Minor A division is when winning becomes important to players. The game starts to resemble real baseball. Innings are three (3) outs or four (4) runs scored to retire the side, whichever comes first.
Having fun while playing baseball is still the most important aspect of the Minor A division. This division is still instructional only and records are not kept. The CCLL wants each player excited about playing the game and eager to return for another season.
Differences between Minor A and Coach Pitch
In Minor A division, pitches are delivered from a coach using a pitching machine. The machine provides consistent speed and ball placement. The use of the machine helps players learn to hit a pitched ball. A tee is no longer available to players.
Batters may strikeout in Minor A. Batters get up to six (6) pitches to put the ball into play, or three strikes (swinging or called strikes), whichever comes first. There are no walks in Minor A.
The game starts to resemble real baseball. Innings are three (3) outs or four (4) runs scored to retire the side, whichever comes first.
The game is played with 10 players in the field (4 out fielders) and all players are included in the batting lineup.
Player Development Expectations
Your mission as a coach is to develop each individual on the team. Winning at the expense of development is not acceptable. Below are the minimum set of skills we expect players to have by the end of the Minor A season.
Throwing
- Master ability to use the 4-seam grip
- Consistently use proper throwing mechanics: "Ready, Break, Throw" (YouTube Throwing Drill)
- Able to play catch with a teammate
- Developing strength to throw across the diamond (e.g., SS to First Base)
Fielding
- Consistently gets into ready position
- Consistently able to get in front of a ground ball
- Consistently uses proper footwork when fielding a ground ball: "Right, Left, Catch; Right, Left, Throw"
(YouTube Video Explaining Groundball Footwork Fundamentals)
- Learning to field ground balls in rhythm
- Learning to throw to correct base
- Learning ability to catch a fly ball
- Learning ability to receive a thrown ball
- Know the fielding responsibilities on a baseball diamond
- Learning backup responsibilities on the baseball diamond
- Learning to anticipate the next play (i.e., before the pitch, know where you should go with the ball if it is hit to you)
Hitting
- Consistently uses proper hitting fundamentals to hit a pitched ball
- Does not throw the bat
- Know bat safety (#1 do not swing the bat without looking to see if others are nearby; #2 do not walk near someone holding a bat)
- Know what a pitch count is (balls vs. strikes) and that three strikes is an out and four balls is a walk
- Learning to recognize a strike zone
Base Running
- Consistently runs through 1st base
- Consistently uses ready position on the base (one foot on, one foot off)
- Learning situational running (e.g., to tag up on caught fly balls or line drives, running on a force, always running with two outs)
Sportsmanship and Baseball Knowledge
- How to be a good teammate (e.g., Do not laugh at others when a mistake is made; encourage each other; be patient while others are learning)
- Learning to handle adversity (baseball can be hard and the results of the play won't always go your way)
- Know the difference between a force out and the requirement to tag a runner out
- Know that three outs ends an inning
- Learning dugout etiquette (e.g., Cheer for your team; do not jeer at the other team; know your spot in the lineup and be ready for your turn at bat, batter in the hole retrieves the bat)
Practice Plans
Practice is necessary to develop players' skills. Coaches should hold one or more practices a week throughout the season in addition to games.
At this level, practices may become longer (60-90 minutes). Below are practice plan templates to help you have a fun and productive practice.