Program Descriptions
T-ball/Instructional
Our T-ball Division is softball instruction for girls 5 to 7 years of age. Emphasis is placed on introducing and developing the basic fundamentals of softball. The mechanics of throwing, fielding and a proper swing are taught at a young age for the proper development of young players. Instruction is overseen by the varsity high school coaches and will be performed by current high school players and alumni. Informal scrimmages are part of this instruction program to teach and for understanding of actual game play. The scrimmages will begin after the second week of instruction is complete. The first hour will be instruction and the second hour will be scrimmage.
Instructional Softball
This is an excellent opportunity to focus on continued development of proper softball mechanics for girls ages 8-15. Throwing, running, fielding, hitting, defensive and offensive strategies, as well as pitching and catching instruction are part of this comprehensive program. The philosophy of this program is to provide ongoing, proper instruction during the development years of the softball player. This program is offered through the Verona Recreation Department and is held at the Country View softball fields. Program development and instruction is overseen by the high school coaches and performed by high school players and alumni. This program is highly recommended for every softball player!
Girls Softball League
This league is geared toward recreational softball for girls ages 8 to 15. The emphasis of this program is to encourage playing the game of softball. Therefore, all players attending regular season games play at least 2 innings in the field and bat each time through the lineup. Coaches will be responsible for rotating players through a variety of positions in the field during the season. Coaching will be provided by parents in good standing. Levels of play include:
Grades 3-4 (10U)
This division alternates between pitching machine and kid pitch with an 11 inch softball. The emphasis is on having fun while learning the rules of the game. The focus is placed on basic, but, proper fielding, throwing and hitting technique with and introduction to pitching. Initially, the girls get to face pitching in a controlled environment, then, midway through the season live pitching is incorporated.
Grades 5-6 (12U)
This division emphasizes honing the fundamentals and learning game situation strategies. Players continue to develop fundamental skills in throwing, fielding and hitting. The girls learn to bunt and steal bases and soon learn the importance of advancing runners and how to keep them from advancing. Live pitching is added to the game at this level.
Grades 7-8(14U)
This division follows rules nearly identical to high school softball,. The league is more competitive but the emphasis is on having fun. Focus is placed on executing the fundamentals with power and furthering the knowledge of situation strategies. This is where the players hone their skills to prepare themselves for high school ball. More advanced skills such as drag & slap bunts, and learning to drive the ball are taught and essential at this level of play.
VAGSA Competitive Softball League – South Central Softball League (ASA)
The mission of this league is to provide league play for ASA Class B teams in support of improving area high school programs. Class B indicates the league focus is community. This program is offered within VAGSA to provide more competitive opportunities for the advanced skilled players for girls ages 8-18. To compete in this league, girls must tryout and rate in the upper level within their age group. Higher level skills are taught and practiced in this league and begin at the younger ages. More commitment and travel is involved and required in this league.
Pre-Season Warm Up Camp
This fundamental skills camp is targeted for girls 8 to 14 years of age. Campers will be taught the proper mechanics to help them prepare for both their offensive and defensive softball skills prior to the season. Camp Coaches will concentrate on the fundamental skills of throwing, hitting, fielding, running, pitching, catching and game situations. Instruction will be provided by the high school coaches, specialty coaches, current players and alumni.
Coaching/Umpire Clinics
Clinics will be provided to further the knowledge of summer coaches and umpires to help them improve their skills. Instruction will be provided by the high school coaching staff and specialty personnel.