Finding potential players; attending to the logistical details of scheduling practices, games, banquets and summer leagues; developing an adequate preseason throwing program that will work in a high school gym; efficiently cutting players after tryouts; and promoting a high school baseball program throughout the community--these are just a few examples of the myriad duties assigned to a high school baseball head coach. This reference work assists coaches in simplifying their many tasks. Here is an easy-to-use handbook for beginning high school baseball coaches and seasoned veterans alike. It takes coaches step by step through the season, from the player search and the first team meeting through the end-of-season banquet (with suggestions for summer baseball as well!). Instructions for fundraising and promoting programs, creating efficient and effective practices, organizing both practice sessions and games, and simplifying baseball situations are all included. Over 40 different model documents are provided to help with the development of a baseball program: player information and evaluation forms; sample practice plans and pre-game schedules; checklists for preseason and postseason responsibilities; letters to teachers, counselors and parents; letters for starting a high school summer league; and the "cut letter" are all here. "Blueprints" for off-season weight-training and pre-season throwing programs are also offered, along with suggestions for upgrading baseball programs.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents Acknowledgments      Preface      1. Getting Started      Step 1: Finding Players      Step 2: Preparing for the First Meeting with the Players      Step 3: First Meeting with the Players      Step 4: Follow-Up to the First Meeting      2. Off-Season Weight Training and Conditioning      Initial Player Testing      Introduction to Weight Training      Prevention of Weight Training Injuries      Guidelines for Weight Increases and Rest Periods Between Sets      Abdominal Workout      Conditioning, Agility, and Plyometrics      3. Preseason Throwing Programs      How to Play Catch      Additional Tips for the Coach      4. The Cut Process      Nonbaseball Criteria for Evaluating Players      5. The Art of Organizing a Practice      Developing an Organized Practice Plan      6. Pregame, Game Time, and Postgame Responsibilities      Preparations for First Game      Preparations Immediately Before the Game      Things to Remember Throughout the Game      Postgame Responsibilities      7. Situational Baseball Simplified      Signs      Calling Pitches from the Dugout      First and Third Defenses      Priorities on Pop-Ups      Bunt Coverage      Cutoff Situation Rules      Cutoff Responsibilities      8. End of the Season: Is It Time to Relax?      End of Season Meeting      End of Season Clean-Up and Uniform Collection      End of Season Banquet      Development of a Summer League Baseball Program      9. Promoting Your Program      Building Your Program Image      Working the Media to Your Advantage      Newsletters      Baseball Alumni Association      Fundraising      Public Speaking Opportunities      Putting on Community Baseball Clinics      10. Developing Players’ and Coaches’ Manuals      Contents of the Coaches' Manual      Contents of the Players' Manual      Afterword      Appendix: Sample Letters and Other Forms      Freshman Orientation Letter      Freshman Welcome Letter      Coaches’ Contact Information Sheet      Player Information Sheet      Class Schedule      Sign-Up Sheet for Playing in College      Parents’ Fund Raising Letter and Sign-Up Sheet      Committee Descriptions      Memo to Classroom Teachers Regarding Players' Academics or Behavior      Notice to Guidance Counselors      Strength Training Log      20 Week Weight Lifting Program      Six Week Indoor Throwing Programs for Outfielders, Infielders, Catchers, and Pitchers      Player Evaluation Form      Player Cut Process Letter      Player Cut Letter      Player Expectations Letter      Practice Plan for Mid-March (Outdoors)      Group Infield Routine      Departure Times for Away Games      Excuse from Class      Equipment Contract      Varsity Uniform Schedule      PR Employment Opportunity Letter to Students      Baseball Public Address Script      Information Needed from Opposing Team for the Public Address Announcer      Manager’s Responsibilities      Pregame Day Schedule      Pre-Banquet Letter      Banquet Program Agenda      Banquet Program Table of Contents      Varsity Baseball Awards      Letter to Other Head Coaches to Determine Level of Interest in a Summer League      Sign-Up Sheet for Teams Interested in a Summer League      Summer League Mission Statement      Proposal for Summer High School Baseball League      Letter to Coaches Regarding Scheduling of Summer League      Sample Newspaper Ad Seeking Baseball Alumni      Alumni Association Certificate      Alumni Association Player Information Sheet      Index