MINORS  AA - AAA

     A Minors player should be taught and understand the following:
 
     Safety

• ?  The player must understand not to throw a ball at another player unless the receiving

  player is aware and ready to receive the ball.

• ?  The player must understand not to swing a bat near other players.

• ?  The player must not throw his/her bat after hitting the ball.

• ?  Teamwork, sportsmanship & respect for the game

• ?  The player will strive to support other players and show respect for all participants.

  Fielding

• ?  The player will understand they have a role on every play and should never be just

  observing during a play.. Players should thoroughly understand the concept of “The 3-

  B’s” - Ball, Base or Backup.

• ?  The player will move to and through the ball when fielding.

• ?  The player will understand different fielding techniques based on position.

• ?  A player will strive to employ proper foot technique to position themselves to field

  ground balls hit to the right, left, and directly at him/her.

• ?  The player will demonstrate proper foot technique to position themselves for the throw.

• ?  Catching fly balls and outfield play

• ?  Players will strive to employ proper foot technique to position themselves to make a

  catch based on where the ball is hit.

• ?  The player will understand when and how to charge ground balls.

• ?  The player will demonstrate proper foot technique to position themselves for the throw.

  Stay behind the ball moving toward the target with the catch.

• ?  The outfield player will understand they have a role on every play and should never be

  just observing during a play. Players should learn the concept of “The 3-B’s” - Ball, Base

  or Backup

• ?  Players should learn to “eat” (hold rather than throw) the ball instead of making a throw

  that will be late or wild.

  Hitting

• ?  The player will demonstrate a strong hitting stance as it relates to home plate.

• ?  The player will refine his/her understanding of the strike zone.

• ?  The player will strive to employ a proper load and may add a stride.

• ?  The player will demonstrate the ability to turn his/her hips and pivot on their back foot

  (squash the bug) during the swing.

• ?  The player will begin to understand 'sacrifice' and the concept of 'situational' hitting to advance runners.

• ?  (AAA) The player will demonstrate a strong understanding of the fundamentals of bunting (including sacrifice bunts) and may incorporate bunting for base hits.

     Throwing

• ?  The player will understand how to grip the baseball to facilitate a straight flight.

• ?  The player will emphasize accuracy and proper mechanics with every throw.

     Base Running

• ?  The player will understand the proper way to run to, and through, first base on infield hits

  with proper breakdown and check for overthrows.

• ?  The player will understand how to 'question mark' into first and 'round' the bag.

• ?  The player will understand tagging, stealing, and passed ball advancement.

• ?  The player will strive to 'read' the hit to determine if they can advance.

• ?  The player will listen & understand signs from base coaches.

  Pitching

     ? Fundamental pitching mechanics will be expanded upon.

     Catching

• ?  Fundamental catching mechanics will be expanded upon.

• ?  (AA) Catcher will utilize the crouch position and proper positioning behind the batter.

• ?  (AAA) Begin to emphasize blocking balls with the body vs always using the glove.

  General Concepts

• ?  The player will strive to throw to the proper base & back-up plays.

• ?  The player should understand rules of play.

• ?  The player will strive to anticipate offensive & defensive situations and be able to

  respond appropriately.

• ?  The player will strive to understand cutoffs, double plays and special defensive plays.

• ?  Hustling on and off the field is paramount. No walking between the lines. When third out

  is recorded the defensive team should be off the field before the other team takes the field.