Majors Baseball & Softball (Ages 11-12)
Majors Baseball and Softball is for boys and girls 11-12 years old who have graduated from Minors and are ready to take what they have learned during the past few years and start to play more competitive games against teams from other communities. At this level our players and parents have already been exposed to the full Little League rules and we continue to build our knowledge of the game and perfect our skills. During majors players hit the ball that is pitched by a player from the opposing team and games last 6 innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes, whichever comes first. Game are played against little league teams from other communities and are usually twice a week. Teams will typically practice during the week in addition to playing games.
The Major Division is the top division still played on the Little League sized field. This is the division that you see on ESPN at the Little League World Series. The level of baseball and softball is nothing short of amazing at this age. This level continues to build on all of the knowledge and fundamentals that were taught at the lower levels. Just like in Minors outs are kept and once a team gets three outs the inning is over. Score is kept but a team can score unlimited runs in an inning. Batters can walk or strikeout, runners can advance on errors, passed balls, etc. Fundamentals are still a part of the game but advanced game strategy and game decisions become more of the focus. This division is more advanced than the previous one. Coaches will create lineups and will start to put kids into positions that best fit their skill set. Remember that only nine kids at a time can play in the field so coaches will start to rotate players in and out of the game but each will kid will play at least two innings in the field and get one at bat.
Players should be familiar with the following areas by the end of their Majors season:
- Players should continue to improve on their fielding and catching skills. Remember a good fielding position on the infield is knees properly bent and feet slight wider than their shoulders. In the outfield then are in a sprinters stance arms at the ready. Before the pitch is thrown all the players should be in a good set position and ready to field the ball. Players should know where to go with the ball in different situations, how to properly cover or back up bases, what a force out is, tag situations, not to block the base paths, etc.
- Players should continue to learn how to run the bases using proper technique. Remember they need to touch the inside part of the base with their right foot as they go around the bases. They should also know when to advance beyond first base, how to tag up, what a force out means as a runner, not advancing in certain situations, etc. Coaches should start continue to work sliding and stealing as well at this level. Remember they cannot lead off or go until the pitch crosses the plate. Players should also start to understand any signs or signals given by the coach.
- Players should improve and continue to work on proper pitching mechanics. Remember to start with the basic throwing mechanics and introduce all players to the stretch position as a pitcher. Teach them to come to a good set position and then start their wind up. All players should be taught how to pitch but some may start to become better than others at this level. Begin to introduce the wind-up position at this level and knowing the difference between the two.
- Continue to develop a catcher. Now that they have a player pitching to them they need to work on proper set up, blocking the ball, what to do when a runner steals, how to cover home, etc. They should also start to learn how to direct the defense during the game.
- Players at this level should be completely focused on what’s happening on the field regardless of if they are on the field or in the dugout. The dugout should not be an issue anymore. Team communication is key to developing strong players.
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 Baseball Resources - www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/baseball
Little League Softball Resources - www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/softball