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2009 FRB DIVISIONAL GUIDELINES
These guidelines are provided to give parents, coaches, and players the framework for participation at this level. The Bambino, Mantle and Rookie leagues of Flemington Raritan Baseball (FRB) serve 6, 7, and 8 year old children in the community. Sessions are held at the FRB complex on William Street Flemington or at Lenape Park (directions are available at the FRB website www.frb-baseball.com).
These guidelines are reviewed annually to enhance the playing experience for all children and to place an onus on developing fundamental techniques. Recommendations or questions regarding these guidelines can be made to frbweb@frb-baseball.com
What do we stress in this document?
1. Planned “practice only” sessions for all levels
2. Recommendations for practice format and drills
3. Limits to the number of infielders to simulate “real” games and to better learn positions
4. Rules for base running
5. Safety Guidelines
6. Timeline for introduction of Pitching and Catching
I. Objectives
A. Bambino
Goals for players at this level should include:
1) Continuation of Instructional division
2) Proper fielding position stressing tripod position
3) Proper throwing techniques stressing arm position and footwork
4) Proper hitting stance stressing feet, hands and bat position using tee, soft toss and coach pitch.
5) Introduction to infield positions
6) Introduction to game scenarios stressing infield throws to first base
7) Knowledge of first base foot work
8) Base running: Running through 1st base on ground balls.
B. Mantle
Goals for players at this level should include:
1) Add on top of Bambino player goals
2) Introduction to Rules of the Game including force outs and middle infield footwork
3) Introduction to fly balls
4) Base running ( Making turns on balls hit pass the infield)
5) Introduction to Catching
6) Introduction to Pitching
7) Sliding technique
C. Rookie
Goals for players at this level should include:
1) Add on top of Mantle player goals
2) Understanding of balls and strikes
3) Introduction to umpiring
4) Introduce “regulation” baseballs
5) Further development of pitching technique
6) Understanding of the rules of the game
7) Base running – taking multiple bases on hits (proper turns) and sliding technique
II. Format
Bambino & Mantle (only)
Sessions 1-2
• Practice sessions only.
• No simulated games against an opponent should occur. Development of fundamental skills should be stressed.
• The designated home team will have the infield for the first 45 minutes of field time.
Sessions 3 to June 1
• Conduct drills for a minimum of the first 40 minutes of practice followed by a 1 to 2 inning simulated game (see age specific rules).
• The designated home team will have the infield for the first 20 minutes of field time.
June 1 till end of season
• 20 minute warm-up (Home team gets infield) followed by 3 to 4 inning simulated game (see age specific rules).
Note: Practice only sessions should last approximately 90 minutes, at the coach’s discretion
II. Format (continued)
Rookie Only
Sessions 1 - 2
• Practice sessions only.
• No simulated games against an opponent should occur. Development of fundamental skills should be stressed.
• The designated home team will have the infield for the first 45 minutes of field time.
Session 3 to May 15
• 15 Minute Warmup
• Games are Umpired
• No coaches are allowed on the field
• Simulated game with 9 players in proper position (extras players can round out the outfield or perform extra drills.)
• Called balls and strikes – no walks or strikeouts
• Half innings consist of 3 outs or after everyone has batted once
• No advancing on an overthrow
• Players pitch – limited to 1 inning. After 4 balls or hit batsman, coach pitches to that batter. Player resumes pitching to next batter at coach’s discretion.
• All other rules of the game apply
Sessions after May 15
• Games are umpired
• 9 players in proper position (extras players on bench.) Each player must take a turn sitting out on defense until all players have sat.
• Called balls and strikes with Strikeouts & walks.
• Runners may advance one base on an overthrow.
• Players pitch – limited to 1 inning.
• Half innings consist of 3 outs or until 5 runs are scored
• No stealing of bases is allowed.
• All other rules of the game apply
Note: Be aware of pitch counts – switch pitchers after approximately 25 pitches, even if between innings.
III. Age Specific Rules
A. Safety & Conduct. This applies to all games and practice sessions
1) All catchers must wear a helmet, mask, shin guards, chest protector, and cup. Note: Catching is not introduced until the Mantle level.
2) Bambino and Mantles use “soft” safety balls only.
3) All batters, base runners, and “on-deck” batter(s) practicing, in the field of play, or warming up, must wear helmets. If the child has a bat in their hands, they must have a helmet on. During games, only one on deck batter should have a bat in their hands.
4) Metal cleats are not permitted. Rubber cleats are optional.
5) No sunglasses are allowed unless prescription and properly secured. Sport goggles are recommended.
6) Jewelry is not permitted.
7) All players must remain on the bench, except “on-deck” batter(s) or as otherwise directed by a coach.
8) It is recommended that coaches and/or assistant coaches attend any league sponsored coaching clinics.
9) Any coach or player using profanity will be ejected from the game and face possible suspension.
10) Yelling and raising your voice is not an effective teaching technique. Coaches who yell at children will be warned and potentially removed from the game and face possible suspension.
11) Try to live by the 5:1 rule of positive comments to constructive points.
