ABCA Convention: Youth Coaches Session

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The Youth Coaches Session is a cornerstone of the ABCA Convention, featuring coaching clinic presentations specifically designed for coaches working with youth-level teams up to age 14. This dedicated programming focuses on education that directly impacts player development at the earliest stages of the game.

The 2027 ABCA Convention Youth Coaches Session, presented by GameChanger, will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 8-9, 2027, at McCormick Place during the 83rd annual ABCA Convention in Chicago.

Tentative Schedule:
Friday, January 8: 9:40 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, January 9: 8:30 AM - 2:10 PM

Following each presentation, speakers will host a live Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with presenters and gain clarity on how to apply concepts within their own programs.

The Youth Coaches Session covers a wide range of topics aimed at helping coaches strengthen their approach to teaching and developing young players. Sessions are tailored to support coaches at every level—from recreational leagues and travel baseball to academy and high school programs—while emphasizing long-term athlete development, skill progression, and creating positive team environments.

2027 ABCA CONVENTION: Youth Coaches Session

Friday-Saturday, January 8-9, 2027

McCormick Place Convention Center • Chicago, Illinois
This schedule is subject to change.

Explore Past Youth Coaches Session ClinicsWatch Youth Session Clinics On-Demand

2026 Youth Coaches Session

The 2027 Youth Coaches Session speakers will be announced in early September 2026!

Fri., Jan. 9, 9:40am

Jack Ferrick, Catchers U

Cutting Through the Noise: Catching Simplified

Fri., Jan. 9, 10:20am

Charles Bolden, East Coast Havoc

Outfield Play: From the Ground Up

Fri., Jan. 9, 11:00am

Jason Rathbun, St. Bonaventure University

Pitching Mindset: It is More Than Just Throwing, But You Have to Throw!

Fri., Jan. 9, 12:40pm

Cody Wheeler, Canes Baseball (VA)

PDG Academy: Developing Better Baseball Players

Fri., Jan. 9, 1:20pm

Paul Babcock, Andrew High School (IL)

Transformational Coach: Lessons from Gordie Gillespie

Fri., Jan. 9, 2:40pm

Rob Henry, Kentucky State University

Developing a Swiss Army Knife Approach to Improving Offensive Performance

Fri., Jan. 9, 3:20pm

Duke Baxter, Zoned Sports Academy; Steve Nikorak, Zoned Sports Academy

The Ultimate Practice Plan: Creative Drills, Purpose & Skill Development

Sat., Jan. 10, 8:30am

Troy Marrow, Above the Shoulders

The Four Pillars of Infield Play

Sat., Jan. 10, 9:10am

Ryan Alexander, Bo Jackson Elite

Competitive Practice: Bridging the Gap from Practice to THE Game

Sat., Jan. 10, 9:50am

Dr. Steve Kelly, Foothill High School (CA)

Let the Kids Play: Gamifying Athletic Development

Sat., Jan. 10, 10:30am

Chase Brewster, Texas A&M Texarkana

A Thin Line: The Similarities Between College and Travel Ball

Sat., Jan. 10, 12:50pm

Ryan Terrill, Georgia Gwinnett College

Attacking the Bases: Grizzlies on the Hunt for 90 Feet

Sat., Jan. 10, 1:30pm

Derek Stecklein, Pleasant Valley High School (IA)

Practice Efficiency: Mastering Player Time

Ready to Be Part of the 2027 ABCA Convention?
Convention Registration, presented by Traveling Teams, opens to everyone on September 1, 2026, with 2025-26 ABCA members receiving access to Priority Convention Registration beginning in August 2026. VIEW FULL REGISTRATION TIMELINE!

Can’t Join Us in Chicago?
You can still take part in the ABCA Convention experience from anywhere through the ABCA Clinics Live Video Stream. This live, online option delivers nearly 60 high-impact coaching clinics, including Main Stage presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and Youth Coaches Session content. Live Stream registration opens September 1, 2026.

Added Value for Registrants
Convention and Clinics Live Stream registrants receive early access to the complete set of 2027 ABCA Convention on-demand clinic videos, including Main Stage clinics and Q&As, Youth Coaches Session presentations, and Expo Theater sessions. These videos will be available in early February 2027. All ABCA members will receive access to the full 2027 Convention video library in May 2027, but this early-access window allows registrants to start applying new ideas and strategies months ahead.