Tee Ball - Highlights

Teeball managers/coaches/parents, here are answers to a few questions that have been asked in previous years.

1. Are there outs in this league? Meaning if someone is tagged or thrown out at a base, do they sit down?
   Kind of, but the outs are not recorded since all players bat every inning. It is a good idea for the coaches to keep track of outs made in the field instead of runs scored. This will give the players incentive to get outs, make a game of it to get more outs than the last game instead of keeping track of runs and winning the game.
2. Can the batter/runner take more than one base per hit?
   Yes, but the play is dead once the ball is thrown toward the pitcher. Technically, you can have them run on an overthrow but try to limit it since there will be quite a few of those on every play. You really want to teach them how to run station to station and you want the fielders to throw the ball instead of holding it for fear of a base runner taking an extra base. If they actually crack one past the outfielder, you can send them (which will add much confusion), but if it is just a passed ball at a base or something hold them up. You'll find going one base is best if you try and send them farther you'll wind up with 2 players on a base.
3. Three innings or until an hour and a half, whichever comes first or last?
   3 innings max.
   
   Note on this subject: Managers please have a lineup preset and written before the game. Better yet, before you get to the field. Each player will play each inning and the batting order will help in the transition of innings. Also keep in mind who the catcher will be (keep them near the top of the batting order) so they can be in full gear when the last batter is through. You will want help in the dugout to keep the next batter ready and have the catcher dressed and ready to go. If it takes 5 minutes to switch between innings that is 30 minutes of lost time!
4. Who can coach or help with the kids?
   Only adults that have submitted the LL volunteer application. It is a good idea for all parents to fill this out, anyone interacting with the players inside the fences including dugouts, must have filled this out per LL regulations. It is mandatory to have one adult in the dugout so you'll need 4 coaches minimum. One to help batting, 2 base coaches and one in the dugout.
5. What if the ball dribbles off the tee?
   If they hit the tee and not the ball it is a dead ball. If they hit the ball and the ball rolls fair, it is a fair ball.

   If the ball rolls foul and comes back and is touched in fair territory it is a fair ball. Even though they are only 5 and 6 they need to be taught the rules properly and the fielders need to learn how to react in the field.

This is just a suggestion from experience: As far as the batting order, it is easier for everyone to keep the players batting behind the same person all year but rotate the leadoff batter each inning to the last batter. Then the second batter would now be the leadoff and so on. This allows for all players to have a chance at leadoff and last batter this season. If you don't do it every inning and do it by game, only 8 players get to be last batter and you can guess the outcome of that. Keep in mind all players bat every inning.

Mental Aspects (Tee Ball)

• Ability to sit on bench during team at-bat, pay attention to the game, and know when it is their turn to hit.
• Ability to pay attention in the field and consistently see ball off the bat.
• Know each base.
• Know each position by name.

Tee Ball – Physical Aspects

Hitting

• Maintain a consistent stance in relationship to home plate.
• Ability to make consistent contact.
• Be able to hold on to the bat with both hands throughout the swing.
• Ability to keep balance during swing.

Base Running

• Know to run all the way to the base and through first and home.
• Learn not to run into outs.
• React to fly balls even though few will be caught.

Fielding

• Ability to play catch at a short distance.

• Ability to catch easy ground ball (roller).

• Able to react to the ball above the waist with the glove fingers up, not the palm up. Players will not develop catching skills before this occurs.

• Stay in a fielding position (similar to sitting on the edge of a chair), when fielding ground balls, not falling on their knees to smother the ball.

• Begin to react to balls on throwing arm side by turning glove to backhand.

Throwing

• Know the "power position" and use that position to throw the ball.

• Begin to turn to the glove side to the target before throwing.

• Step toward the target.

• Make accurate throws from at least 20'.

Note: Coaches make sure that the Tee is placed toward the front of the plate and no higher than the thigh. Most tees are designed with the stem in the middle of the plate, which is not the correct contact point. Do Not Allow the tee to be set too high. If placed too high it will promote flawed swings.