Assistant coaches play a far bigger role in tee ball than many people realize. At this level, having multiple adults on the field isn’t about filling roles—it’s about safety, organization, and creating a positive experience for young players.

In this episode, Marty Schupak explains why assistant coaches are essential in tee ball and how shared responsibility dramatically reduces risk. Young players move quickly, swing bats without awareness, and need constant supervision. When more adults are present and engaged, the field becomes safer and more manageable.

The episode also explores how setting expectations early—starting with the first parents’ meeting—can change the tone of an entire season. By making it clear that every parent is an assistant coach, teams run more smoothly and no single person carries the full burden.

Marty discusses practical ways to involve parents without overwhelming them, including asking each family to help with one practice and one game. Even small contributions, when shared across the group, create a major impact. With enough assistants, coaches can split teams into smaller groups, increase repetitions, and reduce standing around—making practices more effective and more fun.

Importantly, assistant coaches don’t need baseball knowledge to be valuable. Their primary role is safety, followed by energy and encouragement. Over time, many parents grow more comfortable and even discover a lasting interest in coaching or volunteering.

This episode also looks at the bigger picture: how welcoming assistant coaches help build a strong, supportive community around youth sports and set the cultural foundation for a successful league.

Learn more at www.SchupakSports.com

Schupak Sports is a weekly youth sports commentary hosted by longtime coach and author Marty Schupak. New episodes are released on Fridays. Learn more at www.SchupakSports.com.

Youth sports don’t need expensive equipment to be effective—especially when kids are just getting started.

In this episode, Marty Schupak shares practical ways parents and coaches can create useful sports equipment and drills using everyday items found around the house. Drawing on decades of youth coaching experience, Marty explains why creativity often matters more than cost, and how simple solutions can provide the same benefits as high-priced gear.

The discussion includes a real-world example of building a safe, functional hitting net substitute using a tarp, bicycle hooks, and bungee cords—avoiding the need to purchase an expensive net. Marty also talks about how walking your neighborhood and asking for unused sporting goods can uncover a surprising amount of equipment sitting in garages, waiting to be used again.

Beyond saving money, this episode highlights the impact creativity has on kids. When young athletes see adults problem-solve, build, and improvise, it sends a powerful message about effort, resourcefulness, and confidence. Those lessons often matter as much as anything learned on the field.

This commentary is designed for parents, volunteer coaches, and anyone looking to support youth sports without unnecessary expense—while still giving kids meaningful opportunities to practice, learn, and enjoy the game.

Learn more at www.SchupakSports.com

Schupak Sports is a weekly youth sports commentary hosted by longtime coach and author Marty Schupak. New episodes are released on Fridays. Learn more at www.SchupakSports.com.

Longer practices don’t automatically lead to better results—especially in tee ball and early youth sports.

In this short commentary, Marty Schupak explains why extended practices often reduce focus, enthusiasm, and learning for young athletes. Drawing on over 30 years of youth sports coaching experience, he breaks down the difference between activity and accomplishment, and why planning, efficiency, and age-appropriate structure matter far more than time spent on the field.

The episode focuses primarily on tee ball, while also touching on how the same principles apply to older youth players. Coaches and parents will hear practical insights on ideal practice length, common mistakes that lead to burnout, and how shorter, intentional practices can help kids enjoy the game and want to keep playing.

This episode is designed for volunteer coaches, sports parents, and anyone interested in creating positive youth sports experiences without unnecessary pressure or overtraining.

Learn more at www.SchupakSports.com

Schupak Sports is a weekly youth sports commentary hosted by longtime coach and author Marty Schupak. New episodes are released on Fridays. Learn more at www.SchupakSports.com.