Coach Pitch (Ages 6-8*)
The Little League® Coach Pitch Program focuses on the fundamentals of baseball, and is designed to build a solid foundation for becoming a successful ballplayer, including the “emotional fuel tank.” Each week, players work on the fundamentals of the game, while continuing to tout the importance of team-building and chemistry.
At the Coach Pitch level, the Manager or Coach serves as the pitcher for all innings. A safety ball will be used for Coach Pitch since this will be the first-time children will be pitched to versus hitting off of a tee. When necessary, the coach may determine that a player should hit off of a tee to finish their at bat.
This division is primarily for 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds who have successfully demonstrated all of the Tee Ball skills. As with Tee Ball the primary objective at this level is to ensure that each player has a positive experience with baseball, and desires to play again the following year.
LITTLE LEAGUE AGE DETERMINATION*
Your player’s league age is determined by the Little League Baseball® and Little League Softball® Age Charts. The dates for baseball and softball are different, but each determines the division in which your Little Leaguer will play this season. The Age Determination Date for a Little League Baseball player is the actual age of a child as of August 31 of the current year. The Age Determination Date for a Little League Softball player is the actual age of a child as of January 1 of the current year.
SEASON
Practices typically start 1-2 weeks prior to the first game. The regular season typically starts in early April and runs through mid-June (for Spring Baseball) and late August through the end of October (for Fall Baseball).
GAMES
Each team plays approimately 8 games per season, depending on the number of teams. Coach Pitch games are played on Saturdays and will be scheduled at times ranging from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Game length is typically 1 hour (all games include 3 full innings).
PRACTICES
Practices occur 1 weeknight per week during the season. Practice schedules vary from team to team based on the requirements of the manager. Practices typically last 1 hour.
UNIFORMS
GFLL provides a T-shirt jersey, socks and cap. Parents must provide pants and rubber baseball cleats. (Note: No socks are provided in the Fall season).
PLAYING EQUIPMENT
Parents must provide a baseball glove, batting helmet and USA Baseball-Approved bat. In Coach Pitch, all players must have a face cage attached to their batting helmet.
TEAM
Teams usually consist of 7-10 players, a volunteer manager and one to two volunteer coaches. Parents are encouraged to help out during practices.
Teams are formed by the Player Agent with consideration taken for coach and friend requests; however, we do not guarantee that all requests can be accommodated.
VOLUNTEER WORK/FUNDRAISING
GFLL is an all-volunteer organization. We need everyone’s help! We encourage parents to sign up to assist with Opening Day ceremonies, Picture Day, Closing Day and more. As your player advances to higher divisions, there is a requirement to volunteer your time in the Snack Shack located between Nike 1 and Nike 2. We do not require our Tee Ball and Coach Pitch families to volunteer. However, you are always welcome. There is a sign-up link during the season on the GFLL website for working in the Snack Shack. Also, please remember that we love to see our Coach Pitch players visit us at the Snack Shack to get a drink or snack following their games. Come by any time!