Overview of Ages

• League Age 5-6: This division is for all entry-level players and those with one year of experience.

• The Age 5 Experience: Focus is on basic motor skills, learning which way to run the bases, and building the confidence to swing.

• The Age 6 Experience: Focus shifts toward "Game Awareness" learning where to throw the ball after a hit and transitioning toward hitting a moving ball (Coach Pitch).

Expectations

• Goal: Strictly non-competitive. No scores or standings are kept.

• Focus: Coaches should prioritize Fun, Fitness, and Fundamentals.

• Pace of Play: High activity is key. Avoid long lines; use "Station-Based" practices to keep players moving.

Batting Rules

• Lineup: Continuous batting; every player bats in every inning.

• The Progressive Season:

  • Game 1–3: 100% of players hit off the tee to build a proper swing foundation.

  • Game 4–10: Coaches are encouraged to offer League Age 6 players (and experienced LA 5s) five(5) underhand pitches from a knee. Other players can continue to use the Tee for hitting.

• Hitting Rules: When coach pitching. If a player does not put the ball in play after 5 pitches, they must use the tee on the 6th attempt. No bunting. 

• Safety: No "on-deck" hitters. Players must remain behind the safety screen/dugout until it is their turn. A thrown bat results in a team warning, then a loss of at-bat.

Fielding Rules

• Positioning: All players play defense every inning. Use a standard infield (1B, 2B, SS, 3B, P) and spread the remaining players in a "Great Wall" in the outfield. No catcher.

• The 15-Foot Rule: Outfielders must start at least 15 feet behind the base paths until the ball is hit.

• Mandatory Rotation: Every player must play an infield and an outfield position at least once per game.

• The Bucket method: Coaches may place a bucket at 1st base during the first few games to give players a visual "target" to throw to.

Pitching Rules

• Coach Pitching: Coaches should pitch underhand and from a kneeling position to provide a flat delivery angle similar to a child's height. Optional after the third game. For LA 6 or experienced LA 5 players

• Pitching Safety: The player in the "Pitcher" position stands behind the coach-pitcher (never in front).

Game Play Rules

• Duration: Typically 3 innings, but strictly limited to 60 minutes. If an inning is in progress at 60 minutes, finish the current batter and end the game.

• The "No Outs" Rule: Even if a player is tagged or forced out, they remain on the base. The goal is to maximize "Base Running" experience.

Base Running: Only one base is allowed per hit. There is no advancing on overthrows, no stealing, and no sliding.

The Season Finale (Optional): For the final game of the season, coaches may choose to remove baserunners from base when an out is made or allow runners to advance one additional base on a good hit, to prepare League Age 6 players for the Single A Division.