How to ask your coach for help

For a longer question, look for a break between drills, with your team nearby. If your coach is pitching or helping another player, wait until they can listen.

Start with something easy: “Coach, can you watch me next round? I’m not sure I’m doing what you asked.” If now isn’t a good time, ask when you can check in.

If you don’t understand what you’re supposed to do in the next drill, say so before you start. You don’t have to wait until practice is over to get the instructions clear.

Give your coach something specific to look at. “I keep dropping the ball when I take it out of my glove” tells them more than “I’m terrible at throwing.”

You can also explain where you’re confused: “I know where I’m supposed to go, but I don’t know when to move.” That’s enough to start. You don’t need the right baseball word for every part of the play.

Describe what you noticed without deciding you’re a bad player. We’re talking about one part of your game that needs attention.

Try asking, “What’s the first thing you want me to work on?” Let your coach choose a starting point, then listen to the answer before adding another question.

Little League’s practice guidance reminds coaches not to overwhelm players with too much information. You can keep your part simple, too: leave the conversation knowing what you’ll try next.

If the answer is “be quicker,” ask what that means for this play. For example: “Which part looks slow?” That gives your coach a chance to explain more clearly.

Sometimes the words make more sense after you see the movement. Try, “Can you show me what you mean?” Then watch the part your coach points out.

Little League’s coach-pitch guide encourages players to learn by watching, asking questions, and getting help from a coach. Asking for another explanation belongs in practice.

Say the instruction back in your own words: “So you want me to start here?” You can show the starting position, too. Give your coach a chance to check that you understood before you go again.

Use the instruction during the next part of the planned drill. Afterward, tell your coach what happened. Be specific: “I found the ball in my glove more easily, but my throw was still high.”

Ask whether you did the part you were working on. A missed throw doesn’t answer every question about the movement, and a good throw doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to learn.

If you’re still confused, say so. You can ask a parent or another trusted adult to help you explain your question. You don’t have to handle every conversation alone.

Bring one question about something you’re learning. Use this short plan:

1. Tell your coach what happened or what you don’t understand.
2. Ask for one thing to try, and check that you understand it.
3. Try it during the drill, then share what you noticed.

Before you leave, finish this sentence: “Next practice, I’m working on…” If you can’t finish it yet, that’s your next question.