Softball 🥎 lessons with
Mackenzie Orphanidis
Get a free trial lesson
Pay $0 today$36per lesson after trial
Softball 🥎 lessons with
Mackenzie Orphanidis
Get a free trial lesson
Get a free trial lesson
Pay $0 today$36per lesson after trial✨
Mackenzie is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Coach Rating
5.0•5 reviews
✨
Mackenzie is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Coach Rating
5.0•5 reviews
About your softball coach
With seventeen years dedicated to guiding softball players, I foster skill development and strategic thinking. I am passionate about nurturing both athletic talent and a love for the game in a supportive, yet challenging environment. Let's elevate your game together!
👋
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults
🌱
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates
📍
Lives in: Bradenton, Florida
🎓
Years Playing: Not specified
🔥
Given: 5 lessons
MO
Mackenzie · usually replies in 3 min
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Mackenzie's availability
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Near Bradenton, Florida
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We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Accomplishments
➕All-District, All-Regional HS shortstop
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson1. Set the Tone – Make It Welcoming (5–10 mins)
Introduce Yourself: Share your background and why you love softball.
Ask About Them: Learn their name, age, and if they’ve ever played before or what sports they like.
Set Expectations: Emphasize that the goal is to have fun, learn at their pace, and that mistakes are part of learning.
2. Explain the Game Basics (5–10 mins)
Use simple language to explain:
The objective of softball (score runs by hitting and running bases).
Basic field layout: bases, pitcher’s mound, outfield.
The roles of hitters and fielders.
You can draw a quick diagram in the dirt or on a whiteboard.
3. Warm-Up and Movement (5–10 mins)
Gentle jog, arm circles, toe touches.
Fun movement games like “run to the base I call out” to learn base names.
4. Throwing and Catching Basics (15–20 mins)
Grip: Show how to grip a softball (with fingers across seams).
Throwing Motion: Use the "T, L, step, throw" method.
Partner Work: Use soft balls or tennis balls to ease fear.
Catching: Start with underhand tosses and glove-free catches if needed.
5. Hitting Introduction (15–20 mins)
Grip and Stance: Show how to hold the bat and position feet.
Swing Basics: Emphasize level swing, eye on ball.
Tee Work: Hit off a tee first to focus on form.
If they’re ready, soft toss or front toss from behind a screen.
6. Base Running Basics (5–10 mins)
Show how to run to first base after hitting.
Teach which direction to run and how to touch the base.
7. Wrap-Up & Encouragement (5–10 mins)
Review what they learned.
Ask them what they liked best.
Praise effort, not just results.
Give a simple “homework” like practicing throwing with a parent or sibling.
Lesson 2-3Second Lesson – Building Foundations
🔁 1. Review & Reinforce (10–15 mins)
Light review of:
Throwing motion
Catching cues
Hitting stance and swing
Ask them to show you — it's a great confidence boost.
Use warm-up drills that double as review (e.g., catch-and-throw relay).
🎯 2. Improve Throwing & Catching (15–20 mins)
Add focus on accuracy and stepping into throws.
Begin working on catching with a glove (if they’re ready).
Introduce basic fielding:
Ready position
Ground ball technique: "alligator hands" and body behind the ball.
⚾ 3. Advance Hitting (15–20 mins)
Reinforce correct grip and swing mechanics.
Start introducing bat path and weight shift.
Use tee and soft toss to help build confidence with contact.
Add targets or cones for hitting direction and fun.
🏃 4. Base Running Drill (10 mins)
Practice running to first base on a hit.
Introduce:
Running through first
Looking to the right after crossing
Proper turns at first base
✅ 5. Confidence & Fun Wrap-Up (5–10 mins)
High-five effort and progress.
Ask what skill felt the best or most fun.
Set a small goal for Lesson 3 (e.g., "next time we’ll try catching fly balls!")
Third Lesson – Expanding the Skill Set
🧠 1. Short Review + Quick Warm-Up (10 mins)
Revisit what was learned so far.
Jog, dynamic stretches, and a throwing warm-up game.
🧤 2. Fielding Focus (15–20 mins)
Reinforce ground ball fielding.
Introduce:
Forehand/backhand fielding (very basic)
Ready position and footwork
Add a mini “fielding station” rotation if attention starts to drift.
⚾ 3. Hitting Progression (15–20 mins)
Work on timing and balance.
Move from tee to soft toss or front toss more consistently.
