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.