Introduction

Instructional baseball is played on the Little League 46‑/60‑foot field (46 feet from the pitcher’s plate to home plate and 60‑foot base paths) .  Games begin with coach‑pitch to ensure consistent strikes, and player pitching is gradually introduced mid‑season as skills progress.   After a batter receives five hittable pitches from a player pitcher, a coach will take over to complete the at‑bat so that every player has the opportunity to put the ball in play.  There are no walks or strike‑outs; coaches may stop play to give immediate instruction.  Players learn the standard nine defensive positions and will rotate through both infield and outfield to build a well‑rounded skill set.  Practices and games emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship and safety.

Eligibility and Team Formation

This division is intended for League Age 7 and 8 players.  Younger players who have completed a season of introductory baseball and demonstrate readiness may be considered if there is space; placement decisions are at the discretion of the divisional director and the ESLL Board. ESLL keeps our rosters around 10‑13 players to ensure plenty of playing time and individual instruction.  Teams are formed by the player agent (not by draft) to balance friend requests, talent and experience, and there are no try‑outs for the Instructional Division.

Season and Schedule

• Season Length: Late March through mid‑June (approximately ten weeks).
• Games: Typically one game on a weeknight and one game on Saturday each week.  Weeknight games usually start at 6 p.m. and Saturday games are held during the day.  Games last about two hours and feature three‑out half‑innings or a five‑run limit to keep the pace moving.  There are no playoffs at this level.
• Practices: Teams will have at least one practice each week, scheduled by the manager in coordination with field availability.  Practices focus on fundamental skills such as throwing mechanics, fielding grounders and fly balls, base running and hitting.
• Fields: Games are primarily played at Cooper Fields, with occasional games or practices at Cloud or Little Oakbourne.  The small‑sided field gives players room to learn proper positioning and base running.
  

What Players Will Learn

Instructional players will build on the basics taught in earlier divisions and begin to master game situations:

• Proper throwing mechanics and catching techniques, including using two hands and stepping toward the target.
• Hitting a moving ball with confidence by learning balance, grip and swing fundamentals; they will begin to recognize pitches and develop plate discipline.
• Base running rules, including how to run through first base, advance on hits and understand force‑outs and tagging up.
• Fielding ground balls and catching fly balls, including proper footwork, positioning and cutoff throws.
• Defensive awareness: thinking ahead about where to throw the ball and learning basic strategies such as backing up bases and relays .
• Teamwork and sportsmanship: listening to coaches, encouraging teammates and respecting opponents.

In addition to the above, players will be introduced to the concept of pitch counts and arm care.  They will learn why pitchers at this age are limited to 50 pitches per day and how proper rest protects their developing arms .

Expectations for Coaches and Volunteers

• All managers and coaches must complete a background check and attend the ESLL safety meeting before being on the field with players .
• Coaches should plan structured practices that combine skill drills, throwing and catching repetitions, and game‑situational scrimmages.  Coaches are encouraged to stop play during games to reinforce correct techniques and teach players situational awareness.
• Volunteers are expected to model positive behavior and abide by the ESLL Code of Conduct.  Player information provided for team assignments must remain confidential.
• ESLL encourages coaches to follow Little League’s 12‑week Coach Pitch Program, which provides detailed practice plans, diagrams and Positive Coaching Alliance tips .  The program highlights the importance of building players’ confidence and “emotional fuel tank” and reminds coaches that the prime objective is nurturing well‑rounded, productive children rather than developing elite players .

Equipment and Uniforms

ESLL will provide each player with a team jersey and hat.  Parents are responsible for supplying:

• A properly fitting baseball glove.
• White baseball pants, plastic cleats or sneakers, and a protective cup (highly recommended for all players).
• A Little League approved bat with the USA Baseball stamp and a batting helmet; each team will also have league supplied bats and helmets available .

Playing Up and Playing Down

Players generally stay in their age‑appropriate division to ensure safety and development.  A parent may request that a league‑age eight‑year‑old move up to the next level of play (which features player pitching) if the child has at least two years of Instructional experience and demonstrates advanced skills and maturity.  Conversely, a seven‑year‑old who is new to baseball may choose to remain in an introductory coach‑pitch division for another season.  All exceptions require evaluation by the divisional director and approval by the ESLL Board .

Recognition and Philosophy

There are no standings, trophies or playoffs in the Instructional Division .  The focus is on individual growth, building confidence, improving skills and developing a love for baseball.  Coaches may choose to distribute small tokens or certificates at the end of the season to acknowledge each player’s effort and improvement, but there should be no MVP‑style awards.  Parents are encouraged to celebrate effort and teamwork and to emphasize that making mistakes is part of learning.