Youth Playbook - Youth Playbook

Top Youth Football Equipment to Buy this Season: A Parent’s Guide

The start of youth football season is exciting — new teammates, game-day energy, and plenty of practices ahead. While leagues usually provide key safety gear like helmets and shoulder pads, parents are still responsible for making sure their child has the right personal youth football equipment for comfort, performance, and protection. This guide covers the […]

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Youth baseball game with players and coach in action on a sunny field.

Winning with Heart: Coaching Lessons from the Little League World Series

Baseball, Must Read, New Coaches

Every August, the baseball world turns its eyes to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the Little League World Series transforms young athletes into global stars—if only for a few days. The games are competitive, the stakes feel sky-high, and the spotlight is intense. Some of the most unforgettable LLWS moments have come not from the batter’s box

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Soccer Training Gear Every Parent Should Consider for Their Kids

Soccer

Instead of preparing for an entire team practice, parents just need to think about one thing: helping their child get more touches on the ball and have fun doing it. The right training gear makes it easy to turn the backyard, driveway, or park into a mini soccer academy — no whistles or clipboards required.

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What Size Baseball Glove Do You Need?

Baseball

A Complete Baseball Glove Size Guide for Youth Players by Position and Age Buying the right baseball glove isn’t just about price or brand—it’s about fit, comfort, and the player’s position on the field. What size baseball glove is right for your child? What’s the difference between a baseball glove for a 7 year old,

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Should Kids Use Weighted Baseballs? What Coaches and Parents Need to Know

Baseball

On a recent Reddit thread in r/Homeplate, a parent raised concerns about a coach using weighted baseballs with an 11U travel team. The debate quickly expands to a broader question: Is it safe or appropriate for preteens to be using weighted baseballs to increase pitching velocity? And what about players just a few years older?

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How to Keep Youth Sports Pressure-Free in a $40 Billion Industry

The Complete Youth Baseball Equipment Checklist

Baseball, Editors Pick, New Coaches

Whether you’re coaching your first T-ball team or managing a travel ball squad, showing up prepared can make or break your season. Having the right baseball equipment in your trunk isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating smoother practices, handling the unexpected, and showing your team you’re ready to lead. Here’s a comprehensive youth baseball equipment

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Essential Soccer Equipment: A Coach’s Guide

How to Prep: First Basketball Practice

Basketball, New Coaches

How to Prep: First Basketball Practice Whether you’re coaching for the first time or you’re a seasoned volunteer, the first youth basketball practice sets the tone for the entire season. It’s your chance to make a positive first impression, build trust, and establish the foundation for team development. It’s also your first chance to make

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Top 5 T-Ball Drills: Keep It Short and Simple

Baseball, New Coaches

T-ball is many children’s first introduction to organized sports—and it’s a critical time to build confidence, teach fundamentals, and most importantly, keep things fun. The best drills for T-ball focus on movement, basic mechanics, and keeping players engaged in short bursts. Here are five tried-and-true T-ball drills that are perfect for young beginners: 1. Bucket

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