The Remainder of the Levels of Achievement

Again, I would like to welcome you all to the VBC coach's corner. We hope that this site will help foster useful discourse on a number of subjects relevant to youth baseball coaches in Northern Virginia. Below is a continuation of the VBC "Levels of Achievement", constructed by Coach Mike Murray. Please leave comments at the bottom of the page. We are very interested in your feedback!

AA/AAA LEVEL (ages 9-11, COACH/PLAYER PITCH)

At the nine year old level we recommend that during the first part of the season the league uses coach pitching (with no catcher) to keep the game moving and give batters the opportunity to put the ball in play. During this period coaches should work with their players, who would like to pitch and catch, in weekly practices to prepare them for games in the second part of the season. It is also recommended that the coach spend the first few practices of the season reviewing the levels of development in Single A Level. (A catcher is not needed for pitching, but the catcher may be needed to make plays at the plate if score is kept).

MENTAL ASPECTS:

1. 1) Ability to always know how many outs, the count on the batter, and the score of the game.
2. 2) Know what to do with the ball if it is hit to you.
3. 3) Know fly ball communication priorities.
4. 4) Know how and why to back up a base.
5. 5) Know what a double-play is.
6. 6) Know the meaning of: RBI, ERA, OBP, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, squeeze bunt, steal, bullpen.
7. 7) Know team signals.
8. 8) Knows to take an aggressive approach at the plate.

SOCIAL ASPECTS:

1. 1) Continue to learn and practice methods of dealing with mistakes.
2. 2) Demonstrate respect for teammates, umpires, and opponents.
3. 3) Understand the basic idea of teamwork.
4. 4) Acknowledge that they, not others, are in complete control of their actions, so do not over-react to teasing or taunting if it does occur. THIS SHOULD BE TAUGHT AT EVERY LEVEL, THAT YOU ARE NOT A PUPPET FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO PULL YOUR STRINGS.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS:

1. 1) Base Running
2. a) Ability to round bases, especially first.
3. b) Consistently look to advance to next base (aggressive).
4. c) Consistently steps on proper area of base.
5. d) Ability to tag-up on fly balls.
6. e) Slides when appropriate.

2) Hitting

1. a) Slight inward rotation of front shoulder before swinging.
2. b) Short, soft, straight stride before swinging.
3. c) Hands are back and at top of strike zone before swinging (elbows below the hands) and bat angle is about 45 degrees (not straight up and down or flat).
4. d) Sees ball to the bat.
5. e) Takes an aggressive approach to each pitch.
6. f) Consistently takes aggressive swing through the ball.
7. g) Begin to identify his strike zone.
8. NOTE: An aggressive attitude is very important at this stage, even if no contact is made (hand-eye coordination will catch up).

3) Fielding

1. a) Ability to play catch with a teammate from 50’ (10 throws without the ball hitting the ground).
2. b) Ability to field easy ground balls to the right and left and throw accurately to the proper base.
3. c) Ability to catch fly ball.
4. d) Catch ball with two hands for a quicker transfer to throwing hand.
5. e) Catch a ball while running.
6. f) 1^st baseman: know the correct foot (opposite from glove hand) to have on the base while receiving throws from infielders.

4) Throwing

1. a) Start to move feet for momentum before throwing.
2. b) Make accurate throws to target from 60’
3. c) Often uses proper grip.
4. d) Keeps throwing-hand fingers behind ball through release.

5) Pitching

1. a) Understand 5-step progression of pitching.
2. b) Can hold balance position for 15 seconds.
3. c) Ability to throw consistent strikes
4. d) Know four seam fastball.

6) Catching

1. a) Knows how to safely put on equipment.
2. b) Use proper stance.
3. c) Catch all pitches in strike zone.
4. d) Ability to block most balls in dirt directly in front.
5. e) Moves feet to make accurate throws to second and third base.

MAJORS LEVEL (AGES 10-12)

Players at this level are better able to make mechanical adjustments as well as understand concepts and strategies of the game.

MENTAL ASPECTS:

1. 1) Know situations-count, outs, score during at bat and in field.
2. 2) Anticipate-know “what to do when ball is hit to me or anybody else.”
3. 3) Considers strategies depending on situations.
4. 4) Knows the terms: double-steal, infield fly rule, double-play, triple-play, foul pole, cut-off man, relay-man, outfield gaps, pull hitter, opposite-field hitter.

