Coaches ClinicGrosse Pointe Little League Softball

2018 Season Local Rules

GPLLS 2nd Edition

Welcome to Little League Softball...........3Some tips to get started:...........................................3

Machine Pitch..........................................4Local Rules.............................................................4Minors Divison.........................................5Local Rules.............................................................5Majors Divison.........................................6Local Rules.............................................................6Catching ..................................................7The Basics...............................................................7Hitting......................................................8Basic instruction for youth athletes........................8Pitching..................................................10Fielding..................................................11Basic instruction for youth athletes......................11

Welcome to Little League SoftballThank you for volunteering your time to coach. This packet should be with you at all times and is intended to be a resource for the local rules created by the GPLL Softball Board.

Some tips to get started:

1. It is important to establish practice plans and routines, including incorporating fun activities / games – while maintaining structure.  That is the purpose of introducing these skills and drills.

2. Managers should set up a parents meeting so they know the rules and the manager objectives even before the season starts.  This avoids a lot of confusion or unnecessary concerns later in the season.

3. 24 Hour Rule-Parents/guardians are not allowed to confront a coach, team or league official to discuss any “negative” game or practice situation with the coaching and management staff until at least 24 hours has passed from the completion of the game or practice. A confrontation shall consist of any conversation, which is elevated from a normal speaking tone and demeaning to one, which involves yelling, profanity or derogatory comments toward said coach, team or league official.

4. All players must complete the player concussion form

5. All coaches must complete both the coach concussion form & volunteer application

1. Coaches are required to watch a concussion awareness slideshow.

2. All forms can be found at www.grossepointesoftball.com

Rules Section 1Machine PitchLocal Rules• Pitching machine for each game will be provided by the home team. Home team is

noted on the league website.

• 5 pitches + 1 if foul + 1 foul maximum of pitches if ball is not in play = Strike out.

• Pitching Machine must be used.

• Pitcher must wear a protective mask.

• No advance on overthrows. Play is stopped when a defensive player has control of the ball in the infield. Runner can’t advance past the next base.

• No stealing or lead offs.

• Continuous batting order, the on deck batter when the last out of the current game is recorded this player will leadoff the next game.

• POWER POSITION RULE:

1. When placing players in the field no player can sit a second inning before every player has sat at least one inning.

2. Every player must play at least 2 innings at any combination of P, C, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or SS every game.  However, if a game only last 4 innings a player only has to play 1 inning at any combination of P, C, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or SS.

• 4 outfielders maximum LF, LC, RC, RF and players must occupy their position when ball is pitched. Example-Outfielder must be in the outfield grass and throw to a base for the out.

• 90 MINUTE TIME LIMIT: At the 75 Minute mark, the current inning will be completed and the next inning will be identified as the final inning with unlimited runs.  No game shall exceed 6 innings.  Ties are permitted

• Special runner for the catcher with 2 outs. Last out becomes base runner and that catcher must catch the following half inning.

• PITCHING MACHINE SETTINGS • Power Lever- this lever is the spring located near the bottom.

• Release Block- this block is located half way down the handle at the back of the machine.

• Micro Adjust- this is the lever the ball rests upon prior to the pitch.

• 1 - POWER LEVER * Set to level 1 or 2 maximum 2- RELEASE BLOCK * Set to level 3 3- MICRO ADJUST * Set to level 3.

• DISTANCE FROM PLATE* 35-40’. This can be measured easily by placing the machine approximately 10’ short of the standard Little League Baseball pitcher’s mound. Because the machines are used you may need to move some machines closer or further to assist with a consistent strike zone.

Rules Section 2Minors DivisionLocal Rules

• CONTINUOUS BATTING ORDER- Starts each new game where you left off the last game. The Batting order remains the same for the first 8 games.

• PITCHERS must wear a protective mask.• No player shall sit 2 consecutive innings on the bench. • 4 run limit per half inning. FINAL INNING IS UNLIMITED & MUST BE

ANNOUNCED FROM UMPIRE AT THE TOP OF THE INNING.• Play is over after the ball is in control of the infielder’s hands. No Advancing an

additional base. • Only 1 base maximum on an overthrow. I.E. Overthrow at first; runner can choose to

advance to second only 1 base, even if the throw to 2nd is and overthrow runner cannot advance to 3rd.