12) It is the responsibility of each coach to have the team clean up the field and bench area after each practice or game.
13) Player pitchers should stand no more than 6 feet in front of the mound for their safety.
14) A parent or designated guardian must be present at all sessions for Instructional, Bambino, & Mantle levels.
B. Game Playing (Bambino & Mantles)
1) Infielders will be limited to 5 players at Bambino level & 6 for Mantle (catcher added). All infield positions will be covered. The remaining players will participate in drills and / or play the outfield. No players should sit out. Depending on how many players/coaches are present, drills are strongly encouraged for the non infield players.
2) There will be no “building walls” in the infield. All non infield players must be on the grass and can not record a putout at a base, only an assist.
3) Two fielding coaches will be allowed on the field during the game. Coaches in the field will be considered part of the playing field and if hit by a batted ball, the ball remains in play.
4) All pitching will be done by the coach of the team batting at the Bambino level. A player pitcher may be introduced at the Mantle Level after Session 11, but are limited to 4 balls per batter. After 4 pitches or a hit batsmen, the coach should resume pitching until the next batter. A player pitcher is limited to 1 inning per game. All pitching must be overhand or dart throw.
5) A single player pitcher should be used when a coach is pitching. The player pitcher must be in the mound area even when not pitching. Maintain a clear line of site for this player with the batter for safety purposes.
6) If an out is made on a batter the batter will go back to the bench. If there are runners on base with two outs and the third out is made, the base runners will return to the bench and a new set of outs will be given to the batting team provided there are more players left to bat.
If each team has more than 8 players, it is recommended that the teams alternate hitting after every 4/5 batters to help keep the players interest.
7) There are no strikeouts at the Bambino or Mantle level.
8) There is no: bunting, stealing, infield fly rule, tagging up, or walks.
9) Sliding is permitted. Proper techniques should be stressed and practiced.
10) Runners and batter may advance one base only. No advance on an overthrow. The ball is dead when a reasonable attempt is made to throw the ball back to the pitcher. Having a child run at this level without understanding why is confusing for the runner and the fielders. Also, the last player of the inning should not run all the bases.
11) Players may hit off a tee at any time. When using the tee, the player may have as many swings as necessary to hit the ball. When a coach is pitching, the player may have up to five (5) swings to hit the ball. After five (5) misses, the tee must be used. Foul balls do not count as a miss.
B. Game Playing (Rookie Level)
Sessions 3 to May 15
Simulated game with 9 players in proper position (extras players can round out the outfield or perform extra drills.)
1) There will be no “building walls” in the infield. All non infield players must be on the grass and can not record a putout at a base. Infielders will be limited to 6 players.
2) Half innings consist of 3 outs or after everyone has batted
3) Players pitch – limited to 1 inning. After 4 balls or hit batsman, coach pitches to that batter. Player resumes pitching to next batter at coach’s discretion.
4) Games are umpired
5) Call balls and strikes. No walks or strikeouts
6) No stealing
7) No advancing on an over throw.
8) All other rules of the game apply
Sessions after May 15 (same as above with following modifications)
9) Games are umpired
10) 9 players in proper position (extras players on bench.) Each player must take a turn sitting out on defense until all players have sat.
11) Strikeouts and Walks
12) No stealing
13) Players may advance one base only on an over throw (per play).
14) Half innings consist of 3 outs or until 5 runs are scored
15) All other rules of the game apply
IV. Practice Guidelines / Suggested Drills
a) General
1) Children standing in lines during practice are your enemy – avoid them at all costs!
2) Try to break up the team into groups of 2 – 4 players, using assistant coaches or parent volunteers as needed for drill stations. Where possible, group players of similar abilities.
3) Rotate drill stations every 10 – 15 minutes.
4) During games, bat in uniform number order, alternating who starts.
b) Warm-up recommendations
1) Wrist Snaps (stress 4 seams)
• Step toward ball to receive
2) Knee Throws
3) Perpendicular power position
4) Alligator Snatches with tripod positions
• Ball in mit cover; Ball out; Circle Groups
5) Power Position (Stress stepping forward to throwing position)
6) Long Toss
c) Infield Drills
1. Mass Infield (stress glove positions)
2. Situation drills with runners (helmets worn)
3. Use pylons to move laterally side to side
4. Cross Infield grounders
5. First Base Play (stress footwork)
6. Covering Bases (Force Play)
7. 4 Corners (more advanced)
