Coach-Pitch Softball
Coach-Pitch softball offers a fun, supportive introduction to competitive play, open to girls ages 6 to 8 who have been introduced to the basic skills through Tee Ball. While the environment is friendly, players still learn to hustle, communicate, and compete with enthusiasm. The focus is on building core skills — hitting off a consistent coach-pitcher, proper throwing mechanics, fielding fundamentals, baserunning, and game awareness. Players develop confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship while gaining experience in real game situations. It’s an encouraging step between Tee Ball and Mini-Majors softball.
Logistics
Eligibility
Girls ages 6-8 are eligible.
6-year-olds will have a significantly better experience if they’ve played at least one season of Tee Ball, and SPLL may still recommend your 6-year-old remain in Tee Ball if appropriate for their safety or development.
Note: Softball “League Age” is the age of the player on Dec. 31 of the previous year.
Uniforms
SPLL will provide a jersey top and matching hat/visor. The pants your player wears is up to you.
Equipment Needed
Only a glove. SPLL recommends that players wear face masks while playing in the infield. SPLL provides helmets, bats, and balls. Cleats are optional.
Fields
Pine Street Softball Field and Wainwright.
Scheduling
Season
The season begins the week after SPSD's April break, and concludes the Saturday after the SPSD school year ends.
Practices
Two practices per week before games begin, one practice per week after that.
Games
Two. One on a weeknight and one on a weekend.
Game Play
Pitching
One of your team’s coaches will pitch to your team’s batters, while a kid playing the “pitcher” position does the fielding. A kid also plays catcher. At the start of the season, a tee will be brought out after a certain number of pitches.
How can my player prepare for the season?
Get used to their glove and practice squeezing the glove shut and stretching it back open both with and without a softball inside. Practice throwing, catching and fielding; including ground balls with a focus on form and accuracy. “Selfies,” where the player softly tosses a ball a few feet into the air in front of them and catches it in their own glove. Watch a local softball or baseball game (at the highschool, SMCC, Sea Dogs) or on TV to gain familiarity with positions and play. Make sure to keep it fun. Positive experiences now make kids more excited and confident when the season starts.
Not sure whether Majors softball is the right division for your player? Contact the division director, Heather Oullet.