This package includes the following:

• Coaching Softball Technical and Tactical Skills ebook
• Online Coaching Aid documents
• Online video and activities
• Online test

Human Kinetics Coach Education brings the diamond to the desktop with Coaching Softball Technical and Tactical Skills, an online course designed for softball coaches of youths age 14 and older.

The course draws content from the ebook Coaching Softball Technical and Tactical Skills, written by Human Kinetics in conjunction with experts at the Women’s Fastpitch Coaches Association (WFCA).

The course is delivered entirely online. As you progress through the course, you will participate in interactive activities, read portions of the Coaching Softball Technical and Tactical Skills ebook, and view video clips to complete course units. You’ll learn different approaches to coaching, including the games approach (an alternative to drills-based coaching); develop a season plan and a series of practice plans; and improve your ability to coach during games.

The course is heavy on skill demonstration as well as error detection and correction. You’ll break down technical and tactical skills by viewing video frame by frame.

Other features include Coaching Aids, a storehouse of downloadable and printable PDF documents that are incorporated throughout the course. These include practice plans, sport first aid checklists, and drill sheets. You’ll have access to the clipboard even after you’ve completed the course (for up to one year). The course also features a separate section devoted to softball officiating signals.

After completing the course units, you’ll take the 40-question test online. Upon successfully passing the test, you will be entered in the National Coaches Registry, an online listing of coaches who've completed Human Kinetics Coach Education courses. Sport administrators have access to the registry, allowing them to track coaches' course completion.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to do the following:

• Explain the relationship and difference between technical and tactical skills and describe the traditional and games approaches to softball practice (unit 1)
• Evaluate technical and tactical softball skills in your players and make use of your evaluation results (unit 2)
• Teach, critique, and correct essential technical skills (units 3 and 4)
• Teach, critique, and correct essential tactical skills (units 5 and 6)
• Prepare effective season plans and individual practice plans (units 7 and 8)
• Prepare for game days, coach games, and work with your team after games (units 9 and 10)

Audience

High school coaches, serious club coaches, college and university undergraduate students, and advanced coaches at the youth level.

Unit 1. Teaching Sport Skills
Introduction
Effective Teaching
Tactical Triangle
The Games Approach
Summary
Quiz

Unit 2. Evaluating Technical and Tactical Skills
Introduction
Guidelines for Evaluation
Evaluating Physical Skills
Evaluating Nonphysical Skills
Evaluation Tools
Effective Feedback
Summary
Quiz

Unit 3. Offensive Technical Skills
Introduction
The Three Stages of Learning
Hitting
Sacrifice Bunt
Slap Hit and Hard Bunt
Squeeze Bunt
Running Slap
Baserunning
Bent-Leg Slide
Pop-Up Slide
Headfirst Slide
Summary
Quiz

Unit 4. Defensive Technical Skills
Introduction
Throwing
Infield Throws
Fielding Balls on the Forehand or Backhand Side
Fielding Ground Balls in the Infield
Fielding Ground Balls in the Outfield
Catching a Throw
Catching Fly Balls
Pitching
Catching
Playing First Base
Playing Second Base
Playing Third Base
Playing Shortstop
Summary
Quiz

Unit 5. Offensive Tactical Skills
Introduction
Playing the Short Game
Stealing a Base
Protecting the Runner on a Steal
First-and-Third Situations
Aggressive Baserunning
Approaching Home
Hit-and-Run
Situational Hitting
Summary
Quiz

Unit 6. Defensive Tactical Skills
Introduction
Infield Defensive Responsibilities
Outfield Defensive Responsibilities
Defending the Bunt
Pickoffs
Rundowns
Defending the First-and-Third Play
Summary
Quiz

Unit 7. Season Plans
Introduction
Six Steps to Instructional Planning
Summary
Quiz

Unit 8. Practice Plans
Introduction
Practicing With the Games Approach
Practicing With the Traditional Approach
Developing Your Own Practice Plan
Summary
Quiz

Unit 9. Preparing for Games
Introduction
Communication
Scouting an Opponent
Developing a Game Plan
Pregame Meeting
Planning the Warm-Up
Summary
Quiz

Unit 10. During and After the Game
Introduction
Getting Ready for the Game
Lineup
Batting Order
Field Inspection
Pregame Warm-Up
During the Game
Making Tactical Decisions
Time-Outs
Substitutions
Game Plan
After the Game
Good Sporting Behavior
Postgame Routine
Coaches’ Meeting
Postgame Meeting
Summary
Quiz

Unit 11. Game Time
Introduction
Offense
Defense
Summary

Course Test

Established in 1981 and rooted in an athlete-centered philosophy that places the developmental needs of athletes ahead of winning at all costs, Human Kinetics Coach Education courses and resources are customized and widely used by youth sport organizations, state high school associations, school districts, state departments of education, colleges and universities, and national governing bodies of Olympic sports to teach, train, and certify coaches.