Mental Aspects

1.  Ability to sit on bench during team at-bat, pay attention to the game, and know when it is their turn to hit.

2.  Ability to pay attention in the field and consistently see ball off the bat.

3.  Know each base.

4.  Know each position by name.

Physical Aspects

 Hitting

1. Maintain a consistent stance in relationship to homeplate.

2. Ability to make consistent contact.

3. Be able to hold on to the bat with both hands throughout the swing.

4. Ability to keep balance during swing.

Note:  Coaches…make sure that the Tee is placed toward the front of the plate and no higher than the thigh.  Most tees are designed with the stem in the middle of the plate, which is not the correct contact point.  Do Not Allow the tee to be set too high.  If placed too high it will promote flawed swings.

Base running

1.        Know to run all the way to the base.

2.        Learn not to run into outs.

3.        React to fly balls even though few will be caught.

Fielding

1.        Ability to play catch at a short distance.

2.        Ability to catch easy ground ball (roller).

3.        Able to react to the ball above the waist with the glove fingers up, not the palm up.  Players will not develop catching skills before this occurs.

4.        Begin to react to balls on throwing arm side by turning glove to backhand.

Throwing

1.        Begin to turn to the glove side to the target before throwing.

2.        Step toward the target.

3.        Make accurate throws from at least 20”.