Minor C Softball:

Who is it for? Minor C is an entry level, instructional division for league age 5 – 7 year old’s who want to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. A player who is league age 5 or 6 for the current season and has played a year in Tee Ball is eligible for the coach pitch Minor C division.  Players should be in Kindergarten or older.

What Skills are Taught? The primary goal is to introduce players to the game of softball and competitive team play. This will be an entry level division to prepare players for faster-paced and competitive kid pitch softball they will experience at Minor B and Minor A levels. Managers and coaches introduce players to the rules and positions, and work on throwing and catching. Infield and outfield positions have a critical responsibility when a pitch is thrown.  Defensive players cannot be spectators. When playing the catcher position, proper. positioning behind the plate is taught. The flow of the game is introduced, as players understand how outs are made, what makes up an inning, and fundamentals of infield, outfield and softball pitching technique.

How is the Game Played? The coach throws a maximum of five (5) pitches from a position of where the batter can hit the ball. If she does not hit the ball, a tee will be provided. The ball must be put into play. The pitching rubber is at a distance of 35 feet and this division uses an 11-inch softball. There are no walks. There is no leading off or stealing. All players bat in the lineup the whole game. All players will play on defense. 
Parent support is needed for field preparation, post-game field maintenance and scorekeeping during the game.

Minor B Softball:

Who is it for? Minor B is an instructional division for league age 7 - 10 year-olds. This division is a combination of both coach and kid pitch. Many players are new to the game, although many have played Tee Ball baseball or Minor C softball before.

What Skills are Taught? The primary goal is to prepare players for the faster-paced and competitive full kid pitch softball they will experience at the next level. Managers and coaches further a player’s understanding of the rules and positions, and work on improving throwing and catching. Infield and outfield positions have a critical responsibility when a pitch is thrown.  Defensive players cannot be spectators. When playing the catcher position, proper positioning behind the plate is taught. The flow of the game is introduced, as players understand how outs are made, what makes up an inning, and fundamentals of infield, outfield and softball pitching technique.

How is the Game Played? The game is comprised of both kid and coach pitch from a distance of 35 feet and use an 11-inch softball. There are strikeouts but no walks. There is no leading off or stealing. All players bat in the lineup the whole game. Ten positions are played on defense. Extra players will sit on the bench during defense, but minimum-play requirements will be in effect. Coaches will work to play the kids in all positions they can safely play. Game scores are kept. Playing formats may be adjusted, with league approval and manager consensus (managers are reminded that players develop faster and can respond well when challenged).
Parent support is needed for field preparation, post-game field maintenance and scorekeeping during the game.

Minor A Softball:

Who is it for? The Minor A Division is for 8 – 11 year-olds who want to continue to develop their softball skills. Players should have basic fundamental skills and many players in Minor A have played at least 1 season in the Minor B / C Division as a 7 and/or 8-year-old. Primary goals are to give players as much experience and playing time as possible and encourage ongoing development for all players in all phases of the game.

How are Teams Chosen? For spring softball, players are encouraged to attend a try out for a skills assessment prior to the start of the season. Not all players attending assessments will be placed on a team within this division due to skill level, space limitations and safety concerns.

What Skills are Taught? At the Minor A level, kids will pitch the entire game from a distance of 35 feet and use an 11-inch softball. A primary objective at this level is to help players be more comfortable at the plate and improve their ability to hit live pitching. Key points for development include learning situational awareness, making defensive plays, identifying the strike zone and demonstrating proper form when catching and throwing. Additional pitching technique will also be emphasized at this level.

How is the Game Played? In Minor A, players are out after three strikes or walk after four balls. This helps build confidence, develops good hitters’ discipline and speeds up the game. Every player is in the batting lineup for every game. While all players bat, only nine players take the field on defense. Coaches will put players in a wide variety of positions they can play safely. Everyone sits on the bench from time to time. Scores are recorded and league standings are kept.
Parent support is needed for field preparation, post-game field maintenance and scorekeeping during the game.

Majors Softball:

Who is it for? This is the premier Division for Little League Softball. The core age for Majors is 10 - 12 years old. In this Division, there is a greater emphasis on team play which includes teams working together to win games. By the time a player is eligible for Majors, she generally has played a few seasons of softball and is very familiar with the way the game is played.

How are Teams Chosen? For spring softball, players must attend a try out for a skills assessment prior to the start of the season. Not all players attending assessments will be placed on a team within this division due to skill level, space limitations and safety concerns.

What Skills are Taught? Stamina and concentration are important. Longer, more accurate throws are expected and full attention is required. Players learn to react quickly, throw properly and accurately on the run, and make consistent, hard throws to any base or the plate. More aggressive base-stealing techniques are taught and implemented. Pitching is more sophisticated as pitchers develop more arm strength and improved form and technique.

How is the Game Played? At the Majors level, kids will pitch the entire game from a distance of 40 feet and use a 12-inch softball. Coaches will play the kids in more than one position but look for overall balance on the team and develop players accordingly. Everyone sits on the bench from time to time. Managing style may or may not dictate equal playing time; however, minimum play rules will be followed.
Parent support is needed for field preparation, post-game field maintenance and scorekeeping during the game.

Juniors Softball:

Who is it for? This is an advanced Division of Little League Softball. The core age for Juniors is 12 - 14 years old. In this Division, there is an expectation that players eligible for Juniors have likely invested several seasons of experience and training to perform at this level, and in preparation for more organized middle or high-school play in the near future. Advanced softball concepts, teamwork to achieve success together to win games, and a greater emphasis on physical fitness / conditioning is presented in this Division.

How are Teams Chosen? For spring softball, players must attend a try out for a skills assessment prior to the start of the season. Not all players attending assessments will be placed on a team within this division due to skill level, space limitations and safety concerns.

What Skills are Taught? There is a higher attention to detail for individual position assignments in live game situations, as well as good stretching and warm up habits for these young athletes. Sharper reaction times to the tempo of play, and advanced batting, stealing, and fielding concepts will be taught. Pitching at this level is also more advanced with mechanics of the motion largely being greatly improved through maturity of the player and depth of experience.