• *****NEW THIS SEASON - STEALING – stealing will be allowed when a pitched ball passes the umpire. The runner(s) may take a lead once the ball is batted or the ball reaches the batter. A wild pitch or passed ball is considered and overthrow, so baserunner may only advance 1 base.• If there is an overthrow on a steal attempt, there is no extra base penalty. We want

the catchers to make a throw down attempt as much as possible.• Reminder: a runner cannot steal home.

• 3-2 count • A Minimum of 3 pitchers must take the mound during the game for a minimum of 1

inning each. No player will pitch more than 3 innings per game. One pitch constitutes an inning.

• Special runner for the catcher with 2 outs - Last out becomes the courtesy runner and that catcher must catch the following half inning.

• 90 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. At the 75 Minute mark, the current inning will be completed and the next inning will be identified as the final inning with unlimited runs.  No game shall exceed 6 innings.  Ties are permitted

• Example:  If the final out is scored at 72 minutes.  The game would then last 2 more inning b/c the next inning would have started inside the 75 minute mark.

• POWER POSITION RULE:1. When placing players in the field no player can sit a second inning before every

player has sat at least one inning.

2. Every player must play at least 2 innings at any combination of P, C, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or SS every game.  However, if a game only last 4 innings a player only has to play 1 inning at any combination of P, C, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or SS.

• 4 Outfield players MAX • 7 player minimum to field a team at game time.

Rules Section 3Majors DivisonLocal Rules• Player pool available to replace absent/injured players. Contact your player agent for

more information.

• Pitchers must wear a protective mask.

• Batting through a complete line up, no player will sit her turn. Playoffs you may sub players in/out.

• Stealing/leadoff permitted once ball leaves the pitcher’s hand, the release.

• 3-2 COUNT• *NEW this season Bunting with a 3-2 count: Once the batter has 2 strikes, there

is one foul ball allowed on a bunt attempt with 2 strikes. If the batter then attempts to bunt again and fouls another pitch off, they are out.

• Pitcher Rules apply as stated the Little League Handbook regarding legal/illegal pitches.

• 3 Outfield players MAX (Right field, Center field and Left field)

• 8 PLAYER MINIMUM TO FIELD A TEAM AT GAME TIME.

• 120 MINUTE TIME LIMIT

• At the 1 hour & 40 minute mark (100 minutes), the current inning will be completed and the next inning will be identified as the final inning.  In case of a tie after 6 innings, 1 additional inning may be played if time is permitting.  No game shall exceed 7 innings, at which point ties are permitted.

• An inning is deemed complete at the time the last out is scored in the bottom half of the inning.

• MERCY RULE - 15 Runs after 4 Innings 10 Runs after 5 Innings.

• Special runner for the catcher with 2 outs - Last out becomes the courtesy runner and that catcher must catch the following half inning.

Skills Section 1Catching The Basics

BLOCKING-keep the ball in the dirt and in front of the plate.DRILL #11. The girls start on their knees and tuck chin to chest

2. Cobra position – roll shoulders, arms at side with elbows points back, glove between knees and throwing hand behind glove.

3. Throw balls to bounce in front of the girls so they get used to the feel of the proper position to block and smother the ball.

DRILL #21. Girls start in their squat

2. Knees down

3. Feet kick back/out

4. Tuck chin to chest

5. Cobra position – roll shoulders, arms at side with elbows points back, glove between knees and throwing hand behind glove.

6. Throw balls to bounce in front of the girls so they get used to the feel of the proper position to block and smother the ball.

7. This drill can be advanced by mixing in normal pitch, or a high pitch so the girls are not always going down to block the ball.

Catchers MUST be vocal and talk to the fielders about outs and situations

Skills Section 2HittingBasic instruction for youth athletesCoach recommendation – Time Management. Keep it simple and fun. Encourage the mindset that striking out isn’t the worse outcome. Your players listen better when exhausted…get them tired i.e. Burpees.

• Stance – Feet, shoulder width apart or greater. Weight loaded to back leg. Knob/Flashlight aimed at the catcher. Shoulders in line with pitcher. Keep head still with both eyes follow ball to contact.

