GREENWICH TOWNSHIP RECRE ATION COMMISSION BASEBA LL ... · Cal Ripken on-line Basic Certification or the Rutgers Certification. Copies of these certifications are to be forwarded

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GTRC Baseball Coaches Guidelines Rev. February 2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Page Objective…………………………………… …….. 3 Coaches Notes……………………….……... …….. 3 Coaches…………………..………………………… 3 Application/Background Check Certification Coaching Changes Meetings Conduct of Coaches Team Rosters……………………………………… 5 T Ball 8U through 15U Transfers/Trades Call Ups Parents Meeting…………………………………… 7 Player Discipline………………………………….. 7 Team Equipment………………………………….. 8 Uniforms…………………………………………... 8 Umpire Fees………………………………………. 8 Snack Stand……………………………………….. 9 Pictures…………………………………………….. 9 Maintenance of Fields/Practice Equipment…..…… 9 Field Maintenance Field Equipment Field Lining Safety……………………………………………… 12 Medical Emergencies Equipment Swinging of Bats Pitcher Warm Up First Aid Player Pick Up Game Play Rules………………………………….. 14 Game Results……………………………………... 15 End of Season Evaluations………………………… 15 Tournament Teams………………………………... 15 Skill Objectives per Level…………………………. 16 TBall (5-6 Year Olds) 8U Rookie (7-8 Year Olds) 10U Minor (9-10 Year Olds) 12U Major (11-12 Year Olds) 15U Junior (13-15 Year Olds) Attachments (additional practice suggestions, Code of Ethics Forms)


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OBJECTIVE

• Create an environment in which the children have fun with baseball • Teach progressive baseball skills, rules and strategy • Model and teach good sportsmanship

MANAGERS/COACH’S NOTES All teams are coached by volunteers from the community who have been approved by the GTRC. These volunteers donate their time and services for the betterment of our township’s youth baseball program. Coaches will, at all times, conduct themselves in such a manner as to be a credit to the community and a worthy example for all the children in the program.

• Place the emotional and physical well being of your players ahead of a personal desire to win

• Lead by example by demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players • Treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and

physical development within the same age groups • Provide a safe playing environment for all • Review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries • Organize practices that are fun, challenging and beneficial for all • Be knowledgeable in the rules of baseball and teach those rules to your players • Use coaching techniques that are appropriate for each of the skills being taught • Always remember the game is for the children not the adults

MANAGERS/COACHES Each team will consist of one (1) Manager (Head Coach) and one (1) Coach (Primary Assistant). There can be other assistant coaches on each team, however, at official games there shall be no more than three (3) total (1 Manager and 2 Coaches) in the playing area/ bench area/dugout at all levels from 10U and above. At 8U there shall be no more than (4); there is no limit to coaches at the T Ball Level.

Application/Background Check

All prospective managers/coaches must complete the following: 1) Coach’s Application and 2) Online Background Check prior to January 31st of each season to allow time for processing, review and approval. All managers and coaches will be recommended by the Baseball Coordinator and approved by the GTRC prior to the drafting and finalization of rosters.


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Certification All managers and coaches at the 8U Rookies, 10U Minors, 12U Majors and 15U Juniors are required to complete coach certification courses as required by the regional organization that the GTRC is a member. This currently includes either Cal Ripken on-line Basic Certification or the Rutgers Certification. Copies of these certifications are to be forwarded to the GTRC Baseball Coordinator upon completion. Coaching Changes Managers/Primary Coaches/Assistant Coaches are all approved by the GTRC before the season begins, therefore the Baseball Coordinator must be made aware if the need arises by the Manager to request any changes during the season. These proposed changes will then be brought to the GTRC Board for review and approval. Meetings

• All managers and coaches must attend any Greenwich Baseball Meeting when called for.

• Managers of all 8U ROOKIE, 10U MINORS, 12U MAJORS and 15U JUNIORS must attend ALL regional organization league meetings during the season (from the time they are assigned a team through the league playoffs). It is recommended (but not mandatory) that they attend all other league meetings during the off season as well. If a manager cannot attend the mandatory meetings during the season, he/she should designate his/her primary assistant to attend in his/her place. If that alternative fails, the manger should contact the GTRC Baseball Coordinator.

