Coach Pitch Division Baseball Overview
The Coach Pitch Division, sometimes called Instructional or Machine Pitch, is the second level in the progression of skills development for baseball and softball players. This level is recommended for players ages 6 - 8. Age 5 players may participate if they have completed a successful season at the Tee Ball level, and have demonstrated an above average skill level. Players at the Coach Pitch level will bat against coach or machine pitching. A schedule of games is provided to continue further understanding of game play. Games are non-competitive. There are no scores or standings at this level. Practices are typically 60 - 90 minutes in duration, and games are generally 90 minutes in length.
TLL Coach Pitch Division Baseball Rules
• 5-Run maximum per inning
• The inning is ended when 3 outs are recorded or 5 runs are scored, whichever occurs first
• Strikeouts are recorded as an out
• Runners may not advance on any overthrow
• Runners may advance a maximum of two bases on an extra base hit
• Coach pitch and Machine pitch are both acceptable at the instructional level
• Regardless of the method selected, each coach and/or machine must pitch from the same distance
• Each batter will receive 5 pitches to put the ball in play
• If the batter swings and misses at the 5th pitch, a strikeout is recorded
• If the batter fouls off the 5th pitch, the at-bat will continue until the ball is put in play or a strikeout occurs
• If a batter happens to throw the bat, he/she will get 2 warnings. Any bat thrown thereafter will be considered an automatic out
• Player pitch will not be permitted, however, it is strongly encouraged that coaches introduce the basic fundamentals of pitching during practice sessions
• All games have a 1 hour and 30 minute time limit