Mental Aspects

1. Overall understanding of basics of game is as important as physical skills.  Knowledge of the game can make up for physical deficiencies and will accelerate future development at the majors level.

2. Understanding sportsmanship and good conduct essential.

3. Show confidence at the plate and in the field.

4. Ability to handle adversity and failure, and to channel emotions.

Physical Aspects

Base running

• Ability to determine when to take extra base when the ball is in front of the runner.
• Basic understanding of common situations.
• Consistently get good jump off base every pitch.
• Slide aggressively.

Hitting

• Aggressive approach every at bat.
• Ability to take good swing and still take pitches out of the strike zone.
• Make consistent contact.
• Understand mechanics of adjusting to off-speed pitches.

Fielding

• Ability to play catch from 80’.
• Fly balls forward, left and right should be caught with relative ease.
• Ability to field medium speed ground balls.
• Consistently know what to do with the ball after fielding.
• Consistently be in “ready position” during each pitch.
• Ability to make back hand catch amd make throw to opposite direction.

Throwing

• Make accurate throws from 80’.
• Body should have good balance and direction on all routine throws.
• Long, fluid arm motion.
• Ability to use momentum for long throws

Pitching

• Ability to throw 50 pitches without soreness in arm.
• Ability to throw 60% strikes.
• Begin to use both sides of the plate.
• Begin to develop off speed pitch.
• Recognize game situations, position in count, strength of batter.
• Ability to handle adversity and recover during the game.
• Confidence to survive failure and pitch again.

Catching

• Ability to move to right and left to block balls in the dirt.
• Take charge of the team and be a leader.
• Direct infielders during relay and cut-off.
• Field balls in front of plate, including bunts, and make accurate throws to all bases.
• Understand positioning for tag play.