SOCIAL ASPECTS

1. 1) Practices “positive self-talk.”
2. 2) Understands that playing by the rules is more important than just winning.
3. 3) Ability to recognize individual and team mistakes and offer corrective suggestions.
4. 4) Understands what he can and cannot control.
5. 5) Practices making set-backs temporary.
6. 6) Understands that umpires will make mistakes, just like you and me.
7. 7) Understand that umpire’s calls won’t always go your way.
8. 8) Acknowledge that they, not others, are in complete control of their actions, so do not over-react to teasing or taunting if it does occur. THIS SHOULD BE TAUGHT AT EVERY LEVEL, THAT YOU ARE NOT A PUPPET FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO PULL YOUR STRINGS.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS:

1) Base Running

1. a) Ability to run the bases with head up, knowing where the ball is.
2. b) Always runs full speed on the bases.
3. c) Always know how many outs.
4. d) Ability to pick up base coach and follow instructions.
5. e) Consistently look to take extra base (anticipate a defensive mistake).
6. f) Advance on all passed balls.
7. g) Ability to execute bent-leg slide, pop-up slide, and hook slide.
8. h) Ability to adjust slide away from tag.
9. i) Ability to dive back to base.
10. j) Execute a delayed steal and double-steal (1^st and 3^rd).
11. k) Use proper footwork out of batters box.
12. l) Dips left shoulder when rounding bases.

2) Hitting

1. a) Mechanical:
2. · Slight inward rotation of front shoulder prior to swing.
3. · Stride and Trigger Hands: short, soft stride toward pitcher and hands move back to hitting position (about 4”-6” off back shoulder) Angle of bat is about 45 degrees (not straight up and down or flat).
4. · Short swing: front arm remains bent to contact position.
5. · Back hip turns aggressively to contact position.
6. · Ability to execute a sacrifice and drag bunt.
7. · Ability to execute a fake-bunt and slash.
8. b) Mental:
9. · Aggressive approach to each pitch
10. · Ability to see ball out of pitcher’s hand to the bat.
11. · Good understanding of strike zone and ability to take pitches out of strike zone.
12. · Ability to adjust with two strikes.

3) Fielding

1. a) Ability to run and catch.
2. b) Ability to turn and go back to catch a fly ball.
3. c) Ability to play catch from 60’-65’(20 throws without the ball touching the ground).
4. d) Take proper angle on balls hit to outfield gaps.
5. e) Consistently in position to back up play.
6. f) Aware that all nine players are involved each time ball is put into play.
7. g) Ability to make a “V” tag and look for next play.
8. h) Communication used on fly balls and other defensive situations.
9. i) Ability to dive for ball, get up, and make accurate throw.
10. j) Ability to charge ground balls and throw on the run.
11. k) Understand and execute standard defensive plays: bunt defenses, 1^st and 3^rd, rundowns.
12. l) Ability to quickly transfer ball from mitt to throwing hand.
13. m) 1^st baseman uses proper footwork receiving throws from infielders.
14. n) Middle infielders can make standard pivot on double plays.
15. o) Infielders use proper approach to fielding ground balls: right foot, (moving down like an airplane), left foot (even with right foot) – field the ball well in front of the body.

4) Throwing

1. a) Ability to use legs to gain momentum to throw.
2. b) Throwing-arm elbow at or above shoulder at release point.
3. c) Glove-side arm points to target before release.
4. d) Throwing-hand fingers stay behind ball through release of ball.
5. e) Ability to make accurate throws to target from at least 80’.
6. f) Position players should strive to throw with four seam grip.
7. NOTE: Coaches should have all players make several long, accurate throws when their arms are feeling good. This will help build arm strength.

5) Pitching

1. a) Ability to execute the 5-step pitching progression consistently.
2. b) Develop consistent mechanics, arm angle, and release point.
3. c) Throw above 60% effort.
4. d) Develop a change up pitch.
5. e) Ability to field position.
6. f) Ability to recognize batters strengths and weaknesses.
7. g) Back up bases.
8. h) Understands what he can control (his pitching) and cannot control (umpires calls, plays behind him).
9. i) Practice a proper warm-up and arm care routine.

