TBall

The expectations for TBall are that the kids get introduced and start understanding the basics.

• Recognize the bases, such as first base, second base, third base, and home plate.

• Know the positions on the field, such as playing at first base, right field, pitcher, etc. They really focus on getting that first hit ball over to first.

• Learn the fundamentals of batting, such as where to stand, how to hold a bat, keeping their elbows up, and twisting through the hit.

• Running the bases! (and also fun exercising)

• Learn the fundamentals of throwing and catching, such as pointing to the target, how to work with their glove, and basics of fielding a ground ball. Most thrown balls roll to the other players to field rather than catching directly.

• Playing games for fun! TBall plays games, unscored. At this stage, all kids hit off a T (no pitcher), there are no outs or points, and they run the bases.

8U / Farm

The next stage up from TBall is 8U or Farm. This division slowly increases the focuses on skill over TBall.

• Pitching is done from a pitching machine, so kids are expected to learn to hit pitched balls.

• Kids start to really hone in on positions, really solidifying how to play each position, where to stand, and how to throw the ball in to get an out.

• Outs matter now! The players learn to throw to first to get outs, but extend that to learn how to get players out beyond first (forced outs, tagged outs, etc).

• Players learn to throw further and catch from other players, especially throwing to bases for outs.

• Some kids learn to catch pop flies! Though tricky, some kids enjoy it.

10U

• The first division where real games are played.

• Pitching is done by kids (and sometimes by coaches), so kids are expected to learn to pitch. Usually a few kids are selected to learn the skill.

• Hitting is done off the kid-pitchers.

• Catching is also done by the kids!

• Base running strategies are layered in, teaching kids how to take leads, when to run to the next base, and how to steal third!

• Strategies for throwing to get outs is taught. Kids learn when to throw to second directly,

• Fielding is more focused, with kids learning to field quickly hit balls to second base and short stop, how to back-up and cover second as an outfielder, and how and when to throw home as a third-baseman.

• Games are played with three outs, and scored. Playoffs and All-Stars games happen at the end of the year.

12U

• Stealing bases is a big differentiator in 12U. Kids learn when and how to steal bases.

• Sliding into home plate is required (for safety). Runners will learn how to slide, and catchers learn how to get them out.

• All of the kids’ skills are starting to shine at this age, so teaching the kids how to play at this level is critical.

• The kids learn to throw hard and fast to their teammates.

• First basemen are becoming experienced, and throwing to first is getting faster. Batters have to learn how to hurt further and more strategically, playing the field.

• Pitchers are throwing faster and more accurate, so catchers and batters will learn how to hit and catch at that speed.

15U

• 15U is played similar to a junior varsity or varsity league.

• The kids are expected to know the game and be focusing in on really perfecting their skills.

• The next stage is playing for the high school, and many kids in 15U can be bumped up to play on the JV or Varsity leagues.