RHINELANDER LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL LEVELS OF PLAY

Rhinelander Little League Softball levels of play are broken out by age group below.  Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in all levels of Little League. After completing a Little League volunteer application and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, local league board members and other volunteer positions within the league.

8U SOFTBALL

The 8U fastpitch softball division is a development level for girls between the ages of 7-8 years old. This level will be instructional to give the girls skills they need to progress in the sport.

·        Players will use a regulation size 11” softball

·        Machine pitch with goal of progressing into child pitch at 35’ in the second half of the season

·        Basics of base running including running through first

·        Basics of catching including use of 2 hands

·        Basics of hitting

·        Basic throwing techniques

·        Promote softball ready stance

Practices and Games:

·        The season typically runs from the beginning of May (weather permitting) through the first week of July.

·        Practices will be held at Pioneer or West Side parks

·        Some weekend practices may be required depending on field availability

·        Games will run for a total of 1.5 hours

·        Innings end after 5 runs or 3 outs

·        Equal playing time and position rotation with 10 fielders

Equipment:

Players will receive a shirt with registration, black athletic shorts or pants are recommended. 

Players will require a glove for play, bats and helmets will be provided by the league.  Girls can use their own bats and helmets, however, bats must follow the 2018 Little League Bat Regulations that can be found here:  http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/baseballbatinfo/batrules.htm.

10U SOFTBALL

The 10U fastpitch softball division is a development level for girls between the ages of 9-10 years old.  This level will include advanced instruction to give the girls they need to progress in the sport.

·        Players will use a regulation size 11” softball

·        Player pitching at 35’; coach assisted after ball four

·        Basics of base running, running through and rounding first and leading off

·        Getting ball back into the circle of play

·        Basics of hitting

·        Softball ready stance

·        Advanced fielding including running toward the ball and play direction and force plays on bases

·        Basic pitching

Practices and Games:

·        The season typically runs from the beginning of May (weather permitting) through the first week of July.

·        Practices will be held at Pioneer or West Side parks

·        Some weekend practices may be required depending on field availability

·        Games will be played in the Northwoods league which will require team traveling to neighboring towns (weeknight games, schedule TBD)

·        Games will run for a total of 1.5 hours

·        Innings end after 5 runs or 3 outs

·        Equal playing time and position rotation with 10 fielders

Equipment:

Players will receive a shirt with registration, black athletic shorts or pants are recommended. 

Players will require a glove for play, bats and helmets will be provided by the league.  Girls can use their own bats and helmets, however, bats must follow the 2018 Little League Bat Regulations that can be found here:  http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/baseballbatinfo/batrules.htm.

12U SOFTBALL

The 12U fastpitch softball division is a development level for girls between the ages of 11-12 years old.  This level is a more advanced level of play to prepare girls for tournament play.

·        Players will use a regulation size 12” softball

·        Player pitching at 40’

·        Advanced base running including sliding, leading off and stealing

·        Advanced hitting including proficiency at bunting and drop 3rd strike

·        Advanced fielding to include cutoffs, double plays, defending the bunt

·        Softball ready stance

·        Advanced fielding including running toward the ball and play direction and force plays on bases

·        Advanced pitching, defense in the position and introduction to other pitches

Practices and Games:

·        The season typically runs from the beginning of May (weather permitting) through the first week of July.

·        Practices will be held at Pioneer or West Side parks

·        Some weekend practices may be required depending on field availability

·        Games will be played in the Northwoods league which will require team travelling to neighboring towns (weeknight games, schedule TBD)

·        Games will run for a total of 1.5 hours

·        Innings end after 5 runs or 3 outs

·        Equal playing time and position rotation with 10 fielders

Equipment:

Players will receive a shirt with registration, black athletic shorts or pants are recommended. 

Players will require a glove for play, bats and helmets will be provided by the league.  Girls can use their own bats and helmets, however, bats must follow the 2018 Little League Bat Regulations that can be found here:  http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/baseballbatinfo/batrules.htm.

14U SOFTBALL

The 14U fastpitch softball division is a development level for girls between the ages of 13-14 years old.  This level is a more advanced level of play to prepare girls for transition to high school play.

·        Players will use a regulation size 12” softball

·        Player pitching at 40’

·        Advanced base running including sliding, leading off and stealing

·        Advanced hitting including proficiency at bunting and drop 3rd strike

·        Advanced fielding to include cutoffs, double plays, defending the bunt

·        Advanced fielding including running toward the ball and play direction and force plays on bases

·        Advanced pitching, defense in the position and proficiency in other pitches

Practices and Games:

·        The season typically runs from the beginning of May (weather permitting) through the first week of July.

·        Practices will be held at Pioneer or West Side parks

·        Some weekend practices may be required depending on field availability

·        Games will be played in the Northwoods league which will require team travelling to neighboring towns (weeknight games, schedule TBD)

·        Games will run for a total of 1.5 hours

·        Innings end after 5 runs or 3 outs

·        Equal playing time and position rotation with 10 fielders

Equipment:

Players will receive a shirt with registration, black athletic shorts or pants are recommended. 

Players will require a glove for play, bats and helmets will be provided by the league.  Girls can use their own bats and helmets, however, bats must follow the 2018 Little League Bat Regulations that can be found here:  http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/baseballbatinfo/batrules.htm.

TRAVEL SOFTBALL