• Contact – Rear hip and shoulder should be open and rotated toward pitcher. Hands should be palm up/palm down aka top hand nails to the sky. Front leg should be firm and straight with rear leg just over 90 degrees. Back foot weight should be almost none with tip of toe touching the ground. Maintain balance just over center line with head in line with navel.

• Finish – Stay on ball path as long as possible with a high finish with both hands on bat over front shoulder.

Drill #1 – Knee, Knob, FIRE. Using the Tee focus on inside hand path.• First movement – Back Knee turns in toward front knee hands/shoulders remain still,

Pause.

• Second – Knob/flashlight moves direct to ball with back elbow tight to body/waist, Pause.

• Third – Fire and finish swing remain balanced with long contact and high finish. Repeat.

Drill #2 – Bottom, Top, Both Hands. Using the Tee to develop strength and identify weakness.• Bottom hand only – Choke up on bat generously (feel very weak). Hold bat near rear

shoulder and use proper mechanics on your best swing 3-5 reps. Top hand resting at your belt.

• Top hand only – Choke up again (stronger feel). Hold bat near rear shoulder and use proper mechanics with best swing 3-5 reps. Bottom hand resting at your belt.

• Both hands - Give best effort to make solid contact with proper mechanics A-Z. 3-5 reps.

Drill #3 – Happy Gilmore. Focus of weight transfer and balance with Tee.• Stance in back of batters box.

• One cross over step toward tee. Hands and shoulders stay firmly in place.

• Once front foot touches down then hands and shoulders activate toward ball.

• After contact, finish high with back foot off the ground with a firm front side.

Fun Games • Home Run Derby. Set Tee at 2nd base and aim for fences 5 swings each.

• Line Drives for Points – Use front/side toss or tee at home plate. (0) points for ground ball or infield fly ball. (1) point infield line drive. (2) points for outfield line drive. (3) points for line drive or long fly ball passing your outfield marker. 5 swings @ player. 1st player to 10 wins.

STANCE

LOAD Drive

Drive

LOAD

Drive

Skills Section 3PitchingLittle League University:http://www.littleleagueu.orgSearch for “Softball pitching”There are many great instructional videos.

Skills Section 4FieldingBasic instruction for youth athletesCoach recommendation- Time management. Use your coaches to run multiple drills at the same time. Errors will happen, stay mentally strong. How you respond will determine your game. Flush It!• Stance/Ready position – Butt low, glove almost on the ground and in front. Weight on

balls of feet or side to side or small hop upon pitcher release.

• Receiving – Catch ball out front, eyes behind ball with good view into glove.

• Alligator mouth - Ground balls, glove low, butt low use throwing arm above glove hand like a big mouth. Top of head seen by coach.

• Transfer – From glove hand to throwing hand. Needs to be quick. Keep hands near shoulder level. Don’t drop throwing hand after transfer. This can be measured feet per second.

• Footwork – Step toward target and throw. Get quick at this. 90 degree pop.

• Throw – Stay low, wide and athletic. Push off back foot with a High 5 throw. Release ball out in front of toes. Step or two after follow through.

Drills• Drill #1 – Ground balls 2 lines receiving throw to 1st base. Focus on receiving ball

out front, 90 degree pop, quick transfer and follow through.

• Drill #2 – Shuffle toss middle infield. 2 lines, one at SS and 2nd position. Receive ground ball shuffle toss to bag. Once mastered add throw to first.

• Drill #3 – Fly balls – Use tennis balls and bare hands. 20-30’ fly balls to catch with glove hand only and quick transfer to throwing hand.

• Drill #4 – Hook route to first base. 3 cones, fielder to hook toward 1st base and intercept ground ball then firm throw to first base.

• Drill #5 – Relays. Use all players same time divide into 2 or 3 groups. Quick transfers, footwork, throwing to glove side, move feet to receive bad throws, adjust to players arm strength.

Fun Games Crow Hop to home plate target. 2 lines Right/Center and Left/Center. Focus on hop distance and not height. Points earned when target is hit on the fly or one hop.

Dodge Ball – All players 2 separate lines. Team A line up baseline 3rd to Home, Team B line up baseline 1st to 2nd. Using gloves throw 1 ball from baseline to baseline. When a player misses, they sit out and the gaps get bigger.