Milltown Baseball & Softball

The Minor League is comprised of 8, 9, 10 and 11 year old players. The Minor League abides by Little League and MLL Rules. Theoretically, players in this league should be fairly close to mastering the basic skills necessary to play at this level and have a good understanding of the game of baseball. Therefore, the primary mission of the Minor League curriculum will be to leverage the skills of each player in a competitive environment while further developing each player's skill set.

Hitting-

Proper positioning within the batters box
When to stay in the batters box and when to get out
Proper batting stance
Proper swing
Taking signs and understanding the batters responsibility for each sign/play
Batters responsibility when there is a passed ball with runners on base
Bunting-how to bunt and an understanding of why and when to bunt
How to get out of the way of a pitched ball
Which way and how to turn

Base Running-

How to leave the batters box
How to work with and take direction from the base coaches while advancing
Running to first base, when to run through the base and when to round the base
Knowing what to do next
What to do if a ground ball is hit
What to do if a pop fly is hit
Taking Signals
Sensible base running
How to round each base
Sliding
Stealing (except home plate)
Advancing on a wild pitch (except home plate)
Tagging up, both fair and foul balls

Fielding (General)-

Field positioning and ready position prior to pitch
On field communication, calling for the ball
Understanding their responsibility and what to do with the ball if it is hit to them prior to each pitch
Knowing the count, number of outs and what the proper play should be
Proper approach, foot and glove positioning on ground balls and receiving throws. Use two hands!
Correct way to field a ground ball, set their feet to throw and make a throw
Knowing what the correct play is, what base to throw to, which cutoff man to throw to
Taking signs on defensive plays
Correct way to catch a fly ball, set their feet to throw and make the correct throw
Understanding the difference between a force play and a tag play
Understanding the concept of catching fly balls which are foul balls
Build a sense of urgency for all fielders to get to the ball as soon as possible

Infield-

Proper way to cover a base and receive a throw
First Basemen learning to position feet properly on the bag and stretching to the throw.
Defending the bunt
Defending the steal
Holding the runners
Backup responsibilities (all bases)
Cutoff responsibilities

Outfield-

Backup responsibilities (infielders and other outfielders)
Defending against the tag up
Knowing when and where to throw
Cutoff responsibilities
Running to the ball when you know you can't catch it
How to position the body in preparation for catching a fly ball

Pitching-

Warming up properly
Proper way to hold the ball
Proper positioning of feet on the pitching rubber
Proper windup, release and follow-through
Positioning the catcher/target
Defending against the steal
Defending the steal on a throw back from the catcher
How to take the throw back from the catcher
The correct way to turn back to the mound
Defending against the bunt
Backup responsibilities

Catching-

Positioning behind the plate
Proper stance, positioning of the glove and throwing hand
Proper way and when to throw back to the pitcher
Setting up and presenting a proper target for the pitcher
Proper way to feild a ball and throw to a base
Backup responsibilities
Defending the steal
Defending the bunt
Blocking the ball on low pitches thrown in the dirt
Defending passed balls
Defending the plate
Keeping the pitcher focused