6) Catching

1. a) Give signals to pitcher (hide from opposing players/coaches)
2. b) Execute “no man-on” position and “man-on” position.
3. c) Ability to sway to pitches near the strike zone.
4. d) Catch all balls near the strike zone.
5. e) Ability to make quick transfer from glove to throwing hand.
6. f) Ability to move feet and make strong, accurate throw to first, second, and third.
7. g) Ability to move feet and move aggressively to right and left to block ball in dirty.
8. h) Aggressively pursue ball and wild pitch - accurate toss to pitcher at home plate.
9. i) Backs up first base on ball to hit to infielder with no one on base.
10. j) Ability to make sweep tag and look for next play.
11. k) Fields balls in front of home plate.

TRANSITION TO THE BIGGER FIELDS – 50’/70’ and 90’ Diamonds

This is a different game than the 60’ diamond. There is a lot of teaching to do at this level, and players are eager to learn. Following is a checklist of skills to master. Coaches should decide which skills they want to have their players master by the end of the season and incorporate these skills into their practice plans.

The skill sets listed below are described in detail in the VBC Complete Baseball Coach’s Handbook. The VBC offers year-round instructional programs to help players develop and master these skill sets. The VBC offers an annual youth baseball coach’s clinic each February. www.goVBC.com

SOCIAL ASPECTS:

1) Practices “positive self-talk.”

2) Understands that playing by the rules is more important than just winning.

3) Ability to recognize individual and team mistakes and offer corrective suggestions.

4) Understands what he can and cannot control.

5) Practices making set-backs temporary.

6) Understands that umpires will make mistakes, just like you and me.

7) Understand that umpire’s calls won’t always go your way.

8) Acknowledge that they, not others, are in complete control of their actions, so do not over-react to teasing or taunting if it does occur. THIS SHOULD BE TAUGHT AT EVERY LEVEL, THAT YOU ARE NOT A PUPPET FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO PULL YOUR STRINGS.

Levels of Achievement and a Warm Welcome

I would like to welcome all coaches to our new Virginia Baseball Club blog! We thank you for visiting, and hope you find it very useful for your upcoming season. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section located at the bottom of the page.

For our first post, we have chosen to post the "Levels of Achievement" written by coach Mike Murray. This is a guideline for the mental, physical, and social development of the youth league baseball player. It contains goals specific to each level. The coach should incorporate these skills in designing his or her practice outlines. Strive to teach players all of these aspects (within a level) by the end of the season. Of course, each player varies in their cognitive, physical, and social development. Some players may exceed these stages and some may need more time to comprehend the skills.
The skill sets listed below are described in detail in the VBC Complete Baseball Coach’s Handbook. The VBC offers year-round instructional programs to help players develop and master these skill sets. The VBC offers an annual youth baseball coach’s clinic each February.

Note: This post represents only a portion of the Levels of Achievement. For guidelines for older players, please scroll to the next post and find the heading for the group you are interested in.

TEE-BALL/ COACH PITCH LEVEL (ages 5-6)

