BACKSPIN JR.
Better baseball and softball starts here.
Simple, useful ideas for young players and the parents and coaches helping them grow. Read one. Try one. Play better.
THE LATEST
Simple ways to help young players.
Every article gives you one thing to remember, one thing to do this week, and a clear next step when your player is ready for it.
NEW · SWING FIXHow to stop a kid from stepping in the bucket
Stepping in the bucket is one of the most common youth hitting habits. It is usually a symptom, not the real problem.
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NEW · DECISIONSWhy won’t my child swing the bat?
Kids who freeze at the plate are not lazy or scared of hard work. Usually they cannot decide fast enough, or they are afraid of missing.
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NEW · CONFIDENCEHow to help a child in a hitting slump
Every hitter goes through slumps, even big leaguers. What your child learns from this one matters more than how fast it ends.
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NEW · TEE WORKBatting tee drills for kids: set it up the right way
A batting tee is the best hitting tool most families already own. Set it up the right way and every swing teaches something.
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NEW · STRIKE ZONEHow to teach kids the strike zone
Kids swing at bad pitches because nobody showed them what a good one looks like. The strike zone can be taught, and it can be fun.
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NEW · BUNTINGHow to teach a kid to bunt
Bunting is one of the first skills that helps a young player help the team, and it is easier to teach than most parents think.
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NEW · SOFTBALL GEARWhat size softball bat does my daughter need?
A fastpitch bat your daughter can control will help her more than the most expensive bat in the store.
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NEW · KID PITCHKid pitch is here: hitting tips for the first season
The first season of kid pitch is a big jump. Pitches are faster, wilder and harder to predict, and that is normal.
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NEW · 12U PLAYBOOKThe 12U Playbook: twelve big ideas made simple.
One player idea, one short game and one parent cue for each—adapted from the Backspin Blog.
OPEN THE PLAYBOOK → FOR COACHESYouth baseball coaching certification: what you actually need.
What leagues require of volunteer coaches, and what really helps.
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CATCHINGHow to teach a kid to catch a baseball.
Soft balls, hands up, two hands, and games that make catching fun.
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TRYOUTSIs my kid ready for travel ball tryouts?
A readiness checklist and a calm way to prepare for travel ball tryouts.
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PARENT DECISIONSWhat age should kids start hitting lessons?
Signs your child is ready for lessons, and what good lessons look like.
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THE SWINGShould my child switch-hit or bat lefty?
How to tell which side fits your hitter, and when switch-hitting makes sense.
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OFFSEASONOffseason baseball training for kids: what to do November to February.
A simple winter plan: rest first, build athleticism, then ramp up for spring.
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GIFT GUIDEThe best baseball and softball gifts for kids (ages 7–12).
Practice gear kids use all winter, plus a few gifts that build real skills.
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GAME IQWatch the playoffs with your kid: 5 things to point out.
Turn playoff games into couch lessons your young hitter will remember.
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CONFIDENCEHow to help a child who is afraid of the ball.
Soft balls, safe turns and small wins for the kid who keeps stepping out.
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TIMINGCoach-pitch and machine-pitch hitting tips for young players.
Watch the arm, get ready early, and win more swings in coach-pitch and machine-pitch.
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BAT SIZINGWhat size bat should my child use?
Two quick checks, the league stamp, and why lighter usually wins.
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REC VS. TRAVELRec vs. travel ball: is my 9-year-old ready?
Honest signs your 9-year-old is ready for travel ball, and why rec is fine too.
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PRACTICE AT HOMEHow to get your kid to practice without a fight.
Short sessions, real choices and little games that end the practice battle.
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CAR RIDE HOMEWhat to say to your kid after a game (the car ride home).
Let them lead, keep it short, and save the coaching for another day.
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NEXT STEPTee-ball to coach pitch: what changes for young hitters.
What changes when the ball starts moving, and how to get ready at home.
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INDOOR PRACTICEHow to practice hitting indoors or in a small space.
Dry swings, sock balls and mirror work for rainy days and small spaces.
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PRACTICEHow many swings a day should a young player take?
Honest guidance on swings, minutes and rest for young hitters.
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FASTPITCHFastpitch softball hitting for beginners (8U–10U).
How beginners see, time and hit a windmill pitch, plus easy drills for home.
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LOCAL CAMPSYouth baseball and softball camps in Scottsdale: what parents should look for.
A Scottsdale parent's checklist for picking a youth baseball or softball camp.
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HEAT SAFETYSummer baseball and softball in the Arizona heat: a parent's guide for ages 7–12.
When to practice, where to go and what warning signs mean stop right now.
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THROWINGHow to teach a kid to throw a baseball.
Grip, point and step, follow through, and games that make throwing fun.
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HITTING5 youth baseball hitting drills to do at home.
Short, focused drills that build balance, barrel control and a love for practice.
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SOFTBALLSoftball hitting drills for 8–10 year olds.
Three simple games that make a young hitter feel athletic and confident.
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PARENTSHow to teach a kid to hit a baseball—without overcoaching.
A simpler way to guide practice and let a player learn.
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SWINGThe youth baseball balance drill every hitter can use.
Give your player a better chance to repeat the swing and find solid contact.
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AT HOMEA 10-minute baseball practice at home that actually helps.
A little structure creates a real win—without burning the player out.
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CONFIDENCEHow to build confidence in young hitters.
Teach a next-pitch reset and help confidence come from real evidence.
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SWINGYouth baseball swing mechanics: keep it simple.
Four checkpoints that help kids build a swing they can repeat.
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SEE ITHow to help your child see the baseball better.
Easy pitch-tracking games that build smarter swings and takes.
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12UA simple 12U baseball training guide for parents.
Build a complete young player—without turning development into a race.
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COACHESA youth baseball practice plan for ages 7–12.
More movement, more touches, more decisions and more fun.
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