NEWS RELEASE  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:      Stephanie Sutton
                      (416) 426-7150
                      ssutton@softballontario.ca

DATE:           July 21, 2011

Softball Canada created the Coaches Guide series to increase the knowledge of coaches and improve the development of players.  The information in each guide is based on Softball Canada’s Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model ensuring that it both age and stage appropriate.

Each guide contains a season’s worth of practice plans divided into 4 training phases with each phase having it own objectives and outcomes and will assist softball coaches with the critical skill developing and conducting sequential, well organized practices.  The practice plans are laid out in a manner that is very easy to follow and to work with.  Each drill is described in detail including a list of equipment that is required and a time limit to ensure that the practice is kept on track. 

The coach can use the information in the Key Teaching Points section of the guide to ensure that player are not simply doing the drills but are instead “learning the skills and the game’.  Each drill also contains a clearly illustrated diagram to allow for easy understanding of the drills.  Beyond these valuable practice plans, this guide contain section on practice planning, dynamic warm-up routines, cool-down routines, and key teaching point for each skill.  This fantastic new resource means that age-appropriate practices and information are now at the fingertips of each softball coach in Canada.

Beginner coaches can simply follow the practice plans as they are laid out, and rest assured, the players and the team will improve the skills prioritized for their age category and LTPD stage over the course of the season. Experienced coaches can use these practice plans as a guideline and modify them to meet the individual needs of their players and team.

Each guide is contained in a binder which allows the coach to remove the appropriate practice plan from the binder and take it with them to the field.

For more information on how to purchase the U14 Coaches Guide: Tools for Coaching Success!, please complete the order form under the following link and sent it to Nancy Huang at Softball Ontario:

http://www.softballontario.ca/content/view/145/101/

Softball Ontario delivers the National Coaching Certification Program and Coach Education on behalf of Softball Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada in the Province of Ontario.  If you have any questions regarding the Softball Ontario Coaches Program or the National Coaching Certification Program, please contact Steph Sutton via email at ssutton@softballontairo.ca

-30-

Softball Ontario is the governing body for the sport of softball in Ontario. Our goal is to promote and develop the sport of softball for its athletes, officials and volunteers by providing programs and services at all levels of competitions.