Conduct of Mangers/Coaches

The use, carrying or conveyance of alcohol or drugs is prohibited and shall be grounds for immediate termination as manager/coach. This includes the smoking of cigarettes, cigars or the use of chewing tobacco during all sponsored practices, games and events.

Managers/Coaches are prohibited from using profanity in the presence of team members. Praise and encouragement should be stressed. Sarcasm, negative remarks and inappropriate yelling at a child are prohibited at all times. The Manager shall be responsible for the conduct of his/her players, coaches, parents and fans.

The Manager shall be responsible for the behavior of players and spectators. Unruly behavior, abusive language and profanities will not be tolerated. The


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GTRC and/or Manager reserves the right to have a spectator leave the premises where an event is being held. The GTRC reserves the right to suspend a manager/coach for actions believed to be unbefitting of a manager/coach.

Code of Ethics Policy - All managers, coaches, players, parents are to read, understand and sign the policy prior to the start of the regular season games.

The Manager/Coaches must be present at all games and practices. TEAM ROSTERS It is the policy of the GTRC as per the SYBA league rules that teams will be drafted new each year. In an effort to provide equality amongst teams, evaluations will be held in order to aid in the drafting of equitable teams. Players only need to be evaluated if they are moving up a level or are new to our program. Each team starts with the children of the Head Coach and one Primary Assistant Coach, if they have children in the program. The draft will then commence pursuant to the SYBA Draft Managers direction. In the event that there are not enough managers/coaches for the amount of players registered or if there are too many players for one team but not enough for two, the GTRC has the right to hold a lottery to determine which children will be allowed to play (excluding children of the manager, primary assistant coach, Baseball Committee children and the children of the GTRC Board Members). All children not chosen will receive a full refund of their registration fee. All attempts will be made to ensure adequate coaching staff is available. Rosters will be created as follows:

TBall Level and 8U Rookies

The Baseball Coordinator shall develop teams starting with the Manager’s and Coaches’ sons/daughters and then rosters will be balanced by quantities of boys and girls per team.

10U Minors, 12U Majors, 15U Juniors Levels

Evaluations and draft are completed through the League, based upon Greenwich guidelines stated earlier in this document.


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Transfers/Trades

• Transfers will be granted to move a player from one Greenwich Team to another based upon extenuating circumstances.

• Granting of transfers – whether or not extenuating circumstances exist shall be determined by the Baseball Coordinator and the Coaches involved. Transfers will be reported to the GTRC. Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to the following: serious car pool issues, whereas a child would be unable to play; behavior amongst parents which would make the playing situation for the child unpleasant.

Call Ups

Prior to the start of the regular season games, a list of approved call ups (players who demonstrate to their coaches the ability to play at the next level, if the need ever arises) shall be compiled by the Baseball Coordinator from recommendations provided by each of the Managers. These recommendations shall be requested after sufficient practices and just prior to the start of the official games to allow sufficient review time by the managers. These recommendations will not just be players who have the ability, but who will also be available when needed. If a team is ever in jeopardy of forfeiting a game due to player shortage, a manager may request a call up from the younger level as follows.

• The Manager shall contact the Baseball Coordinator to request a call up • The Baseball Coordinator shall provide the next name on the list using a

system based on alphabetical order and using each call up once before anyone is used twice. If in the event a call up turns down the opportunity (for whatever reason) the next name on the list shall be used and the player skipped shall not be called again until their name comes up again in order. If a player turns down the opportunity the 2nd time through the list they will be dropped from the list and replaced by a player from a follow up request for manager’s recommendations.

• Once given the name of the available call up, the Manager shall contact the player to request call up.

Managers are NOT to use call ups as a way to improve their team, giving them an unfair advantage over their opponent in any given game. Call ups ARE to be used to complete a game day roster at 9. A manager may choose to call up players to maximize a game day roster to 10. However, if a manager chooses to do so, the playing time must be divided up between the 2 call ups, who together essentially make up the 9th player on that days roster. At no time shall a call up take a single at bat or defensive out away from any rostered player in attendance.


