Mental Aspects

1. Ability to maintain concentration throughout inning.

2. Often know what to do with the ball when fielding

3. Know that the shortstop is the captain of the infield and the centerfielder is the captain of the outfield.

Physical Aspects

Base running

• Ability to round bases, especially first.
• Consistently look to advance – be aggressive.
• Quickly react to base coach commands.
• Consistently step on proper area of base.
• Slides when appropriate.

Hitting

• Consistent hip turn and balance in swing.
• Consistently takes an aggressive swing.
• Begin to identify strike zone.

Note:  The mechanics of the swing and an aggressive attitude are very important a this stage, even if no contact is made (hand-eye coordination will catch up). 

Fielding

• Ability to play catch from at least 60’.
• Ability to catch easy ground balls to the right and left.
• Ability to catch low fly ball.
• Understand the ready position.
• Catch ball with two hands.
• Consistently use backhand to catch balls hit to throwing arm side.

Throwing

• Start to use crow hops for long throws.
• Make accurate throws from 60’.
• Often use proper grip.

Pitching

• Ability to throw at least 30 pitches without soreness in the arm.
• Ability to throw at least 50% strikes.

Catching

• Use proper stance
• Catch all pitches in the strike zone.
• Block balls in the dirt directly in front.
• Make throw to second base.