SOFTBALL DESCRIPTIONS

Please read this to determine which division is best for your player's age and experience

ROOKIES 6-8
MINORS AA 8-11
MINORS AAA 9-11
MAJORS 10-12
SENIORS 13-16

ROOKIES 6-8        Birthdate: Jan 1, 2016 – December 31, 2018 

 The Rookies Division is the first step in the youth softball program of NBLL. Players in this division are league age 6-8 years old with a focus on league age 7-8. (6-year-olds are eligible if they have already played a year of T-Ball). 

In the Rookies Division, we begin recording outs, players may experience strike-outs, and we can keep score.  Rules are modified to promote lots of action (hitting and fielding).  The emphasis in this division will be on development of the fundamental skills of baseball such as throwing, catching, hitting and base running. The ball will be pitched by the coach and possibly a machine later in the season.  A strong emphasis will be placed on learning and playing by the rules to prepare your child for the next level of play. 

At this level, teams will usually be formed using the elementary school the players attend.  There are up to 12 games per season, with 1- 2 practices per week, and up to two games per week. Primary field locations are Boise Fairgrounds. The season typically starts in mid-March and goes until mid-May.  

SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):   

BATTING – Demonstrate the basic batting stance, grip and set-up at the plate.  Adjust swing location to match slow pitches and make contact with the ball.  Handle gradually increasing pitch speed over the season. 

THROWING – Throw accurately enough to play catch at 20’.  Basic body and arm motion to progress to making throws of 10-20’ with some accuracy. 

FIELDING – Be able to place the glove in position to catch balls during partner catch.  Use proper stance and glove position for ground balls and short pop-ups. 

BASERUNNING – Understand how to over-run first base.  Be able to remain on a bases until the ball is hit and then advance. 

RULES/STRATEGY – Understand how to make outs in the field by force-out and by catching the ball in the air.  Be able to devote significant attention to coaches during practice and games and be able to participate in group drills without disruption. 

EQUIPMENT USED 

-bats must be marked USA softball
-bats cannot be designated T-Ball or USSSA
-balls are standard Little League youth 11in softballs 

MINORS AA 8-11 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2013 – December 31, 2016  

Players in this division are league age 8-11 years old with a focus on players who are 9-10 years in league age.  

In this division, kids can now begin to pitch along with coach pitch to the batters and we again play on a regulation size Little League diamond. Infields are now typically dirt and the ball moves more quickly.  Game rules include no stealing except on a passed ball, no stealing of home, limited advancement on overthrows, and batters cannot take first base on a dropped third strike. This division provides an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game. 

At this level, teams are formed through a draft held after Spring Assessments.  There are up to 12 games per season with 1- 4 practices per week and up to two games per week. Primary field locations are Boise Fairgrounds. The season typically starts in mid-March and goes until mid-May.  

SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):   

BATTING – Decide which pitches are strikes vs. balls.  Develop basic swing mechanics with a load phase, front foot lift/stride and a compact swing.  Comfort with pitches in the 20-30mph range and able to make contact with pitches that are clear strikes.  Begin to learn situations and techniques for bunting. 

THROWING – Can throw accurately enough to play catch at 30’.  Basic body and arm motion to make throws of 40-60’ comfortably and with some accuracy.  Basic footwork to make throws after fielding an infield ground ball and a ball hit to the outfield.  Attempt to throw out runners at 1B on ground balls from the P/2B position, and possibly SS/3B. 

FIELDING – Able to play partner catch with only a few bad throws and missed catches.  Fielding position and footwork with good glove placement for ground balls.  Catch pop-ups on the move and at the deep edge of the infield.  Understand some specific responsibilities of the various positions such as covering bases and cut-offs. 

BASERUNNING – When to run through first base vs. rounding it.  Able to slide into bases.  Leave bases at the appropriate time and understand when to run on ground balls vs. fly balls, and with a certain number of outs. 

RULES/STRATEGY – Master force outs at various bases and know when a tag out is necessary.  Keep track of outs and game situation at bat and in the field.  Able to devote attention and follow along with game action.  Be able to participate in longer and more complex group drills without disruption. 

EQUIPMENT USED 

-bats must be marked USA Softball
-bats cannot be designated USSSA
-balls are standard Little League youth 11in softball 

MINORS AAA 9-11 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2013 – December 31, 2015  

Players in this division are league age 9-11 years old, with a focus on higher-level age 10 players, and players who are league age 11. 

This Division is for players on the cusp of moving into the Majors Division and so there is a high level of play. Game rules include that players can steal bases and also steal home on a passed ball, but batters cannot take first base on an uncaught third strike. The emphasis of this division is to continue building and refining their skills while also learning game strategy. The season typically starts in mid-March and goes until the mid-May. Game scores and standings are recorded and upon completion of the regular season, a post-season tournament is held. 

At this level, teams are formed through a draft held after Spring Assessments.  There are up to 12 games per season, with 1- 4 practices per week and up to two games per week. Primary field locations are Boise Fairgrounds. The season typically starts in mid-March and goes until mid-May.  

SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):   

BATTING – Manage the count knowing the difference between hitter’s count and pitcher’s count strategies.  Comfort with pitches in the 30-40mph range and able to make solid contact with some pitches that are clear strikes.  Able to bunt effectively. 

