Houghton Lake Little League

TEE BALL (Ages 4-6, CO-ED)

Tee Ball is for boys and girls 4-6 years old who want to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. During Tee Ball players hit the ball of a batting tee and games last 3 innings or one hour, whichever comes first. Games are played against other Houghton Lake teams and are usually 1-2 times a week. Teams do not usually hold very many practices during the season outside of games. 

Tee Ball is an instructional league, there are no outs and no score is kept. Each team bats the entire lineup every inning and batters are not allowed to advance beyond first base regardless of the hit. The last batter in each inning is allowed to hit a "home run", meaning he or she can run around the bases, regardless of the hit. All players will play in the field every inning and should play in multiple positions throughout the game. Coaches are permitted to be on the field with the players to help provide instruction and guidance. The rules of the game may be varied to accommodate the need for teaching. The primary goals of Tee Ball are to instruct children in the fundamentals of the game and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork. 

Players should be familiar with the following areas by the end of their Tee Ball season:

• Know how to properly hold the bat and stand in the batters box. Players should properly hold a baseball bat with their fingers and with knuckles of fingers aligned. They should know how to get into the batter’s box and have an idea of the relationship of themselves and how far away from plate they should be. Toes parallel to pitcher, slightly closed. Knees bent a little.
• Know how to be in an infield or outfield ready position. For the infield, players hips should be turned toward home plate, feet slightly wider than shoulder width, knees bent, bent at waist, eyes and head up looking at batter, glove and throwing hand in front of feet, should form a triangle from toes to glove, palm of glove and throwing hand facing up. For the outfield, player is in a sprinting position, arms at ready to sprint location, on their toes.
• Know how to hold a baseball and to throw with four seams. Before you throw you should form a "T: with your arms and your glove should facing throwing partner. While looking at throwing partner player should step towards them with their right foot and throw the ball (opposite for a left-handed player).

• Know which way to run when they hit the ball. All players should be taught to run through first base, then get back to the bag as quickly as possible. When on the base players should be in a sprinting stance and ready to head to the next base.
• Begin to understand the basic concepts of the game. Players should know where the proper fielding positions should be and the basic fundamentals of the game.

Please remember that during the game please be supportive to the coach, players, and volunteers. Please ask the coach if they need help with anything. There should be plenty of helpers on the field to make sure the children understand the game. At the end of the day the main goal and objective of Houghton Lake Little League is to make sure everyone has FUN!

Little League Resources - www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/tee-ball