FARM DIVISION
The ages for most of these players will range between seven to eight-year olds. We will build on the foundational principles that were taught at the T-Ball level and start to challenge them more defensively. Practices will normally run between ninety-minutes to two hours. Continue to give information in small amounts and consider adopting the accordion style teaching method. Bring players in for a short talk about the drill you are about to do and then send them out to do it. Bring them back for another short talk during the same defensive or offensive station and send them out again. This helps players digest small amounts of info at one time.
On the offensive side we want the hitters to limit their movements at home plate, so their head and shoulders stay still. This will keep their eyes on a level plane which will help with them see the ball better and make more consistent contact. They will want to have their own style which is great. We don’t want to squash their individualism. We simply teach them that as long as their style doesn’t affect their mechanics, then they can do it. Players also learn how to use their hips properly. Teach them that their hips take their hands to the baseball.
On the bases we want to encourage players to be aggressive and always think about taking the extra base. Teach players where to make contact with the bag based on the running situation. Players need to learn to pick up their third base coach before and after they hit second base. They should also know that they can’t take off right away on contact and learn about going back to a base if the ball is caught in the air.
Like the hinges on a door, the front side of the body has items that work together. When one of them opens up early, they all do. Keep the front side closed until the hips begin to open, pulling the shoulder and body to create torsion and power. This can also be applied to both pitching/throwing & hitting. They need to be more consistent moving their feet and gain ground towards their target when throwing the ball. When receiving the ball, players learn to move their feet and watch the ball into their glove consistently.
Defensively we want to challenge an infielder’s range more by teaching them how to field balls to their backhand and glove side. Players need to understand when they should be covering a base and also to stay out of the runner’s path. Outfielders learn about communicating with teammates on fly balls and taking proper angles to the ball. Catchers are focusing more on receiving and their wide base footwork. Start to teach some basic blocking drills from their knees with tennis balls at this level.
Players at this age will have most likely played baseball for at least one year and have some understanding of the game. Coaches should review drills that were done at the Tee Ball level early in the season to see each individual player’s talent and comprehension level. You will most likely need to separate players into multiple groups based on your findings during these drills. Remember that the players are still young and expect them to be squirrely. Hold them accountable for their actions by sitting them on the bench for being disruptive in practice.
Within the Farm division there are two different levels low farm for 6-7 year olds known as Coach Pitch and high farm for 7-8 years old known as Coach Rescue. Coach pitch is designed to increase the knowledge of the game, individual skills, and increase the pace of play. The Coach Rescue division is structured as a bridge between the Farm division and Minors which is kid pitch only. By allowing pitchers the opportunity to throw to live hitters we begin to develop the knowledge and skills required.
Please see the attached Coaching Matrix for Age/Division-level appropriate skills to develop and drills to work with your kids on.
You can view our Coach Pitch hometown rules here.
You can view our Coach Rescue hometown rules here.