Hello Crookshank Elementary Cougars! It is exciting to know you are here to consider joining our program, or even just learn a little more about Backyard Rule! Our course objective is to teach the fundamental skills for Baseball and Softball in a safe, fun, and inclusive atmosphere. Enrollment is open to boys and girls grades K - 5. Registration is available by the individual day, the 8-week quarter, or the 16-week semester!

Q3 dates: 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 (3/4, 3/11) = make-up days

Q4 dates: 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13 (5/20 = make-up day)

The school day ends, students are dismissed, and those enrolled in Backyard Rule are sent directly to us. We take role and report our head count to the school coordinator. After all students are accounted for we walk together to our playing location. Sunshine bursts through the hallway door as students excitedly run outside to gather at home plate where they receive a warm welcome and a sportsmanship “pow-wow” from their coach.

After our coaches brief talk, students dash around the bases and are reminded “step on each base with your RIGHT FOOT!” Once they figure out their feet and have successfully made their way around a handful of times, plyometric stretches begin, followed by stationary stretches, followed by footwork drills, and last but not least, some hand eye coordination drills. This portion of class we consider as our warm-up, and lasts 20-30 minutes.

We take a quick water break, gather our thoughts, and then split up into groups for the drill(s) of the day. These drills change every week and are thoughtfully selected to maximize player development. We are not a templated program that is exactly the same every day at every school. We evaluate each player, then create custom lesson plans that strive to cater to both individuals and to the group as a whole. To save you a lifetime of reading we will not go too in depth on the drills. For now please simply know that our first developmental priority (for player safety) is fielding and catching.

Our drills of the day conclude with a competition, the winners of which are usually the team captains for the finale (everyone gets a chance to be a captain). We pick teams, come up with team names, then battle it out in a full blown games of Wiffle ball, Kickball, and other surprise games that coach has up their sleeve.

The competition ends, we high five and say “good game”, then clean up the field and walk over to our dismissal location. Coach remains with the students until they are received by their parent/guardian or their extended day teacher.

For additional information on participating in our program please email Coach Nate Fudala:

nate@backyardrule.com