“Don’t strike out” tells a kid what we’re afraid of. It doesn’t tell them what to look for when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. That’s the moth story in a batting helmet: the thing you want to avoid still chooses your direction. Try a short front-toss round. Ask the hitter to choose one pitch location they want to attack and one part of the field they’d like to drive it toward. Mix in a few pitches outside that target. Ask what they saw, and give a good decision credit even when the contact wasn’t great. What exact question would you ask a young hitter before that round? — Coach JT

Youth baseball coaches, this one is for an older player you’ve coached or someone in your program’s high school network. Scott Losche, head baseball coach at The City College of New York, is looking for a Class of 2027 high school graduate who plays first base and can hit. If one of your former players fits, send this to the player’s family or current coach. CCNY is a public CUNY college in Manhattan. The Beavers play NCAA Division III baseball in the CUNY Athletic Conference. Coach Losche is a two-time CUNYAC Coach of the Year, a two-time Division III independent national Coach of the Year, and a member of the Baruch College Athletics Hall of Fame. Interested players: Start with the official CCNY baseball recruiting form. If you email Coach Losche at slosche@ccny.cuny.edu, put “2027 First Baseman” in the subject and include your high school, travel team if applicable, and a short link to game at-bats and first-base defense. Keep player contact information and academic records out of the comments. CCNY Baseball · Coach Losche’s bio · CCNY academic programs — Coach JT

Put a young infielder through three ground balls with a clear target. After a bobble, have them step back, name one thing they noticed, then get their eyes on the coach and ready for the next ball. Give them credit for being ready again, even if the next rep still needs work. What short cue helps your young infielders get ready again without replaying the error? — Coach JT Inspired by Ira Rosen and Cory Michael Sanchez, Mojo Global: The Daily Mojo Day 5: Recuperation Powers

@Brittany Miller @Brandon Fox When a young hitter goes quiet after a swing and miss, another mechanical cue may not be what they need. What are you seeing from the kid between reps? Coach Brittany Miller of Mental Masters Athlete is hosting two live calls for the adults helping young athletes develop. Coaches Call: Coaching the Whole Athlete Wednesday, Nov. 18 · 8 p.m. CST (7 p.m. MST) · Zoom · $40 Where your athletes really stand, academics and NCAA eligibility, your role as a coach, and pressure and the mental game. Register for the Coaches Call Parent Call: Four Things Every Sports Parent Needs to Know Tuesday, Nov. 17 · 8 p.m. CST (7 p.m. MST) · Zoom · $40 A session for sports parents and the families you work with. Register for the Parent Call — Coach JT

The point of this short clip is about making a choice in the moment. In youth baseball, one way to teach it is to let a hitter decide whether the pitch is one they want to swing at. In front toss, show them a part of the zone they can attack. Mix in a few pitches they should let go. Praise a good take just as specifically as a good swing, and ask what they saw. What’s a cue that helps your young hitters make their own swing decision? — Coach JT