Inside the Game: Episode 03 Running a Training Session
In Episode 03 of Inside the Game, Australian baseball coach Matt Redman explains how to run an effective, fun, and organised training session for T-ball and junior baseball teams. The episode covers session planning, keeping drills fun and gamified, using small groups for constant movement, and involving parent helpers to maximise learning and engagement.
About Matt Redman and RBI Australia
Matt Redman isn’t just the host of Inside the Game; he’s a seasoned coach with over 25 years of experience coaching baseball and softball across various levels. From teaching t-ballers to guiding players through senior league, Matt’s passion for the game and for coaching has made him a staple in the Southwest Sydney baseball community. Alongside his wife Kate, he co-founded RBI Australia in 2019, a business dedicated to providing top-notch coaching, gear, and training to local players.
In this episode, Matt uses his years of experience to show you how to structure a youth training session so that it feels organised, enjoyable, and productive, even with limited time and resources.
What to Expect in This Episode
1. Why Every Session Needs a Plan
Matt starts with the most important point. You must have a plan.
He talks about:
- Planning a whole season when possible, then adjusting as needed
- At the very least, having a clear plan for each training session
- Using a coaches chat, such as WhatsApp, to brief your assistants before training
- Arriving early, setting up stations and cones before the kids arrive
The goal is simple. As soon as training starts, the kids are doing, not waiting while you work out what to set up.
2. Keeping It Fun and Gamified
Matt explains that the younger the team, the more game-like your drills should be.
He shares ideas such as:
- Turning throwing drills into target games
- Using cones or markers as hitting targets
- Creating base running relays and races
- “Tricking them into learning” by wrapping core skills inside fun competitions
The focus is always on the real skill underneath the game. For example, when working on base running, Matt still emphasises rounding the base, hitting the inside corner, and pumping arms and legs, even though the kids feel like they are just racing and playing.
3. Small Groups and Constant Movement
One of the biggest coaching mistakes Matt sees is kids standing still.
In the episode, he explains:
- Why lines of 10 or 12 kids are a problem
- How to split your team into three small groups
- How this lets kids get a rep every 20 to 30 seconds instead of every few minutes
For a team of 12, three stations with four players each means constant movement and far more meaningful touches on the ball. When kids are active, they stay engaged. When they are bored, they start wrestling, playing in the dirt, or losing focus.
4. Using Parent Helpers Effectively
You do not need three expert coaches to run a quality session.
Matt shows you how to:
- Use parent helpers who have never played baseball or softball
- Give them simple, clear jobs such as:
- Rolling ground balls over and over
- Placing balls on a tee
- Throwing gentle fly balls
- Explain the drill to the whole group and the helpers first, so all the parent needs to do is repeat a simple action
The message is clear.
It is better to have three stations with simple helpers than one experienced coach working alone while a long line of kids waits for their turn.
5. How to Structure the Full Session
Matt shares his go-to structure for a junior training session:
- Three stations or drills
- Each focused on a core skill such as throwing, fielding, hitting, or base running
- Small groups rotating through each station
- Game at the end
- A fun, gamified drill used as a reward
- Kids know they need to work hard in the drills to earn the game
- Pop quiz and huddle
- Matt gathers the team at the end, often on one knee, and runs a quick “pop quiz”
- He asks questions about the drills and the game they just played
- This locks in the key learning points before they leave
The last thing the kids remember is fun plus learning, which keeps them excited for the next session.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- Plan first
Even a simple written plan or quick coaches chat makes a huge difference. - Set up before training starts
Have stations, cones, and equipment ready so kids are active from minute one. - Gamify everything you can
Use races, targets, and challenges to make skills practice feel like play. - Use small groups
More repetitions, less standing around, better focus. - Keep helper roles simple
Parent helpers do not need to be experts. They just need clear, easy jobs. - Finish with a game and a pop quiz
- Reward effort, then reinforce learning with a quick review.
Subscribe and Stay Connected
If you’re ready to level up your game or coaching, Inside the Game is your go-to resource for practical tips, expert advice, and inspirational stories from Matt Redman and RBI Australia. Don’t miss an episode; subscribe to the podcast and never miss out on valuable insights that can help you grow in the game.
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👉 Visit RBI Australia: rbiaustralia.com.au
Stay Tuned for More
New to the podcast? Start with Episode 01: Introduction to Matt Redman and RBI Australia.
Listen to the previous episode, Episode 02: How to Build Your Coaching Support Staff.
In future episodes, we’ll dive deeper into specific baseball techniques, coaching strategies, and player development tips that can take your skills to the next level. Whether you’re a coach looking for ways to engage your players or a parent trying to support your child’s baseball journey, Inside the Game has got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a junior baseball or T-ball training session be?
Most junior and T-ball training sessions run best when they are structured and efficient, rather than long. Clear stations, constant movement, and a short game at the end help keep kids engaged for the full session.
How do you keep young players engaged during training?
Keeping players engaged comes down to movement and fun. Matt Redman recommends using small groups, gamified drills, and competitions so players are active and learning without long waiting times.
How many drills should be in a junior training session?
Matt recommends three core stations per session, each focused on a key skill such as throwing, fielding, hitting, or base running. This allows for smooth rotation and constant involvement.
Do parent helpers need baseball experience to help at training?
No. Parent helpers do not need prior baseball or softball experience. Clear instructions and simple tasks such as rolling balls, placing balls on tees, or throwing gentle fly balls are enough to run an effective session.
Who should listen to Episode 03 of Inside the Game?
This episode is ideal for T-ball coaches, junior baseball and softball coaches, and parents who help at training sessions.
