T-Ball Division (ages 5-6)

T-BALL is the introductory or entry level of the "COMMUNITY LEAGUE" within the RASA program. This may be the first organized sport for many players and should be the most 'fun', but should also offer the participants the opportunity for skill development. All players will be exposed to the beginning or start-up fundamentals of throwing, hitting, and catching, as well as the general rules required for game play.

Special restrictions exist with regard to using a 'softie' ball (9" foam) at the start of the season, and progressing to a larger 'softie' at the agreement of all coaches and the division manager. Since many very young players lack the adaquate skill to catch properly, RASA elected to use this special ball to help eliminate any players fear and offer an environment per playing which is better suited to learning. Use of this ball will not result in injury during a missed catch that may strike a player.

Additionally, most players will hit from a batting-tee, but be given the opportunity to be pitched to by a coach. NO ONE STRIKES OUT while playing T-ball! Each batter is given a certain number of quality pitches, then the batting-tee will be used. Other rules exist (see below) that are intended to move the game along and also offer these young athletes the opportunity to play the game of softball within the regular rules per softball play.

Hopefully, each player will improve their skills and capabilities in order to be a well-rounded player for advancement to the ROOKIE Division for a subsequent softball season, enjoy the game, and have some fun at the same time!

Tee Ball Skills and Knowledge

NOTE: This level is really about starting to learn the fundamentals. Score is not kept and players should not experience any pressure to score runs or get outs let alone worry about winning.

SKILLS

• Players will learn how to grip a softball properly. Fingers must go across a seam.
• Players will learn proper warm-up throwing technique. See above.
• Players will learn glove positions for catching the ball. The proper target is glove hand and throwing hand together with thumbs touching. If the ball is above the waist the fingers go up. If the ball is below the waist the fingers go down. The glove is on the ground for fielding a ground ball. When catching a ball backhand, the proper technique is with the thumb on the glove hand facing downward.
• Players will learn the proper way to approach the plate for hitting. The lead foot belongs at the middle point of the plate. The back foot belongs parallel to the lead foot. Feet should be under the player’s shoulders.
• Players will learn to take a level swing while stepping toward the pitcher’s mound with the lead foot.
• Players will learn to always keep their eye on the ball. At the Tee Ball level the players should be taught to concentrate on a specific spot on the ball rather than looking at the entire ball. This can be done by putting a dark spot on the ball for the player to use as a focus point

• Players will learn that playing softball is fun.
• Players will learn about sportsmanship.
• Players will learn the defensive positions on the field.
• Players will learn where the bases are and the idea of running the bases. This includes learning why there is an orange and a white base at first base.
• Players will learn proper wearing of the batting helmet including wearing the chin strap.
• Teach the idea that everyone tries their best and everyone listens to instruction.