2015

WBSL Softball Coaching Progression Recommendations

Hitting Base running Throwing Fielding Defensive Play Pitching Work Ethic Attitude

Age

5 Feet Position/Aligned Basic Rules Grip - 4 Seam Ready Position Get ball to 1B or P N/A Have Fun! Fun.

Balanced Stance Run through First Wrist Snap Fingers up above knees Anything goes

Grip/Knocking Knuckles Glove Points to Target Fingers down below knees Making Friends

Nose on Ball Snack is Key!

6 All above All above All above All above Get ball to 1B or P N/A Have Fun! Fun to learn!

Contact in front of front foot Explode from base Step to target

Ready Position

7 All above All above All Above All above All above Position on Rubber Have Fun! All above

Trunk Rotation - Power LListen to Base

CoachesStep, Point, Throw Ready + Creep Step Concept of Force Out Wrist flicks Intro to learning Desire to Learn

Direct Hand Path to Ball Explode from base "Ball to the Wall" Charge all Grounders Easiest Base Release Point Positive expectation

Finish/Follow Through Rounding bases Throwing elbow up Soft Hands Get Ball to P Sling (no windmill)

Shoulder to Shoulder Field ball out in Front Tag technique Focus on Target

Lateral movement Basic drills only

8 All above When to run/stay All above All above All above All above Have Fun! All above

Front Heel Lift/Toe TapCircle Rule (P

w/Ball)Trunk Rotation Drop Step Lead Runner Push off rubber Continue Learning Positive/Fun

Timing Short Pop Fly's Cutoff TechniqueStride and Step to

TargetTeam Cheers

9 All above All above All above All above All above All above Have Fun! All above

Timing - on ReleaseExplode on

ReleaseAccuracy/Repetition Learn grounder rhythm Situational Defense Develop Control Really learning Desire to improve

Bunting Sliding Longer Throws Learn backhand Communication Begin Windmill Start bearing down Team Cheers

10 All above All above All above All above All above All above Have Fun! All above

Hit ball where it is pitched Tagging up Perfect Technique Fly Balls Cutoffs/Relays Stay Tall Working hard

Hands Inside Ball Stealing Crow Hop (outfield throws) Fielding footwork Double Play Intro to work ethicDesire to improve and

Compete

Count AwarenessFreeze on Line

DriveTransfer footwork Rundowns Advanced Drills

Bat on plane of pitch Proper Leads Repetition and tuning Good Mechanics

Tuning Reps Aggressiveness Tuning

11 All above All above All above All above All above All above Have Fun! Goal Setting

Hit ball where it is pitched More Aggressive Accuracy/Strength Mental toughness Steal defenses Leg Drive/StrideWorking hard on

weaknessesMental toughness

Tuning Reps Perfect Technique Repetition and tuning Bunt defenses Perfect Technique

12 All above All above All above All above All above Concentration Have Fun! Compete to win

Tuning Reps Advanced Leads Arm Strength Aggressiveness Communication Control/CommandWorking hard on

weaknessesTeam Cheers

Perfect Technique Confidence

Go

als

Hitters that hit in front of the

plate, generate power from the

trunk, take their hands directly to

the ball, have muscle memory in

the strike zone, and load up and

release power efficiently.

Aggressive,

knowledgeable base

runners

Kids that use their trunk for

power, have good footwork,

throw with their elbows up.

Accurate and strong throwers

Confident, fundamentally sound

fielders. Aggressive fielders not

afraid to fail.

Confident, solid defense. Strong sense

of communication and positional

responsibilities.

Command and Technique

are Key Foundational

Elements. Once these

are established new

pitches can be

taught/learned.

Kids who love the game and

want to work hard to

improve.

Confident, hungry, and

positive can-do attitude

12U

10U

8U

6U