If you missed the previous episode (you can catch it here), David Klein explained what Speedball is and why it's worth your consideration. In this episode, we get into the details of how the game works in Part 2 of a two-part interview.
Plus Rob (and Austin Wasserman) answer the Question of the Week (34:14) about whether jump ropes are beneficial to 8U players.
In this 44-minute episode, you'll learn:
- how many games you'd play a week, and what the developmental benefits are (1:17)
- why development can happen in Speedball games, unlike regular youth baseball games (4:34)
- how to balance Speedball teams in skill level (5:39)
- pros and cons of teams forming themselves (7:47)
- Speedball rules (8:34)
- why leadoffs are counterproductive in Speedball games (9:44)
- more Speedball rules and how to determine the new home run area (10:23)
- more Speedball rules and how kids get warmed up to pitch (12:26)
- more Speedball rules and how to implement penalties (15:35)
- how umpires work (16:07)
- more Speedball rules and how to replace pitchers (16:34)
- Speedball "wild card" rules (18:09)
- additional "special" rules (18:58)
- how to handle infielders on cut/relay plays when there are fewer outfielders (21:57)
- coach roles in Speedball games (22:51)
- whether coaching during Speedball games is encouraged or frowned upon (23:48)
- how Speedball standings and playoffs work (24:43)
- how to adopt Speedball in your community (25:56)
- how Speedball practices differ from regular youth baseball practices (27:44)
- how Speedball compares to travelball, Little League and elite instruction (28:50)
Sponsor
Driveline Baseball
Driveline Plus is a growing library of everything baseball player development. Members get how-to videos on youth training, discounts on products and inside access to Driveline trainers. Listeners of today's episode get $25 off their first year of Driveline Plus. Tune in to the episode to get the code, just for YBE listeners.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode
- Training efficacy of ladder drills for baseball & softball
- 5-10-5 Pro Agility drill
- T-drill
- Foam Roll Shuffle Touches
- Mogul Hop drill
- Short Work drill
- Youngblood Youth Strength Training Manual
Want MORE Edgy Info?
Never miss an article! Enter your info to get more practical, actionable youth baseball coaching info like this.
Are you a new coach? I have a free 15-day email course just for you, where I walk you through coaching a team for an entire season over the course of 3 weeks.