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Call ups are to be placed in the last batting position in the lineup and are not to play the following positions: Pitcher or Catcher. The opposing manager must be notified of call ups during exchanging of lineups and prior to game start.

PARENTS MEETING Managers/Coaches shall hold a parents meeting as soon as rosters are complete to discuss the following:

• Review practice schedule • Review attendance policy • Review procedures for pick up after practices/games (see Safety Section) • Review game schedule (if available at time) • Distribute Mangers/Coaches/Players phone numbers • Review expectations of both the Manager/Coaches and the Parents • Confirm medical consent form information and have them re-sign in

space provided • Review policies with regards to misbehavior on team • Review policies regarding Code of Ethics for players, parents and

managers/coaches and distribute forms. Forms to be signed prior to a player attending first practice

PLAYER DISCIPLINE Coaches, during the initial team meeting, shall clearly state their coaching policies with regard to misbehavior, including attendance policy as well. Be consistent with punishments. Punish the same way for the same situation for all players. Type of punishment: taking the player away from the activity is highly recommended. Running laps and other forms of physical activity may cause the player to associate physical training with punishment. Players need training to attain peak performance, so this method can be detrimental. For more serious offenses (violations to the Code of Ethics Policy), the coach and the Baseball Coordinator reserve the right to suspend the player. All suspensions must be reported to the GTRC. When rules are broken, explain to the players, in an impersonal way the specific actions which brought the punishment on. Also, inform the players what to expect if this misbehavior would occur again.


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TEAM EQUIPMENT Equipment will be distributed during an established date/time set by the Baseball Coordinator or Baseball Equipment Manager. Each manager shall be present to receive, inspect and sign for all equipment. Throughout the practice and playing season, managers are responsible for ensuring that equipment is in proper and safe playing condition. The managers/coaches are responsible to maintain the equipment during the season.

Equipment maintenance shall include:

• Cleaning of catchers shin guards, chest protectors, masks and mitts * • Cleaning of batting helmets and inner padding*

*important for the organization to get the maximum use of this equipment

• Inspect and tighten chin straps and all screws/clips on catchers helmets • Inspect and tighten catcher mitt laces

Any equipment problems that cannot be corrected by the manager/coaches should be reported to the Baseball Equipment Manager. Managers are required to return all equipment issued at the end of the season, by a date established by the Baseball Coordinator or Equipment Manager during the season. All equipment assigned to a manager shall be his/her responsibility until returned. UNIFORMS Uniforms are provided to all players: T Ball (cap and jersey); 8U through 15U (cap, jersey and pants). Uniforms are distributed to the managers during equipment distribution. Each manager is responsible to distribute to the players and have each parent sign the uniform receipt, distributed with the uniforms, and to then turn these forms in to the Equipment Manager. Each manager is responsible to collect all uniforms and return to the Equipment Manager within 1 week of the last game. A uniform/equipment collection date/time will be established towards the end of the season, similar to distribution. Uniforms are only to be worn for scheduled games. UMPIRE FEES Checks shall be issued prior to the first game for the umpiring fees to be incurred based upon the official game schedule and based upon maximum umpires (depending upon what age level). It becomes the manager’s of the home team responsibility to pay the umpires on game day. The rates shall be determined by the League each season. At the


