Want to know what skills your child should master at each age level to safely and successfully move up to the next level? See below for a list of skills that SFSA recommends each player know and master before moving up.
6U
- Locate and identify all defensive positions
- Independently set up in batter’s box
- Understand basic base running process
- Basic throwing/fielding/hitting/catching fundamentals
- Understand defensively how to accomplish an out (get the ball to the base before the runner)
8U
- Locate and identify all defensive positions
- Independently set up in batter’s box
- Understand basic base running process
- Basic throwing/fielding/hitting/catching fundamentals
- Understand defensively how to accomplish an out (get the ball to the base before the runner)
- Understand a batter’s count (balls vs. strikes) What it means to strike out, what it means to walk
- Know what a single, double, triple, homerun mean as a base runner
- Start introducing the concept of safe sliding
- Concept of getting lead base runner out.
- Introduction to pitching.
10U
- Locate and identify all defensive positions
- Independently set up in batter’s box
- Understand basic base running process
- Solid with throwing/fielding/hitting/catching fundamentals
- Understand defensively how to accomplish an out (get the ball to the base before the runner)
- Understand a batter’s count (balls vs. strikes) What it means to strike out, what it means to walk
- Know what a single, double, triple, homerun mean as a base runner
- The concept of safe sliding
- Taking hitting signals from a coach
- BUNTING (what does a sacrifice bunt mean?)
- Concept of getting the lead base runner out
- When a runner is in scoring position, what does that mean?
- At practice, throw around the horn (H-3-2-1-H-1-2-3-H) without errors
- Build on hitting fundamentals (i.e. starting introducing loading, extension after contact, etc)
- Building on throwing fundamentals (i.e. quick feet/quick release, pointing elbow instead of glove, etc)
- Continue to build on pitching skills, consistent motion, throwing strikes consistently.
- Pitchers should be pitching 3-4x per week and taking private pitching lessons.
12U
- Locate and identify all defensive positions
- Independently set up in batter’s box
- Understand basic base running process
- Solid with throwing/fielding/hitting/catching fundamentals
- Understand defensively how to accomplish an out (get the ball to the base before the runner)
- Understand a batter’s count (balls vs. strikes) What it means to strike out, what it means to walk
- Know what a single, double, triple, homerun mean as a base runner
- The concept of safe sliding
- Taking hitting signals from a coach
- BUNTING (what does a sacrifice bunt mean?)
- Concept of getting the lead base runner out
- When a runner is in scoring position, what does that mean?
- At practice, throw around the horn (H-3-2-1-H-1-2-3-H) without errors
- Build on hitting fundamentals (i.e. starting introducing loading, extension after contact, etc)
- Building on throwing fundamentals (i.e. quick feet/quick release, pointing elbow instead of glove, etc)
- Pitchers should be throwing strike consistently.
- Pitchers should be throwing 4-5x per week.