Book Mackenzie Orphanidis - Softball coach near Bradenton, Florida

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Get a free trial lesson with Mackenzie

Reviews

Total reviews5

Average rating

5.0

Paisley

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 10

I had an excellent softball lesson! The coach was knowledgeable, patient, and very encouraging throughout. We focused on improving my batting stance and swing mechanics, and by the end of the session, I could already feel a noticeable difference in both power and consistency. I also appreciated how they broke down each part of the movement and gave clear, constructive feedback.

Macy

Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 7

I had a fantastic experience during my softball lesson! The session was well-structured and focused exactly on the areas I needed help with — especially my throwing accuracy and infield footwork. The coach was very attentive and gave individual corrections that made a real difference right away. What stood out the most was how positive and motivating the environment was. Even when I made mistakes, the feedback was always constructive and helped me improve without feeling discouraged. We also worked on situational awareness, which gave me a better understanding of in-game strategy. I left the lesson feeling more confident and excited to keep practicing. Definitely looking forward to booking another session soon!

Jenna

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 5

Great session! Focused on batting mechanics and fielding fundamentals. Improved swing timing and footwork. Coach gave clear, helpful feedback. Fun, productive, and confidence-building. Looking forward to the next lesson!

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 5

Great beginner lesson! Learned basic throwing, catching, and hitting skills. Coach was patient and explained everything clearly. Built confidence and had fun. Perfect for starting out!

Amani

Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 2

Solid lesson! Worked on refining swing mechanics, improving throwing accuracy, and situational fielding. Coach gave helpful corrections and pushed for more consistency. Great mix of challenge and encouragement!

Locations

These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:

1 location available

⚠️

Miss Manatee Softball Complex

Miss Manatee Softball, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA

865.4 miles away

OutdoorsMay be unreliable

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Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.

Availability

These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.

sundays

12 PM - 3 PM

tuesdays

5:30 PM - 8 PM

thursdays

5 PM - 8 PM

fridays

4 PM - 8 PM

saturdays

7 AM - 12 PM

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.

Softball with Mackenzie O.New to TeachMe.To

How it works

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.

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 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

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)

Get a free trial lesson with Mackenzie

Reviews

Locations

⚠️

Availability

Frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy

Softball with Mackenzie Orphanidis

Accomplishments

Get a free trial lesson with Mackenzie

Reviews

Locations

⚠️

Availability

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a free trial lesson? (HINT: YES!)

What if I don’t love my first lesson?

What if I have never played before?

How quickly can I expect to see improvement as a beginner?

How do I know which coach is right for me?

What can I expect during a typical lesson?

Is my lesson fully private?

How many lessons should I take?

How long are lessons?

Where do lessons take place?

Do I need my own equipment?

How do I book and what does it cost?

What happens after I book?

Can I take lessons with friends or family groups?

Cancellation Policy

Softball with Mackenzie Orphanidis

Accomplishments