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completion of the game, all umpires working the game shall sign the scorebook for verification. Each manager shall be responsible when reporting the game score to the Baseball Coordinator to report the names of each umpire who worked the game and the actual fees paid that game. If any scheduled games are not played (rain out, cancellation, etc.) or there are ever 1 umpire and not 2 at a given game (depending upon age level and resulting in reduced fees) it is the responsibility of the manager to reimburse GTRC for umpiring fees paid and not used. The League will pay for umpire fees for all playoff games. SNACK STAND Managers are responsible for the delivery to each parent a copy of the Snack Stand Schedule as soon as it is received from the GTRC. Questions regarding the Snack Stand should be directed to the Snack Stand Coordinator. PICTURES Team and individual pictures will be taken by a professional photographer approved by the GTRC at a time and place to be determined. MAINTENANCE OF PLAYING/PRACTICE FACILITIES/PRACTICE EQUIPMENT In general, ball field maintenance in Greenwich Township will be completed by the GT Roads Department. However, there are certain responsibilities that the GTRC has to assist in keeping the fields in the best possible condition. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain safe playing conditions on the ball fields. The appropriate response to an unsafe condition on the field depends upon the situation, but in all situations, such conditions should be reported after your teams practice/game to your Division Committee Member. If you are practicing and an unsafe condition exists on the field, avoid that location and alert teams that are following you on the field. If you are in a game and an unsafe condition exists on the field, notify the umpire in charge so that appropriate measures can be taken. Never assume that somebody else already knows about the problem.


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Field Maintenance The job of every field user (mangers, coaches, players) should be to leave the fields in as good or better condition that they were in before use. This needs to be both a short goal (single game/practice) and long term goal (season). Considering both short and long term needs leads to a number of “best practices” for fields and equipment care.

Infield Maintenance

Most of the work our volunteers will do on the fields falls under the category of infield maintenance. Within this category there are several different sub-categories, as described below.

Lip care

The term “lip” refers to the edge where the infield dirt areas meet the outfield grass and the infield grass (if any). There are important ways in which coaches can help to preserve the conditions of these lips.

Hand-dragging is the most practical for dragging the field prior to a game. When dragging the infield, keep the drag at least 18” away from the infield lip, to avoid pushing dirt onto the outfield grass, which creates a dangerous condition for fielders. If you are not familiar with how to use the drag mats, have an experienced manager/coach show you. When hand raking, do not rake dirt into the grass.

As mentioned above, it is important to avoid pushing or raking dirt from the infield over these “lips”. This will result in dirt buildup in the grass leading to a gradual elevation of the lips which over time become safety issues creating “launching ramps” for ground balls and serious tripping hazards for the infielders. To prevent this buildup, it is also necessary to perform periodic sweeping of any dirt moved to the outfield/infield grass back onto the infield. This should ideally be done after every game, but as a minimum must be done after the last game of the week on Saturday.

Mound Care Our fields use both portable and permanent mounds and each type has its requirements for care and handling. Permanent Mounds

Permanent mounds get worn down over time due to wear and tear of pitchers’ use. This occurs mainly in two locations, just in front of the rubber where the pitcher pushes off, and in the landing area (location of


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which can vary due to pitchers’ strides). While this wear and tear is normal, it can be greatly reduced and nearly eliminated by regular care. The required tools are: broom, rake, tamp, water The required care after the final game of each day: a) Sweep out loose dirt from any holes created, this will help the “fill

dirt” to adhere b) Soak these areas in front of the rubber and the landing area c) Use the rake to refill these areas with fresh dirt from the lower area of

the mound or from the stockpile (DO NOT USE SAND) d) Use the tamp to compress the fresh dirt. If needed, rake a bit of the

mound dirt and tamp into place Note: do not drag over a permanent mound

Home Plate Area

Wear and tear of the home plate area is very similar to what occurs on the permanent mound. The remedies are the same as for the mound.

The required tools are: broom, rake, tamp, water

The required care after the final game of each day:

a) Sweep out loose dirt from any holes created, this will help the “fill dirt” to adhere

b) Soak the areas with water that have been damaged c) Use the rake to refill these areas with fresh dirt from the area

surrounding home plate or from stockpile (DO NOT USE SAND) d) Use the tamp to compress the fresh dirt, if needed rake some fresh dirt

and retamp

We will attempt to keep a supply of “non potable” water in the respective sheds to use as there is not a water supply at these fields.

Basepaths/ Homeplate/Mound Area

In addition to any repairs required above, the basepaths, homeplate and mound areas are to be raked evenly at the end of each practice and game. It is good practice to have your players complete this on a rotating basis.

Equipment

Equipment and supplies are for use only at GTRC games, practices and other sanctioned events at the facility at which equipment is stored.


