Levels of Play
The Little League Softball program includes divisions for girls ages 4–16. A girl's "Little League" age is based on the players age on December 31 of the previous year (i.e. players age for Spring 2020 is age turned in 2019). Divisions consist of the following programs.
Lower Division:
These are the levels from T-Ball to AA where we are introducing our players to softball, teaching the fundamentals of fielding, hitting, and baserunning. Every level will introduce a few more aspects of the game until we get to the Upper Divisions.
T-Ball: Ages 4-6 years
Usually starts with hitting from tee, then may move to coach pitching. Expect 8-10 games for the season. No score is kept and the emphasis is on having fun. Teams bat through the line-up, and we try to get teams off the field after 3 innings. T-ball is a complex and at times slow game, so we encourage the managers to keep it moving. The focus is on introducing kids to the sport, and getting them interested in activities associated with the game so that they want to continue with baseball/softball next year.
Softball - A: Ages 6-8 years (Exceptions: 6's with T-ball experience or 8's new to softball).
Expect about 15 games per season. Coaches will pitch using a safety ball. Some kids will use a Tee at the beginning of the season then phase to no Tee by the end of the year. Single A is recommended for players who have a basic understanding and proficiency of the game and/or have completed 1 year of T-ball. Fundamentals are a focal point at this level as well as getting the kids to swing aggressively at the ball. Coaches will focus on identifying bases and positions.They will teach to run from, through and around bases. Players will learn how to catch a ball without dropping, throw with accuracy and knowledge to where to throw the ball, field a slowly hit/thrown ground ball, how to bat the line up and understand what an out is and how to get it.
Softball - AA: Ages 7-9 years (Exceptions: 7s with prior A experience or 10s if new to softball and does not pose a safety issue)
Expect approximately 12-14 games for the season. There is both player pitch and machine pitch with a real softball. Player should be able to put the ball into play at least 50% of the time off the machine at the beginning of the season. Player should be able to put the ball in play or get walked at least 50% of "at bats" off kid pitch by the end of the season. Player should have knowledge of how to stay in the box and the batting stance. The coaching emphasis on the mechanics of fielding, throwing and hitting will continue. Kids should know how to catch a pop up, back up bases, field harder hit ground balls and move to the proper throwing position. Players should have an understanding of defensive positions and how all the positions work. Knowledge of base running skills - leading off, rounding bases, stealing, sliding, over throws and advancing one base should be covered. Players should be able to make reasonable throws from SS/2nd to 1st with reasonable accuracy and throw the full 60' between bases. Pitchers need to have the proper delivery techniques and mechanics - not so much emphasis on speed. Catchers should focus on position and safety.
Upper Division:
These levels teach the intricacies of the game, defensive strategy, offensive strategy, etc. These levels prepare our players and coaches for tournament play. Postseason All-Star teams are formed from these levels. Evaluations are held for every level to ensure that the league is keeping player safety as the most important aspect. It is possible that some of the younger players evaluating for a "level up" may return to the lower level.
Softball - AAA: Ages 8-11 years (Fall Ball 10U)
Players pitch the entire season. You can expect approximately 18-21 games for the season and 1 or 2 outside league tournaments. At this level, players attend an evaluation in February to determine their skill level. The fundamentals of fielding, catching, throwing, and hitting are evaluated. Players who show the skills needed to be successful at this more advanced level will be placed onto a AAA team. After evaluations, it is possible that some players may play AA for the season. 8's with previous AA experience and 11's with no experience are generally permitted to play at this level.
Softball - Majors: Ages 10-12 years (Fall Ball 12U)
Expect approximately 20-25 games for the season. Players at this level are required to attend a evaluations for drafting teams. Fielding, catching, throwing, and hitting fundamentals will be evaluated to determine if the player has the skills to be successful at the Majors level. 10's with previous AAA experience and demonstrate successful skills at evaluations are generally permitted play at this level (11 and 12's must be on a team for 10's to play at this level as they cannot play down).
Juniors & Seniors: (Fall Ball 14U)
Players over the age of 12 years. Players that register in this age group will play with girls in neighboring leagues.