Focus on consistent contact and staying relaxed.
🧠 4. Intro to Game Situations (10–15 mins)
Teach simple game rules:
Force outs
When to run or stay
What each base “means”
Use mini-scenarios like "what do you do if you hit the ball to the pitcher?"
🏃♀️ 5. Base Running Drill with Reaction (5–10 mins)
Add variation:
"If I say go, you run to first!"
"If I hold up a stop sign, you stay!"
🌟 6. End with a Game or Challenge (5–10 mins)
Examples:
Hitting to a target zone
Partner catch count challenge
Lesson 4-10🥎 Lesson 4 – Putting It All Together (Intro to Positioning)
Focus: Consistency in throwing, catching, and hitting.
New Concepts:
Intro to infield vs. outfield positions
Fielding footwork and simple positioning (1B, 2B, SS, 3B)
Key Drills:
Partner throws with glove
Tee to soft toss progression
Basic grounder routine with throws to first
Fun competition: who can hit three solid grounders in a row?
🥎 Lesson 5 – Catching Fly Balls & Situational Running
Focus: Intro to catching balls in the air + base running judgment.
New Concepts:
Fly ball catching technique (two hands, glove up)
Listening to coach signals when running
Key Drills:
Tossed fly balls with glove (short distances)
“Run or Stay” base running game
Hitting off front toss with fielding plays after contact
🥎 Lesson 6 – Throwing on the Move + Fielding Reaction
Focus: Athletic movement while fielding/throwing.
New Concepts:
Throwing on the run after fielding
Charge plays: moving to the ball quickly
Key Drills:
Ground ball charge and throw
Relay races with glove throws
Mini infield practice (SS to 1B, etc.)
🥎 Lesson 7 – Situational Hitting & Smart Base Running
Focus: Hit placement and base running decisions.
New Concepts:
Hitting behind runners
Judging when to advance (tagging up, force plays)
Key Drills:
Hit-and-run scenarios off tee or toss
Base running with fielders (coach simulates defense)
Small scrimmage situations with controlled outcomes
🥎 Lesson 8 – Live Hitting + Defensive Communication
Focus: Introduce game-speed hitting and defense talk.
New Concepts:
Yelling “ball” or “mine”
Knowing where to throw BEFORE fielding the ball
Key Drills:
Live hitting (coach pitching)
“Call the ball” fly ball practice
Two-player fielding: one fields, one backs up
🥎 Lesson 9 – Mini Game Play + Role Clarity
Focus: Playing short scrimmages with positions.
New Concepts:
Playing real defensive positions for a few innings
Knowing your job at each base
Key Drills:
Controlled game play (no full innings yet)
Fielding rotation: 1 inning at each position
Team-style hitting (batting order, on-deck circle)
🥎 Lesson 10 – Confidence & Game-Ready Skills
Focus: Polish & confidence-building for real games.
New Concepts:
Reinforce sportsmanship and mental readiness
Talk about what to expect in a real game (dugout, umpire, parents
Key Drills:
Game simulation (hit, run, field, score)
Positive feedback from coach after every play
Fun wrap-up challenge (e.g., home run derby, fastest runner)
Lesson 11+🥎 Lessons 11–15: Skill Refinement + Game IQ
Goal: Transition from “learning the basics” to executing consistently in game-like situations.
🔁 Review & Reinforce Fundamentals
Refine mechanics for hitting, throwing, fielding.
Begin working on consistency under pressure.
Practice both infield and outfield reads.
⚾ Key Additions:
Reading the ball off the bat (defense).
Advancing runners: bunting or hitting to specific zones.
Base running cues: tagging up, secondary leads (for older kids).
Basic cutoffs and relays.
🧠 Expect:
Faster-paced drills.
Encouragement to make decisions (e.g., “where should the ball go?”).
More time playing actual positions.
Real innings in scrimmage-style settings.
🥎 Lessons 16–20: Applying Skills in Game Play
Goal: Game-readiness — mental toughness, role understanding, and team communication.
🔁 Polish Existing Skills
Repetitive reps for muscle memory.
Focus on fixing individual weaknesses (e.g., late swing, bad glove angle).
⚾ Key Additions:
Game-speed scrimmages with minimal coach interference.
Learning to adjust to different pitchers.
Situational awareness: e.g., “2 outs, runner on third – where’s the play?”
🧠 Expect:
Being challenged (coach throws trickier grounders, fly balls).
Playing full innings or full games.