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Portable Mounds/L Screens – After each game and practice return portable mounds and L Screens to their proper “out of use” locations, off of the field.

Matthew Hurte Field – mound and L Screen should be placed in the shed.

Stecker Field – mound should be stored flat in foul territory in the outfield and the L Screen placed in the visitors on deck cage

Bases – these are the responsibility of the manager/coaches using the field for practice/game. These are stored in the lock boxes behind home plate at all fields.

SES Field, Greenwich A & B and Beatty’s Field – Manager using field is responsible to remove from lock box and install bases on the field. At the end of practice/game these bases are to be placed back in the lock box and the appropriate base plugs re-installed on the field. At no time shall the bases be left on the field nor shall the base anchors be left open without the appropriate base plugs inserted.

Matthew Hurte Field and Stecker Field – Manager using field is responsible to remove from lock box and install bases on the field. These 2 fields have both an older set (to be used for practices) and a new set (to be used only for games). Please follow this so these new sets remain in the best condition for games. At the end of practice/game these are to be placed back in the lock box and the appropriate base plugs installed. At no time shall the bases be left on the field nor shall the base anchors be left open without the appropriate base plugs inserted. These fields have more than one set of anchors installed. Hurte Field has anchors installed at both 70’ and 90’ distances. Stecker has anchors at 60’, 70’ and 90’.

Field Lining Generally the GT Road Department will handle lining of fields. They are provided the official league schedule at the start of the season and will prepare fields per this schedule. If at any time a game is scheduled outside of the published schedule contact your Division Baseball Committee Member if you wish the field lined. They will in turn notify the GTRD. SAFETY At equipment/uniform handout, all Mangers will be given the Emergency Medical Consent Forms for their respective players. Managers shall maintain a binder in which each player’s medical information form shall be kept in addition to these GTRC Baseball Coach’s Guidelines. This binder shall be readily available at all practices and games.


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Medical Emergencies In the event of an injury or a medical emergency, the following procedure must be adhered to:

• Notify Emergency Medical Personnel as necessary (Greenwich Township

Emergency Squad 911 from cell phone) • Notify parents/guardians if not at game • Record events and notify the Baseball Coordinator

Equipment

Manager/coaches are to ensure that all equipment is maintained and safe for use and of appropriate size/fit for the player • Helmets – managers/coaches shall ensure that all players wear protective

batting helmets, while batting in game, baserunning, coaching bases or protecting pitcher/catcher on field warming up during game action.

• Catchers gear – catchers gear shall be worn at all times by the catcher (not

only during a game but also at any practices while receiving pitches and at any time warming up pitchers either on the side, bullpen or on the field.

Swinging of Bats Managers/coaches shall review with all players at start of practice season that bats are only to be swung at: home plate, the on-deck circle or at designated hitting stations during practices, nowhere else. It is recommended that managers/coaches also, as a standard rule, do not allow bats to even be in the hands of players on the bench under any circumstances to avoid possible injuries.

Pitcher Warm Up When during the course of a game it is necessary to have a pitcher warm up on the side of the field during game play, the following method shall be used. Have the pitcher throw in the direction of the outfield corner from an area beyond the infield (not towards home plate) to avoid an errant pitch from entering the infield or plate area during play. This means the pitcher will have his back to the action at the plate. Assign another player (with a batting helmet and glove) or a coach at the younger levels to stand between the pitcher and home plate, facing home plate, to protect the pitcher from any possible foul balls.


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First Aid When the team equipment is distributed, a basic first aid kit with a supply of ice packs is issued – administer minor first aid (ice packs, band aids, etc) as required during practices and games.

Player Pick Up Managers/coaches shall ensure that at the completion of all practices, games and events each child is picked up by their respective parent/guardian prior to the manager/coaches leaving the playing/practice facility. Players must remain in the dugout/bench area until picked up. Managers shall review these procedures with the parents in the Parents Meeting, prior to the first practice. Parents are to be informed in this meeting that if there are any on-going car pool arrangements, these should be communicated to the manager prior. Also if the need ever arises at the last minute on any given day for a parent to make alternate pick up arrangements, this must be communicated to the manager by the respective parent/guardian prior to pick up.

