Summary: Tee Ball is for players just starting to play organized baseball, it is their introduction to the game. Coaches in this division are often new themselves and can count on OBLL to provide them support and resources to provide a consistent, engaging experience for all players. Tee ball is all about creating a fun, playful environment that infusing baseball lessons within the context of games. Games and practices are fast moving and high energy. No score is kept, the full lineup bats each inning. Outs are recognized and celebrated for the defense to give an early introduction to the game. Players will be positioned in real baseball defensive positions.

 Primary objective: To ensure each player – and their family – has a positive experience with baseball and wants to participate (playing, coaching, volunteering) again the following year.

 Tee Ball Little League Baseball is about fun and games, friends and fitness, while introducing our youngest players to the game of baseball and its fundamentals. 

Time Commitment
Required equipment for games and practices

Successful Tee Ball coach managers will:

·       Help every player reach their potential in the skills listed below. 

·       Recognize it’s not the words you say, it’s what the player hears (and learns) that matters.

·       Be empathetic and patient, while demonstrating impeccable sportsmanship. 

·       Perform routine field work (rake/drag field after games and practice). 

·       Manage family communications, escalate concerns to their division rep and be a positive contributor to the culture of Old Bridge Little League. 

·       Identify parents who can help as additional volunteer coaches or team parents, as Tee Ball benefits from as many adults on the field/dugout as possible.

·       Rely on the other coaches and division rep, share good ideas, help less experienced coaches, and ultimately treat the division as one whole, rather than a scattered collection of teams.

·       Complete mandatory league background check and Rutgers SAFETY Clinic.

Tee Ball player skills and social development progression:

For many Tee Ball players, this is their first experience with baseball, or any organized sport/activity, so constant coaching support is expected. This division is also primarily pre-school age, so social skills are a part of their development. Coaches and parents should focus on high-energy fun while instilling very basic, primary athletic fundamentals, such as “use your whole body” to throw and hit, and baseball is a game of movement and awareness. Players can expect to develop skills such as:

 Batting

·       Stand on the proper side and hold the bat properly.

·       Swing the bat with the whole body to generate aggression and force through the strike zone.

·       By mid-season, confidently and consistently hit the ball off the tee, with a focus on the progressive development of each batter. By end of season, strive to add limited coach pitch.

·       No throwing the bat.

 Base running

·       Be able to identify each base by name and understand which direction to run.

·       Listen to the direction of coaches to advance one base or circle all the bases.

·       Recognize the objective of baseball is beating the ball to the base. Outs count.

 Fielding 

·       Be “baseball ready” every single pitch, even if it requires a prompt from coaches.  

·       Develop proper throwing mechanics and progress throwing strength through the season.

·       Recognize the objective of baseball is beating the runner to the base. Outs count, at first base as well as force plays and tag outs.

·       Avoid at all costs “dog pile” defense: No flopping/diving/fighting to get a ground ball.

·       Play the following positions: First base, second base, third base, shortstop, pitcher and shallow outfield.

·       Focus of catching is to instill thumb up vs. thumb down receipt of the ball.

Social skills and Sportsmanship

·       Understanding this age has typically not started school and may be their first organized sport, display independence and separation from parents and “playing nice” with their teammates.

·       No bats in the dugout and be aware of bat safety (carry it by the fat end).

·       Be a good listener: When coach or a teammate talks, we listen.

·       Be a supportive teammate and respectful opponent.