PWGFS 8 & Under learning guidelines
Basic Equipment – Each player should have a general knowledge of the equipment they use and a firm understanding of using it correctly and safely.
Understanding of the Playing Field Layout – Players should be able to indentify 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, home plate, batter’s boxes, pitcher’s circle, infield, outfield, fair territory and foul territory.
General Understanding of the Defensive Positions – Players should know the general location of each defensive position.
General Understanding of the Concept of the Game
Offensive Skills
Correct Way of Gripping a Bat
Batter’s Stance
Correct Swing of the Bat
Knowing and Understanding the Strike Zone
Correct Base Running and Utilizing Base Coaches
Leading Off
Concepts of Base Running (Force Situations, Fly Balls and Tagging Up)
Defensive Skills
Correct Throwing Skills
Correct Catching Skills
Proper “Ready” Defensive Positions (Infielders / Outfielders)
Fundamentals of Fielding (Grounders and Pop-Ups)
Properly Covering Bases
Coaches should rotate all players to ensure each player has an opportunity to experience every position.
PWGFS 10 & Under learning guidelines
Basic Equipment – Each player should have a general knowledge of the equipment they use and a firm understanding of using it correctly and safely.
Understanding of the Playing Field Layout – Players should be able to indentify 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, home plate, batter’s boxes, pitcher’s circle, infield, outfield, fair territory and foul territory.
General Understanding of the Defensive Positions – Players should know the general location of each defensive position.
General Understanding of the Concept of the Game
Offensive Skills
Correct Way of Gripping a Bat
Batter’s Stance
Correct Swing of the Bat
Knowing and Understanding the Strike Zone
Bunting
Correct Base Running and Utilizing Base Coaches
Leading Off
Stealing
Sliding
Concepts of Base Running (Force Situations, Fly Balls and Tagging Up)
Defensive Skills
Correct Throwing Skills
Correct Catching Skills
Proper “Ready” Defensive Positions (Infielders / Outfielders)
Fundamentals of Fielding (Grounders and Pop-Ups)
Recognizing and Covering a Bunt
Properly Covering Bases / Force Plays / Tag Out Plays / Throw Downs
Coaches should rotate players to ensure they experience multiple positions throughout the season. This should be done at the coach’s discretion, keeping in mind safety and confidence of the players.
EXAMPLES:
If a player is struggling with catching skills, continue to work with her to improve them but, avoid putting her behind the plate or at first where she would constantly be on the spot. 2nd base, 3rd base, and the outfield would work well.
If a player is catching well but, having a rough time throwing, she could be alternated at first, second and also the outfield.
In both examples, the players get to experience both infield and outfield positions without killing their confidence or discouraging the other players on the team. By continuing to work with the players, you will be promoting their improvement while building their confidence. You can always make adjustments to where they play as they improve.
PWGFS 12 & Under learning guidelines
Basic Equipment – Each player should have a general knowledge of the equipment they use and a firm understanding of using it correctly and safely.
Understanding of the Playing Field Layout – Players should be able to indentify 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, home plate, batter’s boxes, pitcher’s circle, infield, outfield, fair territory and foul territory.
General Understanding of the Defensive Positions – Players should know the general location of each defensive position.
General Understanding of the Concept of the Game
Offensive Skills
Correct Way of Gripping a Bat
Batter’s Stance and Adjusting in the Batter’s Box to the Pitching
Correct Swing of the Bat
Knowing and Understanding the Strike Zone
Directional Bunting
Running on Dropped Third Strikes
Correct Base Running and Utilizing Base Coaches
Leading Off
Stealing
Delayed Stealing
Sliding
Diving Back Into Bases
Concepts of Base Running (Force Situations, Fly Balls and Tagging Up)
Defensive Skills
Correct Throwing, Under-Handed Flip Skills and Off-Balance Throws
Correct Catching Skills and on the Run Catching
Proper “Ready” Defensive Positions (Infielders / Outfielders)
Fundamentals of Fielding, Back-Hand Plays, Tracking Fly Balls
Recognizing and Covering Bunts and Slap Hitters
Properly Covering Bases / Force Plays / Tag Out Plays / Pickles / Throw Downs
By 12U, most players are beginning to key in on set positions and finding their identities as either infielders or outfielders. Coaches should work towards allowing them to hone specific skills based on their positions but, there will still be opportunities for moving some players around if needed. At this level, outfielders will play a more important role on defense than the younger groups.