GAME PLAY RULES Each Head Coach shall receive a copy of the League Rules. All Greenwich teams defer to League Rules, with respect to game play, with the following exceptions:

• 8U Rookie, 10U Minor and 12U Major players (eligible, willing and able) must play a minimum of (3) consecutive innings per game and bat at least once. Substitutions should not be limited to the same players consistently during the last (3) innings of the game. Players substituted at the end of the game must be rotated to start the next game. In the event of a home victory or a weather shortened game, those players shortchanged must be given priority at the next game. At 8U Rookie, 10U Minor and 12U Major Playoff Games, against non Greenwich teams ONLY, the minimum playing time rule can be lowered to the League minimum of 2 innings so that the Greenwich Teams are playing by the same rules as their opponent.

• 15U Junior (eligible, willing and able) must play a minimum of (2) consecutive innings per game and bat at least once as per League rules. In the event of a home victory or a weather shortened game, those players shortchanged must be given priority at the next game.

Players not in the game because of substitution must remain on the bench or warming up during the game. No players should be allowed to leave the bench/dugout/playing field during the game.


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GAME RESULTS The Head Coach of each 8U Rookie, 10U Minor, 12U Major and 15U Junior team shall be responsible to forward the game results to the league using a form (issued by the GTRC each season) by 10pm of game day. On a weekly basis (wait until the last scheduled game of the week) forward in an e-mail to the GTRC Baseball Coordinator the scheduled games played for the week, with the umpires names and fees paid at each game. This will be used to make adjustments (refunds back to the GTRC) or additional payments to manager if the league does not pick up playoff game costs. END OF SEASON MANAGER/COACH EVALUATIONS Coach’s Evaluation forms will be issued by the Baseball Coordinator to each child’s parent in the program. The object of this form is to provide constructive feedback to the Baseball Coordinator and the GTRC. This feedback shall be kept confidential. Negative feedback (if received) will be reviewed with the manager/coach to make improvements if necessary. TOURNAMENT TEAMS GTRC will not sponsor tournament/travel teams, during what is defined as the normal sport season offered by GTRC. Any such teams created by individual managers/coaches become the responsibility of these managers/coaches. Any fees required to enter leagues/tournaments and costs for equipment and/or uniforms will be the responsibility of the managers/coaches and participants of the team. GTRC accepts no responsibility for the selection of these players nor the determination of playing time requirements. Approved off-season programs by GTRC will allow for equipment usage, if available, by registered players and approved managers/coaches.


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BASEBALL SKILL OBJECTIVES PER LEVEL With regards to baseball skills, the basic goal is to teach the kids the skills needed to be successful at the current level and have them ready to play at the next level when they move up. We need to know as coaches what we should be teaching our players so they can succeed at the next level. The following are age appropriate goals we want our players to accomplish as they work their way through the program. T Ball (5 – 6 Years Old)

1) Rules: • The right direction to run when the ball is hit • Where the bases are and that runners must touch the bases • How to record outs (catch the ball in the air, throw to first or tag runners) • Running past first • Concepts of TEAM • Three outs makes a half inning

2) Throwing Mechanics: • Turn the body so the front shoulder points towards the target • Keep the throwing elbow above the shoulder • Step towards the target with the non-throwing foot and release the ball

3) Tracking Balls:

• Follow the ball with the eyes into the glove • Use two hands to catch and field • Catch the ball out in front of the body

4) Hitting:

• How to hold and swing a bat • Batting safety! When not to swing bats and wearing batting helmets • Hitting off a tee • Hitting softly tossed pitches

5) Learning Position Play:

• If the ball is hit to a teammate, let him/her field it • Proper fielding position (down and ready)


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8U Rookie (7 – 8 Years Old)

1) Rules: • Concept of TEAM • Force outs at all bases • Tagging up • What is a double play • Base running:

i. when you don’t have to run ii. not running into or past teammates on the base paths

iii. Always keep running after ball is hit with 2 outs • Balls and strikes • Good sportsmanship