d) Outfield Drills
8. Stress two handed technique / transferring to throwing hand
9. Use tennis balls off of racquet or thrown.
10. Soft toss fly balls (Vary range and location)
11. Introduction to cutoff (fly ball to cutoff)
12. Cutoff Lines (Always turn Glove side)
13. Hit the bucket
14. Over the shoulder runs
15. Balls to Second Base simulation
e) Hitting Drill Stations (all players holding a bat must wear a helmet)
1) Use tennis balls, wiffle balls, wiffle golf balls
2) Stress feet / shoulders facing picture (Use string or cutouts to establish feet position)
3) Stress front elboe in; hand at armpit; knuckles aligned
4) Bat off shoulder; pointing 45 degrees to back
5) Hitting off of T
6) Soft Toss
7) Soft toss from behind
8) Quick Toss (10 ft in front of batter; behind cage)
9) Batting Practice
10) Kickball Wall-up
IV. Practice Guidelines / Suggested Drills (cont.)
f) Running Drills
1) Home to First (stressing running through the base)
• Use cone to mark area to turn
2) Home to second (stressing making a proper turn)
3) Relay races or pickle
4) Sliding - Use outfield grass to develop technique
5) Secondary leads
g) Catching
1) Popups from stance
2) Blocking balls (Butterfly)
3) Passed balls to pitcher
V. Coaches Guide – I have a team, so what do I do now!
a) Contact your team right away. Introduce yourself to parents and notify them of the first meeting time for your team.
b) Make a roster for distribution to your team including phone numbers and parents names
c) Send out a schedule including important dates such as opening day, pictures, and volunteer workdays
d) Have a team meeting at the first practice to introduce yourself to parents.
1. Review this documents stated goals of the program
2. Review equipment requirements. Gloves are required but beware of “toy” or plastic gloves. Cleats and player bats are optional. Guidelines for proper sized equipment can be found at the FRB website.
3. Review rain date process
e) Contact your sponsor and provide them with a schedule. Thank them for their support.
f) Select a Team Parent to assist you
1. Team summary for newspaper – kids love to see their names in the local newspaper. This also helps promote our sponsors.
2. Coordinate snacks - Note, please restrict outside snacks at FRB – The snack bar is our biggest fundraiser.
3. Coordinate Patriots Game and Banner Parade
Recommended Practice Plan – Fielding / Throwing Practice
The following practice plan is intended for children ages 6-10 and should last approximately 90 minutes.
First 15 minutes - Throwing Progressions
1. Wrist Snaps (Stress 4 seam grip & stepping toward ball to receive)
2. Knee Throws (Glove knee in front/ 3 “L” arm/wrist angles)
3. Perpendicular power position (Standing
2nd 15 minutes – Fielding Progressions
4. Alligator Snatches with tripod positions
5. Ball in mit cover; Ball out; Circle Groups
6. Power Position (Stress stepping forward to throwing position)
7. Long Toss
Split team into two groups:
Infield Drills (10-15 minutes each drill / Choose 3 each practice)
8. Pylon drill to move laterally side to side
9. Cross infield grounders (2 lines throwing to one coach each)
10. Mass Infield
11. Stress glove positions (Tripod, Corner v Middle Infielders)
12. Stress position name and starting location
13. Situation drills with runners (helmets must be worn)
14. First Base Play (stress footwork to cover base properly)
15. 4 Corners (more advanced throwing drill)
Outfield Drills (10-15 minutes each drill / Choose 3 each practice)
16. Soft toss fly balls (Vary range and location)
17. Stress two handed technique / transferring ball to throwing hand
18. Use tennis balls to build confidence first
19. Hit off of tennis racquet or thrown.
20. Over the shoulder runs (start player next to coach, vary sides)
21. Balls to Second Base (add a base in outfield, have player or coach cover)
22. Introduction to cutoff (fly ball to cutoff person)
23. Cutoff Lines (Always turn Glove side)
Wrapup Games (5-10 minutes)
24. Hit the bucket (Two team throwing game at fixed target)
Recommended Practice Plan – Hitting / Running
The following practice plan is intended for children ages 6-10 and should last approximately 90 minutes. Coaches should take notes on each players strengths and weaknesses and compare. Use these as common develop goals among the coaches throughout the season.
Split team into 3 Groups (Each group must be supervised by a coach). Rotate after 1-2 turns for each player (approximately 15-20 minutes each station)
T Station
1) Use tennis balls, wiffle balls, baseballs, or even soccer ball depending on skill and confidence level
2) Stress feet / shoulders facing picture (Use string or cutouts to establish feet position)
3) Stress front elboe in; hand at armpit; knuckles aligned
4) Bat off shoulder; pointing 45 degrees to back
5) 10-15 swings a turn
6) More advanced (hold power position)
Soft Toss Station
7) Toss ball towards front hip – vary placement as progress
8) Stress items 2-4 above
9) 10-15 swings a turn
More advance
10) Soft toss from behind plate (toss toward front of plate)
11) Use Wiffle golf balls
12) Use Cut off Broom Stick with lead hand only
13) Shift to power position before toss
Batting Practice (Coach pitch)
14) If space available, use a field to allow hitter to see ball land
15) Quick Toss (10 ft in front of batter; underhand toss, behind cage)
16) 10-15 swings a turns
Running Drills (5-10 minutes each / 2 per practice)
17) Home to First
a) Stress running through the base
b) Use cone to mark area to turn right
c) Add stop watch
18) Home to second (stress making a proper turn at first)
19) Sliding - Use sliding matt or outfield grass to develop technique
Wrapup Games (Approx 10-20 minutes)
20) Intrasquad Game - 3 teams of 3-4. Alternate hitting team
21) Relay races or pickle games (use soft balls for younger ages)
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