Little league question "practice time" how much is enough?

Question

Our 8yr old is in his 2nd yr of L.L. He has 1 practice a week with his team and 1 game a week. He's not the best player nor the worst and really likes it. My question is should me or my husband encourage him to practace with us too? Take him to the batting cages once a week? Or what practace he does with his team enough? We don't want to push him to much but don't want him to fall behind the other kids ether.

Answer 1

well  occasionally you should ask him if he wants to go to a batting cage or ask him if he wants to have one of his friends from the team if he wants to play catch

Answer 2

yeah i would

if he is doing rec ball i wouldnt worry too much unless you plan on putting him in select ball. in select you practice ALOT!

Answer 3

I would definitely add a practice with you and your husband once a week. Individual attention can really help kids that are struggling in a sport. They also have the "freedom" to mess up without other kids laughing at them or getting aggravated. Don't just focus on batting. Work in some fielding practice too for all positions.

Answer 4

I think it's fine to ask him if he wants to practice with you.  If he does, go for it (and keep it fun ... throwing balls around and giving occasional advice but not making it seem like a drill).  If he doesn't, don't.

Answer 5

If he likes to play, practice could be used as quality time together.  Nothing is better then playing catch in the back yard, or heading out to the batting cages with dad.  side side by side batting is a blast my son laughs at his dad when he strikes out, and His dad in turn acts amazed when he hits a good one.  

But extra practice is not necessary unless he is interested in making the all Star team.  If he wants to go to all stars he will have to work hard every day.  

If you do work him  at home,  keep it light and playful.  don't worry about mistakes, that is the coaches job.

My son is 9 years old, he practices 2 days a week for 1 hr,    1  1\2  depending on what they are working on.   and he will come home and practice another hour with his sister.  or dad or older brother and me if I am all that is willing.  The point is practice is lead by him.  not us we don't tell him to do it.  he begs us to.

Answer 6

My husband used to be a LL coach.  The kids who had additional practice time with mom or dad really excelled.  But some of them were pushed so hard by their parents that they were totally burned out before the season was half over.  My advice is to practice with him as long as it is fun for him.  Teach him that once you sign up for something, you honor your committment and do not quit, so he has an obligation to continue through the season.  But do not force him to practice any more than he wants to.  Why not just leave it with an open invitation.  Tell him to come get you when he wants a practice buddy.