? The player must understand not to throw a ball at another player unless the receiving player is aware and ready to receive the ball.
? The player must understand not to swing a bat near other players.
? The player must not throw his/her bat after hitting the ball.
? Teamwork, sportsmanship & respect for the game
? The player will strive to support other players and show respect for all participants.
Fielding
? The player will strive to keep his/her back bent (not butt down) , head up and hands
forward when fielding a ground ball.
? The player will employ the 'baseball ready' position on every pitch.
? The player will begin to learn to move to and through the ball when fielding.
? The player will begin to understand different fielding techniques based on position.
? A player will strive to employ proper foot technique to position themselves to field
ground balls hit to the right, left, and directly at him/her.
? Catching a tossed ball or fly balls
? The player will catch balls above their waist with their fingers up. Balls below their waist
will be caught with their fingers down.
? Players will strive to develop proper glove positioning for catching fly balls.
? Players will strive to employ proper foot technique to position themselves to make a
catch based on where the ball is hit.
Hitting
? The player will understand how to properly grip the bat with knocking knuckles generally
lined up.
? The player will understand a strong hitting stance as it relates to home plate.
? The player should understand the strike zone.
? The player will strive to employ a proper load.
? The player will strive to turn his/her hips and pivot on their back foot (squash the bug)
during the swing.
Throwing
? The player will understand how to grip the baseball.
? The player will understand the proper beginning body position.
? The player will look at the target and step toward the target when throwing.
? The player will be encouraged to remove the ball from his/her glove with his/her thumb down.
? The player will follow through as part of each throw.
? The player will emphasize proper mechanics with every throw.
Base Running
? The player will be able to name all the bases.
? The player will understand which base to advance to & when.
? The player will understand how and when to run through first base.
? The player will understand what it means to 'round' a base.
? The player will understand how to run the bases on extra base hits.
? The player will listen to base coaches for instruction.
Catching
? Fundamental catching mechanics will be introduced.
General Concepts
? The player should understand the concept of throwing ahead of runners.
? The player should understand the concept of 'backing up' plays.
? The player should understand rules of play and fielding positions.
? The player should understand the basics of when to tag the runner and when there is a
force out.
? Hustling on and off the field is paramount. No walking between the lines. When third out
is recorded the defensive team should be off the field before the other team takes the field.
