FARM DIVISION
 
This division includes Little League ages 6-8. LL 6s and less experienced 7s play Coach Pitch. LL 8s and experienced LL 7s play Coach Rescue. CP is designed to increase the knowledge of the game, individual skills, and the pace of play. CR is structured as a bridge between Farm and Minors, which is kid pitch only. By allowing pitchers the opportunity to throw to live hitters, we begin to develop the knowledge and skills required of the next level. Practices will normally run between ninety minutes and two hours, and you should meet two times per week prior to games starting.  

You will build on the foundational principles taught at the Tee Ball level and start to challenge players more defensively. Practices will normally run between ninety minutes and two hours. Continue to give information in small amounts and consider adopting the accordion style teaching method. Bring players in for a short talk about the drill you are about to do and then send them out to do it. Bring them back for another short talk during the same defensive or offensive station and send them out again.
 
On the offensive side, we want hitters to limit their movements at home plate so their head and shoulders stay still. This will keep their eyes on a level plane which will help with them see the ball better and make more consistent contact. They will want to have their own style, which is great! We simply teach them that their style shouldn't negatively impact their mechanics. Players also learn how to use their hips properly. Teach them that their hips take their hands to the baseball. 
 
On the bases, we want to encourage players to think about taking the extra base. Teach players where to make contact with the bag based on the running situation. Players need to learn to look at their third base coach before and after they hit second base. They should also know that they can’t take off right away on contact and learn about going back to a base if the ball is caught in the air. 
 
Defensively we want to challenge an infielder’s range more by teaching them how to field balls to their backhand and glove side. Players need to understand when they should be covering a base and also to stay out of the runner’s path. Outfielders learn about communicating with teammates on fly balls and taking proper angles to the ball. They need to be more consistent moving their feet and gain ground towards their target when throwing the ball. When receiving the ball, players learn to move their feet and watch the ball into their glove consistently. Catchers are focusing more on receiving and their wide base footwork. Start to teach some basic blocking drills from their knees with tennis balls at this level.  
 
Players at this age will have most likely played baseball for at least one year and have some understanding of the game. Coaches should review drills that were done at the Tee Ball level early in the season to see each individual player’s talent and comprehension level. You will most likely need to separate players into multiple groups based on your findings during these drills. Remember that the players are still young and expect them to be squirrely. Hold them accountable for their actions.

Please see the attached Coaching Matrix for division-level appropriate skills to develop and drills to work on with your players.

You can view our Coach Pitch hometown rules here.

You can view our Coach Rescue hometown rules here.