2) Throwing Mechanics: • Introduce the four-seam grip • Point the front shoulder, step and throw • Introduce the concept of generating momentum towards the target and

following the throw

3) Catching and Fielding: • Both thrown and hit balls • Fingers up versus fingers down concept • Proper fielding of ground balls • See the glove and the ball • Always using two hands • Forehand and backhand • Introduce the underhand flip • First base footwork and fundamentals

4) Hitting:

• Choosing the right bat • Proper grip • Hitting pitched balls • Introduce drill work (Tee, soft toss, short front toss) • Eliminate uppercut swing caused by T Ball (where they learn that to hit the ball to the outfield they must swing up)

5) Learning Position Play:

• Learn the positions and the areas each player should cover • Cover the nearest base when the ball is not hit to you • Basics of cut-offs and relays


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10U Minor (9 – 10 Years Old)

1) Rules: • Concept of TEAM • Good Sportsmanship

2) Base Running: • Going half way • Extra base hits • Proper sliding techniques

3) Pitching:

• Four seam grip • Introduce basic pitching mechanics • Pitcher covering first

4) Throwing:

• Four seam grip • Shuffle, throw, follow

5) Catching and Fielding

• Groundball mechanics • Fly ball mechanics • Catchers fundamentals

6) Hitting:

• Repetitions of swing mechanics • Drill work (Tee, Soft Toss, Quick Swing, Stick Ball) • Bunting basics

7) Learning Team Fundamentals:

• Cut-off and relays • Basic bunt defenses • Force plays at all bases • Infield and outfield communication and priorities • Backing up bases


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12U Major (11 – 12 Years Old)

1) Rules: • Infield fly • Continue concept of TEAM • Continue stressing good sportsmanship • Balk

2) Base Running: • Correct route to first base on batted balls reaching infield vs. outfield • Leads • Stealing • Tagging up • Proper sliding techniques

3) Pitching:

• Four seam grip • Two seam grip • Introduce pitching mechanic drills • Long toss drills to strengthen • Wind up vs. stretch

4) Hitting:

• Repetitions of swing mechanics • Drill work (Tee, Soft Toss, Front Toss, Quick Swing, Stick Ball) • Bunting

5) Catching and Fielding:

• Continue groundball mechanics • 2B/SS footwork at bag • Begin double play work • Continue 1B footwork and add scoop drills • Outfielder routes to balls • Catchers basics – introduce drills


• Cut-offs and relays • Basic bunt defenses • Basic first and third situations • Double plays • Defending the steal • Infield and outfield communication and priorities • Backing up bases


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15U Juniors (13 – 15 Years Old)

1) Throwing Mechanics and Pitching: • Emphasis on generating momentum towards the target and following the

throw • Emphasis on infielders always using 4 seam grip on throws • Curveballs and breaking balls • Change ups • Strong emphasis on pitching mechanics and drills • Pick off mechanics • Long toss programs

2) Hitting: • Introduce situational hitting

Inside out swing Hitting behind runners Hit and run Productive outs

• Sacrifice bunting vs. bunting for a hit • Understanding the count; Hitters vs. Pitchers count • Two strike hitting • Continue repetitions in swing mechanics • Continue hitting drills

3) Fielding:

• Four seam grip for all infielder throws • Continue ground ball mechanics and drills • Continue fly ball drills • First baseman footwork and drills • 2B/SS footwork at bag • Continue double play work • Backhands and when to use • Cross over and drop steps for outfielders • Double play depth • Infield communication • Drills specific to all positions • Outfielder routes to balls • Strong emphasis on all Catchers skills and drills • Preventing runners from taking extra bases

4) Base Running:

• First and third situations


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• Primary and secondary leads • Reading situations and reacting to them • Tag up situations • First move on steals


• Cut-offs and relays • Advanced bunt defenses • Double plays at all bases • Defending the steal • Advanced game situations and defenses • Do or die plays at home

Documents

GREENWICH TOWNSHIP RECRE ATION COMMISSION BASEBA LL ... · Cal Ripken on-line Basic Certification or the Rutgers Certification. Copies of these certifications are to be forwarded