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This year was the big step up, from 60/46 to 90/60.5 regulation field. We did pretty well, and ended up playing in the State tournament for the first time. Here are some things that worked for us:

Emphasis on Defense and Pitching Early. Pre-season about 80% on D. Pitchers threw bullpens 3 times a week.

Long toss every practice(3 times a week).

Three pitchers three picks drill got in lots of reps for O and D.

Baserunning every practice.

After Second game we put in a pick play for each base. The kids decided that it would be dangerous for other teams baserunners. One pick and we didn't need to worry about runners anymore.

suicide squeeze,another thing that let other teams know we were serious. We scored 5 runs at State on squeezes. All teams there were good at this.


Early steal for 1st and 3rd. When we used this it messed up some good teams. And, by practicing it ourselves it allowed us to be ready for this play on D.

HS pitchers threw BP. Our kids never faced a pitcher they could not hit in games.

Pre-practice: groundballs and pops 30min before practice until start time.

Every practice was scripted to every minute.

I'm sure there were more things, but these are what really stood out.
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Our league,

U10 60'Base, 46' Mound
U11 65'Base, 46' Mound
U12 70'base, 50' Mound
U13,U14 90'base, 60'6" Mound

Coaches are typically concerned going into the U13 season about the ability of thier pitchers to adjust, I know I was. But by the 3rd game that concern is gone. The kids handle it just fine.

As explained to me when I voiced concern over the 60' pitchers mound, the pitchers will throw as hard as they can whether the mound is at 54' or 60'. And they do.
Why the "softness" expressed by many ???


There comes a time when the move has to be made--- I do not believe in a gradual transition because that means the kids have to learn and relearn as they adapt to the dimension change


For years the move was from LL to NLB dimensions and all was well-- I say as the Beatles did "LET IT BE "

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