Ages 5-8
This program is geared toward teaching sound softball fundamentals, such as proper throwing, fielding and batting techniques in a casual environment. This is your child’s first opportunity to hit a pitched softball or use a hitting T. An adult pitcher will underhand pitch to your child. A 9” safety (squishy) ball is used.
We will TRY to keep girls together by school grade given the December 31st cut off date can force them to a different division. At this level we TRY to place players on teams roughly grouped by elementary school. Mutual buddy requests are allowed (i.e. Libby H. requests to be on the same team as Megan L. AND Megan L. requests to be on the same team with Libby H.). Team formation will be determined by: mutual buddy requests, coaching considerations (manager and assistant coaches), Preferred Practice days, elementary school, and non-mutual buddy requests in that order.
Players who have at least one year of T-Ball / A Softball are typically enrolled in AA Softball. However first time players will fit in just fine. This program features a slightly more aggressive style of play and is designed to help your child make the transition from instructional to competitive softball. This program not only focuses on good softball fundamentals, but also teaches advanced softball skills such as base running. An adult pitcher will underhand pitch to your child. A hitting T may be used after several attempts of coach pitch if the child is still developing skills of hitting pitched balls. The ball is a 9″ safety (squishy) ball. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate by helping throw and catch during practice, field prep, umpiring during the regular season.
We will TRY to keep girls together by school grade given the December 31st cut off date can force them into a different division. At this level we TRY to place players on teams roughly grouped by elementary school. Mutual buddy requests are allowed (i.e. Libby H. requests to be on the same team as Megan L. AND Megan L. requests to be on the same team with Libby H.). Team formation will be determined by: mutual buddy requests, coaching considerations (manager and assistant coaches), Preferred Practice days, elementary school, and non-mutual buddy requests in that order.
Ages 9-14
This is considered the first year of competitive softball. Players will expand on the skills taught at AA (prior AA experience is not mandatory). This is the first year that kids pitch in a game. The pitching rubber is at 35 feet and the ball is an 11” safety (squishy) ball. Outs are recorded, there are no walks at this level. The coach of the batter will step in and continue to pitch to a batter after four called balls, until the batter either successfully hits or strikes out.
Players should be able to throw from second base to first, This is also the first year were stealing and sliding is allowed, players may steal third base. Stolen base will not be awarded home on overthrows to third. Players should be able to properly catch a ball or at least understand the technique. Standings are kept and there is a tournament at the end of the season.
An additional All Star tournament takes place after the league tournament. Players are selected for this team and will compete for the district championship with the possibility to play in the State tournament.
This is the highest level of minors softball. Players should have past success at AAA (or have good athletic ability if they are new to Softball) and be ready to work on new hitting skills and pitching at different speeds. Pitching rubber is at 35 feet and the ball is an 11” hard ball (go figure, they call the sport Softball). This is the first level where all pitching is delivered by a child only; true strikes, balls, outs, and walks are recorded. Players must understand the defensive end of the game. Base stealing is allowed at this level. Standings are kept and there is a tournament at the end of the year.
An additional All Star tournament takes place after the league tournament. Players are selected for this team and will compete for the district championship with the possibility to play in the State tournament.
Players must have had success at Coast, and be ready to hit a variety of pitching speeds. Pitching rubber is at 40 feet and the ball is 12”. Defensive awareness includes where to make the play. Players should understand how to run the bases. Base stealing and sliding are allowed at this level. Standings are kept and there is a tournament at the end of the season.
An additional All Star tournament takes place after the league tournament. Players are selected for this team and will compete for the district championship with the possibility to play in the State tournament.
Players must have had success at Majors, and be ready to add more skill and strategy to their game. Defensive awareness is key as leading off is allowed at this level. Strategy and knowing where to make the play and how to run the bases becomes a more critical part of the game. Base stealing, sliding, and lead offs are allowed at this level. Standings are kept and there is a tournament at the end of the season.
An additional All Star tournament takes place after the league tournament. Players are selected for this team and will compete for the district championship with the possibility to play in the State tournament.
Seniors Softball is for 15 and 16-year-olds. Teams meet two to four times per week (a meeting is a practice or a game). Practice starts in early March and games start in late-March or early-April. Games are 6 innings in length. Scores are kept and players have the opportunity to possibly continue playing as All-Stars in post-season tournaments. Senior players will have developed the skills and ability to be successful at the highest level of little league play. Base stealing, sliding and lead-offs are allowed at this level. Standings are kept and there is the possibility of post-season play and an all-star tournament.