SAFETY
1) Never pick up a bat unless instructed to by the coach.
2) Never throw a ball to a person unless the person has a mitt and is looking at you.
3) The on-deck batter should stay in bench area when his team is at bat until the play is over.
4) Do not “pile-on” or grab for a ball that a teammate is fielding. (like telling dogs not to chase cats - we were most successful with this when telling the kids of this age to stay on their feet at all times when fielding the ball)
5) Never throw the bat after hitting, always place it on the ground.
MENTAL ASPECTS:
1) Ability to sit on bench during team at-bat, pay attention to game, and know when it is their turn to hit.
2) Ability to pay attention in the field and consistently see ball off bat.
3) Know to throw the ball to 1st base when it comes to them (or designated pitcher/parent).
4) Know each base by name.
5) Know each position by name.
6) Know the names of teammates and coaches.
7) Know the following baseball terms: foul line, fair ball, foul ball, dugout, single, double, triple, home run, on-deck.
SOCIAL ASPECTS:
1) Cheer for teammates when they are at bat.
2) Acknowledge good plays by teammates and players on opposing team.
3) Shake hands with opponents after game.
4) Do not tease or taunt players on opposing team.
5) Acknowledge that they, not others, are in complete control of their actions, so do not over-react to teasing or taunting if it does occur. THIS SHOULD BE TAUGHT AT EVERY LEVEL, THAT YOU ARE NOT A PUPPET FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO PULL YOUR STRINGS.
6) Thank coaches after practice and games.
PHYSICAL ASPECTS:
1) Hitting
a) Consistent stance: in relationship to home plate, wide (yet comfortable) stance.
b) Level swing-path through the ball.
c) Ability to make consistent contact.
d) Hold on to bat with both hangs throughout swing.
e) Ability to keep balance during swing.
NOTE: Coaches, make sure Tee is placed in front of the plate and no higher than the belt. Most tees are designed with the stem in the middle of the plate, which is the incorrect contact point of contact. Players will have much more success if the tee is placed six inches in front of their front foot.
2) Base Running
a) Know the names of the bases.
b) Run to first base after hitting the ball.
c) When on base, run to the next base when the batter hits the ball.
d) Know to run full speed and all the way to base. This is one that has to be worked on – seems about 5% of kids run full speed,
e) Learn to not pass runners in front of them.
3) Fielding
a) Ability to catch a ball thrown by a coach from 20’-30’.
b) Ability to field easy ground balls – start by teaching players to move feet so that ground ball rolls between feet, then put glove to the ground.
c) Catch a ball above the waist with glove fingers up. Catch a ball below the waist with the fingers down.
4) Throwing
a) Learn to rotate glove side shoulder to target before the throw. Start by standing sideways, instead of facing target.
b) Step toward target.
c) Consistently make accurate throws from 20’-30’.

SINGLE A LEVEL (AGE 7-8-MACHINE/COACH PITCH)
Prior to the season review the stages of development for T-Ball (including safety). You may want to dedicate the first few practices to review. We highly recommend that coaches/leagues begin to teach pitching and catching to players at this age during practice. Hold special weekly practices (or pre- or post-practices) for players who would like to learn how to pitch or catch.

MENTAL ASPECTS:
1) Knows the names of positions and role of each position.
2) Knows the meaning of the following terms: strike, ball, strike zone, out, force play, tag out.
3) How outs are made: strike out, force out, catch ball in air, and tag out.
4) What is a run and how they are scored.
5) How to get on base: Hit, Error, Fielder choice, Walk, and hit by pitcher
SOCIAL ASPECTS:
1) Learn and practice methods of coping with own mistakes and teammates’ mistakes. Learn to “pick each other up” after a mistake.
2) Demonstrate respect for teammates, umpires, and opponents. (Absolutely no teasing).
3) Learn to be persistent in effort.
4) Thank the umpire and coach after each game/practice.
5) Acknowledge that they, not others, are in complete control of their actions, so do not over-react to teasing or taunting if it does occur. THIS SHOULD BE TAUGHT AT EVERY LEVEL, THAT YOU ARE NOT A PUPPET FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO PULL YOUR STRINGS.
PHYSICAL ASPECTS:
1) Base Running
a) Know to run through first base, touching the foul-side of first base.
b) Know when they are forced to run and when they are not forced to run.
c) React properly to a ball hit in the air.
d) Learn to not run into outs.
e) Learn how to slide into a base.
2) Hitting – Be careful to not over-coach!
a) Proper stance: wide feet (yet comfortable), knees bent, elbows below hands, relaxed with some movement. – most kids will do these naturally.
b) Practice seeing the ball to the bat
c) Level swing-path through the ball
d) Balanced during and after swing
e) Make consistent contact.
3) Fielding
a) Learn ready position.
b) Ability to play catch with a teammate at 25’-30’ (ten throws without the ball touching the ground).
c) Ability to field easy ground balls and then throw the ball to first base or for force play.
d) Consistently use proper glove position to catch ball at upper body (fingers up) or below waist (fingers down).
e) Turn glove to backhand on balls to throwing arm side.
f) Move feet to catch or field balls hit or thrown to right and left.
g) Second/Short know when to cover 2nd and when to be cutoff man on a hit to outfield. Outfielders know to throw to cutoff person and not a base.
4) Throwing
a) Ability to consistently hit target from 30’-35’
b) Rotate shoulders when throwing – turning throwing hand away from head before throwing.