Learning to self-correct mistakes with guidance.
Encouragement to become a team leader, even quietly.
Youth players
Working with kids🧠 1. Simplify Everything
Use age-appropriate language. Avoid technical jargon (“pivot your back hip” becomes “twist like a spring”).
Teach one skill at a time. Don’t overload them with multiple corrections at once.
Break each skill into small, bite-sized steps.
🥳 2. Make It Fun
Turn drills into games or challenges (e.g., “Can you catch 5 in a row?” or “Beat the coach to the base!”).
Use colorful cones, targets, and props to keep things visually engaging.
Celebrate effort with high-fives, fun nicknames, or “player of the day” awards.
⏱️ 3. Keep Lessons Short and Active
Younger kids have short attention spans. Keep drills moving and sessions dynamic.
Rotate activities every 10–15 minutes.
Alternate between skill drills and movement games (relay races, tag with gloves, etc.).
🧤 4. Use Scaled-Down Equipment
Use a soft-core ball or a foam ball for less fear and easier catching.
Lighter bats with smaller barrels (T-ball bats for ages 4–7, 26-28" youth bats for 8+).
Smaller gloves that fit their hand and are easier to close.
🎯 5. Set Simple, Achievable Goals
Examples:
“Let’s hit the ball off the tee 3 times today.”
“Let’s make 5 throws to your partner that they can catch.”
Recognize small improvements—they mean a lot to young players.
🧒 6. Adjust for Developmental Levels
Ages 4–6: Emphasize fun, motor skill development, and confidence. Tee hitting, base running games, bean bag tosses.
Ages 7–9: Begin structured skill-building with simple rules. Catching, hitting off coach toss, understanding positions.
Ages 10–12: Add more strategy, situational drills, live pitching, and game play.
🧘 7. Build in Positive Discipline and Routine
Start each lesson with a quick “team talk” or “focus circle.”
Use consistent phrases like “Ready position!” or “Eyes on the ball!”
Use positive redirection, not punishment: “Let’s try again” vs. “You did that wrong.”
👥 8. Encourage Teamwork and Communication
Practice calling the ball: “I got it!”
Use relay games or partner drills to foster teamwork.
Teach how to cheer for teammates during hitting or games.
Working with teenagers🧠 1. Match the Challenge to Their Skill Level
Beginners: Reinforce fundamentals (throwing mechanics, hitting form, positioning).
Intermediate/Experienced: Focus on game scenarios, faster drills, and fine-tuning mechanics.
Challenge them to improve, but never assume they “should already know” something.
🔄 2. Involve Them in the Learning Process
Ask questions like:
“What do you think went well in that swing?”
“Where do you feel the throw broke down?”
Encourage self-assessment and reflection to promote ownership of progress.
📋 3. Use Clear, Purposeful Drills
Teens appreciate structure and knowing the why behind a drill.
Explain how each drill ties to real game performance (e.g., "This drill helps you react faster on line drives at third base").
💪 4. Increase Intensity and Realism
Add pace: quicker reps, shorter rest between drills.
Include live reps, game-speed scenarios, and competition.
Use sport-specific conditioning or warm-ups tailored to softball movements.
🗣️ 5. Focus on Mental Toughness and Game IQ
Introduce:
Pre-pitch routines and mental resets
Situational awareness (e.g., “2 outs, runner on 2nd, where’s the play?”)
Strategies like bunting, slapping, or pitch selection (for hitters)
👥 6. Foster Leadership and Team Dynamics
Encourage peer coaching (“Grab a partner and help them fix their throw.”)
Assign leadership roles: warm-up leader, team motivator, or drill captain.
Promote communication on the field: “Call it early!” “Back up!”
🧍♀️ 7. Tailor Feedback and Motivation
Be constructive but honest — teens can handle real feedback if it’s respectful.
Avoid over-coaching. Let them make mistakes and learn through repetition.
Praise effort, hustle, and attitude, not just results.
🎯 8. Introduce Role Specialization
Work on position-specific skills:
Middle infielders: double plays, quick transitions
Outfielders: tracking, drop steps, crow hops
Pitchers: command, spins, mental composure
For hitters: adjust stance and swing based on strengths (power, contact, speed)
What you need to bringCleats, gloves, bat (encouraged), and willingness to learn and improve.
What I can bringBatting Tees, Softballs, and possible bat to use but always best you use your own bat that you feel most comfortable with.
Water and Gatorade as well can be provided.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!