Coaches

  • Coaches will follow Player/Coach Development guidelines during the season
  • MINORS, our rebranded league name change, formerly known as Juniors, is the introductory year for kids pitching - Teams will utilize a pitching machine to start the season, while players are training during practices to become effective pitchers. Coaches will teach proper form and pitching mechanics - Players  will then throw LIVE off the mound to hitters.  
  • Throwing off the mound can be very intimidating for your pitcher and for the batter. Coaches will need to equip patience and respect to help build your players confidence. 
  • Coaches will also need to develop catchers. Catching is another important position that can be intimidating and frustrating. Coaches will need to teach proper set up, making a good target for your pitcher, and making that long throw to 2nd base to catch a runner stealing. Hustling is also a big part of catching at this age,  coaches will need to emphasize the need to hustle to every pass ball and wild pitch.
  • For the regular season, Coaches should be teaching players how to play all positions and move them around during games.
  • Coaches will emphasize to players that there is no standing around. On a ball put in play, players are either: 1. Going for the ball 2. Backing someone up or 3. Covering a base.
  • Most players in this League have moved up from a League that you can only hit single. Coaches will need to teach proper baserunning techniques and the need to pay attention to Base Coaches.
  •  Coaches must follow BYBI rules and regulations stated on the website. (www.bellinghamyouthbaseball.com) 
  • Coaches must log in pitch counts after every game on website.

    Minors Practice Template

Players

  • Players should know each positions responsibility.
  • How to stand in the batters box.
  • Learning to execute a bunt and the proper mechanics.
  • Bunt coverage defense positioning and roles. 
  • How to be in an athletic defensive position utilizing the "Step to Ready" technique when the ball goes into play.
  • Understand the "cut off" play between outfield and infield and the players roles for each base the ball gets thrown to.
  • Covering 2nd base on a steal - communicating with teammates.
  • How to  confidently field ground balls and pop ups. 
  • Learn pitching fundamentals and helpful drills.
  • Understand a proper throwing routine while playing catch.
  • Basic in game situations.
  • Being a good teammate.

Youth Pitching Drills

When your player comes to our Minors League, it's important that we teach basic pitching fundamentals for all. This video helps players understand balance, release, follow through, and using the lower half.  By making these drills available to your kids at practice each session, you will help their technical mechanics for accuracy and building towards increased velocity.