches.

This course will focus on; Goal Setting, Imagery, Relaxation, Self Talk and Mental Toughness.

Participants will receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and a certificate of recognition.



 
ONLINE COACH ACCREDITATION
Phase 2 of the Softball New Zealand Coach Accreditation Programme is available online with additional modules to be added. To access the online format please register for a login and password by emailing SNZ.