Expert: John McInnis - 5/2/2007

Question
Can you give me a breakdown of baseball skills that should be taught to the following ages? 3 years, 4-6 years, 6-8 years, 8-10 years, and 10-14 years?

Answer
Hi Amber,

that's quite a workload your asking!  :)

I have never coached 3 year olds and would really suggest anything other than rolling a ball and enjoying the daisy flowers.   :)

The 4 to 6 years olds usually play T-ball and get use to the motor skills of running, catching, throwing.  There is much to learn and I would take this age very lightly.  I had set up T-Ball teams within our association.  For the most part, the kids had fun.  The parents, on the other hand, took it too seriously and I was called in many times to mediate.  OUCH.

At this age they are learning simple rules of baseball; hit the ball, run to base, try not to be tagged...  catch the ball, throw the ball to the coach, run with the ball to the coach, touch the base with the ball in your hand....

For 6-8 year olds, they should know the basic rules of baseball, able to use T-Ball stand with no trouble, pitching machine is what we use; sometimes coach pitching; sometimes intro to player pitching...it all depends on the child's ability.

8 to 10 are good ages for baseball.  They know the rules and are improving their skills of running, catching, batting etc.  I liked coaching this age.  They are open to learning more about baseball and few have bad attitudes.

10 to 14 is all baseball....skills are being refined...no longer dependent upon parents (except fees and equipment)...lots of work for coaches as these kids can develop excellent skills in all areas.

Hope this helps,

JohnMc