Youth Expectations

The odd number ages are used as introductions to specific drills/coverages, etc. then the even number ages, those become more advanced and easier to accomplish.  When moving up to the next age level, the skills from the previous age group should be common amongst all players – The final goal is a well-rounded softball athlete (Infield & Outfield, Pitching, and Catching) by the end of their 8th grade school year so they can jump right in to high school ball and play 

8U

1. 1. Throw and catch – proper mechanics

   2. Hitting – proper mechanics

   3. Introduce Pitching

   4. Team Chemistry, next ball mentality, have fun, fall in love with the game

9U/10U

2. 1. Pitching (Fastballs and accuracy)

   2. Bunting

   3. Base Leadoffs

   4. Fielding Ground Balls/Catching Fly Balls, backing up throws

   5. Introduce Bunt Coverages, 1st and 3rd situations, cut offs

   6. Introduce slap hitting if possible

   7. Team Chemistry, next ball mentality, have fun, fall in love with the game, support your teammates, start to put in more work at home

11U/12U

3. 1. Pitching (rise balls, drop balls, etc. – hitting locations and first pitch strike mentality?) Covering home on a passed ball with a runner at third

   2. Catching – receiving the pitch, setting up on 0-2 Counts, tossing ball back to pitcher on a passed ball with a runner at third

   3. Stealing/Base Running (1st to 3rd on a base hit to the outfield)

   4. Throwdowns – catcher footwork and throwing correctly, middle infield receiving the ball and tagging, pick-offs at first/third base

   5. Infield - Slap tags at the bases, pickle rotation, etc.

   6. Throwing to the base ahead from the outfield, throwing through the cutoff to home when a runner is trying to score from second on a base hit

   7. All Players play at least one infield, and one outfield position

   8. Bunting – Sacrifice vs bunt for a hit, drag bunt vs push bunt, etc.

   9. Improve slap hitters

   10. Team Chemistry, Next ball mentality, have fun, fall in love with the game, support your teammates, put in more work at home and with friends, start to add private trainers if necessary, self-assess mentality

13U/14U

4. 1. Pitching/Catching – thinking/calling the game based on situations, etc.

   2. Offensively - Understanding situations, when to bunt, when to score on a base hit, reading the defense to get a better jump on the bases, etc., hit to the right side to move the runner, etc.

   3. Defensively – limit extra bases, get outs, know when to come home for a play at the plate, diving for balls (Infield and outfield)

   4. Team Chemistry, Next ball mentality, have fun, fall in love with the game, support your teammates, put in more work at home and with friends, improve on the self-assess mentality