The Little League Softball® program includes divisions for all girls ages 4–16. With the proven structure, it allows organizations to offer a youth softball program to serve every child in the community. In addition to on-field fundamentals and providing a competitive environment, Little League Softball uses the sport to strengthen participants’ self-esteem and confidence.
What equipment do I need for my softball player?
- Glove
- Fielding face mask
- Batting helmet (must have full facemask and chin strap)
- Baseball/softball pants (Navy blue preferred)
- Bat (optional, coaches can help you determine right length and weight)
Program Overview
Tee Ball *
(Tee Ball is a division within baseball, but there are girls-only teams that focus more on softball) | 4-6 | 7-10 | 10" Softee (girls only teams use this ball in practices and in games against other all girls teams)
Baseball Softee (used by co-ed teams in practices and in all other games) | Players hit the ball off a tee; there is no formal pitching | All that attend – 6 in the infield, catcher is optional, all others play in the outfield | One weekday practice per week for one hour | Saturdays for one hour |
| Coach Pitch | 6-8 | 8-12 | 10" Softee | Machine Pitch, i.e sling, with coach soft toss if necessary | All that attend – 6 in the infield, catcher is optional, all others play in the outfield | One weekday practice per week for 1-1.25 hours | Saturdays, there may be a few weekday games throughout the season, 1 hour 15 minutes in duration |
| AA Minors | 7-10 | 8-12 | 11" | Machine Pitch for the first few innings, followed by girl pitch with no walks | 10 (4 outfielders) | One weekday practice per week for 1-1.5 hours | 1-2 games a week, mostly Saturdays with some weekday games throughout the season, 1 hour 45 minutes in duration |
| AAA Minors | 9-11 | 10-12 | 11" | Girl pitch, no walks early in the season, transition to normal rules with walks by end of season | 10 (4 outfielders) | One weekday practice per week for 1.5 hours | Generally 2 games per week, mainly Monday or Friday game with an occasional weekend game, 1 hour 45 minutes in duration |
| Majors | 11-12 | 10-12 | 12" | Girl pitch | 9 | One weekday practice per week for 2 hours | Generally 2 games per week on Mondays and Fridays, no new inning after 1 hour 50 minutes |
WEEKLY CLINICS
In addition to team practice there are also weekday or Sunday pitching, throwing and hitting clinics that all are highly encouraged to attend. These weekly softball skills clinics are an excellent opportunity to work with high school JV and Varsity softball players and receive instruction from Langley High School coaching staff - all included in the registration fee! It is also a chance for your player to interact with girls on the other teams as well.
SEASON INFORMATION
Spring season runs from mid to late March through the end of May for regular season. AA, AAA and Majors divisions will participate in “city-series” single elimination playoffs from early to mid-June. Those selected for all-stars will practice generally daily from early to mid-June through the district tournament which is usually late June or early July and will continue practices through the State/Regional/World Series tournaments in July and early August if the team continues to advance.
Fall season runs from late August/early September though the end of October.
INTRA- AND INTER-LEAGUE PLAY
Great Falls Softball teams play other Great Falls house teams, as well as teams from McLean Little League, and on occasion, teams from other leagues (e.g. Capitol Hill Little League, and SYA). Games will be played at the softball home field (Nike 6) as well as at fields within the other league boundaries.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GFLL SOFTBALL PLAYERS
During the spring season there will be a GFLL night at Langley HS where players will wear their GFLL jersey and get discounted or free admission to a LHS softball game.
Follow us on Twitter - @GFSoftball - https://twitter.com/GFSoftball