Most coaches run group sessions wrong.
They group by age. They “roll balls.” They hope kids improve. And they wonder why: - Sessions feel chaotic - Players don’t re-sign - Parents don’t see value - Income stays flat Group sessions should be your highest-impact AND highest-income offering — if they’re structured correctly. Here’s how to design them. 🔹 Step 1: Group by Goals, Not Age A 12-year-old who wants to “make contact” belongs with an 8-year-old with the same goal — not with advanced hitters his age. Create groups like: - Contact Hitters - Power Hitters - Pitching Mechanics - Game IQ / Fielding - Catchers / Infield / Outfield Players progress faster when everyone is working toward the same outcome. 🔹 Step 2: Run Day & Evening Versions - Day sessions for homeschool athletes (counts as PE) - Evening sessions for public school athletes - Same curriculum, different time slots Market directly to homeschool Facebook groups and partner with online programs. They are always looking for quality PE options. 🔹 Step 3: 6-Week “Seasons” Instead of Open Training Never sell “drop-in group training.” Sell: 6-Week Development Seasons Why? - Creates urgency - Creates commitment - Creates measurable progress - Easier to sell at a premium price End each season with a Playoff / Championship Week based on leaderboard rankings. 🔹 Step 4: Every Group Needs Structure (This Is the Missing Piece) Each 60–75 min session should follow this format: 1. 5 min – Leaderboard Update & Goal Reminder 2. 15 min – Skill Block #1 3. 15 min – Skill Block #2 4. 15 min – Competitive Challenge 5. 10 min – Tracking, Scores, and Review Parents LOVE this because it looks organized. Kids LOVE this because it feels like a game.Coaches LOVE this because it runs itself. 🔹 Step 5: What to Track for the Leaderboard This is what makes kids beg to come back. For Hitters - Hard contact points - Line drives - Quality at-bats - Exit velo improvement - On-time swings - Competition round wins