Minors “AA” Baseball (Kid Pitch)

1. Fielding I: Players will continue to learn and assess their current responsibility on each play, prior to every pitch, using the “Three B’s” mindset: 

   1. “BALL” – what play do I make if the ball comes to me, 

   2. “BASE” – do I have a base to cover if the ball doesn’t come to me, 

   3. “BACKUP” (or cutoff) – where can I position myself to either backup a play, be prepared to backup in the case of an overthrow or error, or to cutoff a throw on a play in the outfield.  

Players should strive to know ALL THREE answers prior to each pitch being thrown.  An important aspect of baseball defense is knowing that every player on the field has an responsibility on each play.   (EMPHASIS: Continued “quizzing” during practices and games, in “real” situations, helps players learn the different roles on every ball in play.)

2. Fielding II:  Players will learn a “prep routine” prior to each pitch, with an emphasis on being in a “ready-to-play” position as the ball is hit.  Focus and anticipation are vital components of playing baseball defense.  Players should learn to relax between pitches, then as the pitcher begins his motion, all players should move into a “here comes the ball” ready position.  (EMPHASIS: Players must be engaged on every pitch, expecting to make a play.)

3. Fielding III:  Players will learn to interpret whether a play is a force out or a tag out, as well as learn how to approach the base appropriately for that play. (EMPHASIS: Players should NOT be standing on the bag, or impeding the runner, on force plays; Players should tag a runner IN FRONT of the base, not on top of the base, for tag plays.)

4. Catchers & First Basemen: Players will learn to address throws from the inside, or “front” side, of the base, with their foot on the edge of the base, not the middle, eliminating the risk of collisions and injuries when making plays at the two bases where runners are allowed to run “through” the base.

5. Outfielders:  Players will learn the importance of returning any hit ball to the infield as quickly as possible, catch or no catch.  The cutoff (an infielder) is responsible for making decisions on where a play can be made, the outfielder’s job is to get the ball to the cutoff as quickly as possible.

6. Cutoffs: Infielders will learn the importance and proper positioning for being the Cutoff on balls hit to the outfield.  Players are a cutoff when the ball is hit to their side of the outfield.  SS is cutoff for balls hit to Center field and Left field, 2B is cutoff for balls hit to Right Center and  Right field.  (With shorter basepaths in Little League it is recommended that the first basemen be the cutoff for all plays at home.)

7. Pitcher Defense I: Pitchers will learn the importance of playing defense in addition to pitching.  On ground balls hit to the 1B side of the infield, the pitcher must sprint to 1B to take the throw when necessary (taking care to avoid collisions with teammates or the batter-runner).  On all other balls in play the pitcher should be prepared to backup 3B or Home, for possible plays at those bases.  (EMPHASIS: Pitchers are NOT spectators, and should be immediately moving left or right, on every ball in play).  

8. Pitcher Defense II: Pitchers will learn to sprint home on passed balls with a runner on 3B.  The Pitcher’s job is to beat the runner to home, positioning themselves to catch the ball and tag any runner attempting to score.  (EMPHASIS: Beat the runner to homeplate!)

9. Hitting:  Players will begin to refine their understanding of the strike zone, which in AA is typically from the armpits to below the knees, and a baseball width off the inside or outside edge of the plate.  NOTE: This is not a standard strike zone.  We purposely use an “expanded” strike zone in AA to improve game play. (Emphasis: In AA, players should be encouraged to swing at all pitches near the strike zone, with “balls in play” being the #1 goal on BOTH offense and defense.)

10. Baserunning:  Players should spend ample time learning to slide, AND learning when it is appropriate to slide or not.  Players should slide at any base where the ball precedes the runner for a play.  (NOTE: Sliding is NOT allowed at 1B in Little League.)

11. Baserunning:  Players will continue to develop their understanding of base coaches and how to read and use baserunning signs. (EMPHASIS: When a player rounds a base they should be watching the next base coach for guidance, NOT the ball.)

12. Baserunning:  Players will continue to learn how to read balls put in play, refining their understanding of when to advance right away, when to go “half way” (on fly balls), when to “freeze” (on line drives), or when to “tag up” (on fly balls, with less than 2 outs).

13. Baserunning I: Two outs – RUN!!!  Players will learn to adjust their baserunning when there are two outs.  Any ball hit with 2 outs is an opportunity to advance. “Run on contact!”  (NOTE: exceptions exist when there is no force play, where runners might be “running into an out” – example: runner on 3B during a bunt might not try to score, runner at 2B on a ground ball to 3rd might not attempt to advance to 3rd if it’s an easy tag play.)

14. Stealing:  Players will begin to understand the concept of stealing bases, including when to start a steal (AFTER the ball crosses home plate in Little League), and in what situations to attempt a steal: 1) when the 3rd base coach gives the signal, 2) when a pitched ball gets past the catcher, 3) or, on an overthrow back to the pitcher from the catcher.  

15. Stealing Home:  Players will learn that in AA their team is allowed to steal home 1x per inning.  Base coaches will help runners begin to understand when to attempt to steal home, as well as when to NOT attempt to steal home.