THROWING – Can throw accurately enough to play catch at 40’.  Basic mechanics to make throws of 40-60’ comfortably and with improving accuracy.  Footwork to make throws after fielding any infield ground ball from the 1B. 

FIELDING – Able to play partner catch with very few misses.  Charge in on slow rollers and work on movement towards 1B when fielding ground balls.  Catch pop-ups on the move and into the outfield.  Able to make tag plays in addition to force outs.  Can execute cut-off decisions and throws from the outfield to 2B.  Pitchers and Catchers must manage stealing of bases including home. 

BASERUNNING –Confident on decisions with ground balls vs. fly balls and depending on the number of outs.  Understand when to steal a base and how to slide for close plays including at home. 

RULES/STRATEGY – Understand specific responsibilities of the various positions including fielding territory, base coverage, cut-offs and back-ups.  Keep track of outs and game situation at bat and in the field.  Able to devote attention and follow along with game action and be able to participate in longer and more complex group drills without disruption. 

EQUIPMENT USED 

-bats must be marked USA Softball 
-bats cannot be designated USSSA
-balls are standard Little League youth 11inch softball 

MAJORS 10-12 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2012 – December 31, 2014  

Players in this division are league age 10-12 years old, with a focus on higher-level age 11 players, and players who are league age 12. 

 The Majors division is the same game as you will see in the Little League World Series and is a highly competitive division. Pitchers throw from 40' and base paths are 60' long.  This division will add the uncaught third strike rules.  

The emphasis of this division is development of individual and overall team skills and managers will look to field the most competitive team. Game scores and standings are recorded and upon completion of the regular season, a post-season tournament is held.  

All players will be required to perform an assessment to determine the players skills based on catching, fielding, throwing and hitting.  All players are re-drafted each year.   There are 12 games per season, with 1 - 4 practices per week and two games per week. Field locations are typically Hillside Park and Boise Fairgrounds.  The season typically starts in mid-March and goes until mid-May. 

SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):   

BATTING – Comfort with pitches in the 40-50mph range and able to make solid barrel contact with some pitches that are clear strikes.  Start to recognize varying pitch speeds and adjust timing.  Able to bunt effectively to sacrifice or for a hit. 

THROWING – Can throw accurately from the entire infield and outfield positions.  Accurate throws after fielding an infield ground ball from the left side of the infield to 1B.  Can hit cut-offs and make relay throws to multiple bases including home plate. 

FIELDING – Catch fly balls to the outfield.  Field hard hit ground balls, hoppers and line drives.  Know when to throw to the best base to get the out.  Stance to cover various bases and receive throws.  Double-play positioning and footwork. Bunt defense. Pitchers and Catchers must manage stealing of bases including throws to 2B and stealing of home. Catchers must manage uncaught 3rd strikes. 

BASERUNNING – Confident in when to run vs. tag up on various types of hits and in various game situations.  Adept at taking steps off the bag after each pitch and then responding to the play as it develops. 

RULES/STRATEGY – Understand detailed responsibilities of the various positions including fielding territory, base coverage, cut-offs and back-ups.  Keep track of outs and game situation at bat and in the field.  Able to devote attention and follow along with game action and be able to participate complex group drills and longer practices. 

EQUIPMENT USED 

-bats must be marked USA softball
-bats cannot be designated USSSA
-balls are standard Little League youth 12in softball 

SENIORS 13-16 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2008 – December 31, 2011  

Players in this division are league age 14-16 years old. 

In the Seniors division, the field size increases to the size of High School, College and Major League fields.  Pitchers throw from 45' away from home plate and base. 

There are 12+ games per season, with 1-4 practices per week and up to three games per week. This is an inter-league division handled by the district. Practice locations and home games will be at Hillside Park.  The season typically starts in mid-March and goes until mid-May. 

SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):   

BATTING – Comfort with pitches in the 50-60mph range and able to make solid barrel contact with pitches that are clear strikes.  Recognize varying pitch speeds and shapes and adjust swing and timing.  Able to bunt effectively to sacrifice or for a hit. 

THROWING – Pitchers will have to manage baserunners who can lead-off and steal.  Balk rules and pick-off moves are routine.  Can throw accurately from the entire infield and outfield positions.  Can hit cut-offs and make relay throws to all bases.  The larger field requires longer throws for pitchers and fielders. 

FIELDING – Catch fly balls to the outfield.  Field hard hit ground balls, hoppers and line drives.  Know when to throw to the best base to get the out.  Stance to cover various bases and receive throws.  Double-play positioning and footwork. Bunt defense. Pitchers and Catchers must manage stealing of bases including throws to 2B and stealing of home. Catchers must manage uncaught 3rd strikes. 

BASERUNNING – Runners will manage lead-offs, pick attempts and stealing bases. 

RULES/STRATEGY – Preparation for Middle School and High School softball.  Understand detailed responsibilities of the various positions including fielding territory, base coverage, cut-offs and back-ups.  Keep track of outs and game situation at bat and in the field.  Able to devote attention and follow along with game action and be able to participate complex group drills and longer practices. 

EQUIPMENT USED 

-bats must be marked USA softball
-bats cannot be designated USSSA
-balls are standard Little League youth 12in softball