In Episode 09 of Inside the Game, Australian baseball coach Matt Redman shares the single most impactful thing parents can do to help their children improve in baseball and T-ball. Drawing on decades of coaching experience at grassroots level through RBI Australia, Matt explains why simply playing catch at home builds confidence, skill, and connection, and why it matters far more than drills, technique, or extra training sessions.

About Matt Redman and RBI Australia

Matt Redman is the founder of RBI Australia and the host of Inside the Game. With over 25 years of coaching experience across t-ball, junior baseball, representative teams, and senior leagues, Matt has worked with thousands of players at all levels of the game.

Alongside his wife Kate, he co-founded RBI Australia in 2019 to support players, coaches, clubs, and families through coaching programs, training facilities, and quality baseball and softball gear.

What to Expect in This Episode

Play Catch. That’s It.

When parents ask Matt what they can do outside of training to help their child improve, his answer is always the same.

Play catch.

It does not need to be complicated. You do not need expensive equipment or advanced knowledge of the game. A cheap glove, a couple of balls, and some time in the backyard or park is more than enough.

Rolling the ball. Throwing it back and forth. Missing catches. Chasing balls that go everywhere. All of it matters.

Repetition Is the Real Teacher

For young players, especially T-ballers, catching and throwing does not come easily at first. Balls are dropped. Throws go sideways. Parents end up chasing more balls than they catch.

That is not failure. That is the process.

Players need hundreds and thousands of catches and throws before things start to click. The more repetitions they get, the faster they improve. Playing catch at home simply accelerates that process.

Matt explains that when he coaches teams, he can often tell within the first training session which kids regularly play catch at home. The difference shows in confidence, coordination, and comfort with the ball.

You Don’t Need to Be a Coach

One of the biggest barriers for parents is thinking they need to teach perfect technique.

You do not.

You do not need to correct every movement or explain mechanics. You do not need to be an expert. Simply throwing and catching the ball is enough.

Even rolling the ball back and forth helps build fundamental skills. The goal is exposure, repetition, and comfort, not perfection.

It’s About More Than Baseball

Matt also shares that playing catch is about more than skill development.

It is a chance to connect.

Throwing a ball back and forth creates shared time, conversation, and routine. Matt reflects on playing catch with his son growing up and now doing the same with his daughter. Those moments matter just as much as the skill improvement.

Not every child has older siblings to play with. Not every family has a team environment at home. Playing catch gives every player that extra opportunity.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• The best thing parents can do to help their child improve is play catch
• Repetition builds confidence, coordination, and skill
• Missed catches and bad throws are part of the learning process
• Parents do not need to teach perfect technique
• Playing catch strengthens both skills and connection

Subscribe and Stay Connected

If you’re a parent, coach, or player looking for simple, practical ways to improve and enjoy the game, Inside the Game is here to help.

👉 Listen Now: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts
👉 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 08: 3 Tips For Making Teams Inclusive for Female Players w Steph Lewer

Future episodes of Inside the Game will continue to share practical tips, honest insights, and simple ways to help players grow and enjoy baseball and softball.

Train smart. Play hard. Keep growing the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Episode 09 of Inside the Game about?

Episode 09 focuses on the single most effective thing parents can do to help their child improve at baseball or T-ball: playing catch at home. Matt Redman explains why simple throwing and catching has a bigger impact than drills or technical instruction.

Do parents need baseball experience to help their kids improve?

No. Parents do not need to be coaches or understand perfect technique. Simply throwing or rolling the ball back and forth helps children develop coordination, confidence, and comfort with the ball.

How often should parents play catch with their kids?

There is no set rule. Even short, regular sessions make a difference. The key is repetition over time, not session length or intensity.

Is playing catch really better than drills?

For young players, yes. Catching and throwing build the foundation for almost every skill in baseball and softball. Repetition through play helps skills develop naturally without pressure.

What if my child keeps dropping the ball?

Dropped catches and missed throws are part of learning. Improvement only comes after many repetitions. Playing catch helps children work through this stage faster and with more confidence.Why does playing catch help beyond skill development?

Playing catch also builds connection between parent and child. It creates shared time, routine, and positive experiences around the game, which helps kids enjoy baseball long term.

Why does playing catch help beyond skill development?

Playing catch also builds connection between parent and child. It creates shared time, routine, and positive experiences around the game, which helps kids enjoy baseball long term.