8U/9U Baseball Development Program

Program Philosophy

At 8U/9U, the goal is player development, skill-building, and enjoyment of the game. Competition is secondary to teaching proper technique, teamwork, and respect for the sport. This program is structured to provide a consistent learning environment without the pressure of weekend tournaments.

Program Structure

Season Length: Sept 1 – June 1
Frequency: 2 sessions per week Sept-Nov and March-May ; 1 session per week Dec-Feb
Session Length: 60 minutes
Team Size: 11-12 players per team

Pricing: $990 ($125/month Sept-Nov & Mar-May ; $80/month Dec-Feb)

Weekly Format

• Skill Development Practice
  • Warm-Up & Athletic Movement
  • Throwing & Catching Drills
  • Hitting Fundamentals
  • Defensive Skills (infield/outfield rotation)
  • Base Running Skills
  • Baseball IQ (mini chalk talks or situational drills)
• Scrimmage or Controlled Game Play
  • Focus on applying what was learned
  • Coaches stop the game for teachable moments
  • Rotate players through different positions
• Winter Training Practices (Skill Stations or Focus Clinics)
  • Position-specific training (e.g., catcher, pitcher)
  • Hitting technique with tee and soft toss
  • Small group sessions for targeted development

Coaching Philosophy

“Teach, Guide, Mentor, Develop”

1. Patience & Positivity
   • Every player develops at a different pace
   • Praise effort over outcome
2. Role of Coaches
   • Create a fun and structured environment
   • Prioritize long-term development
3. Involving Parents
   • Offer recaps to parents
   • Share drills they can do at home with their child

Core Skills & Drills

Throwing & Catching

• Emphasize proper grip and mechanics (4-seam grip)
• Use short-distance drills to build accuracy
• Work early to build confidence

Hitting

• Tee work first: focus on mechanics (stance, load, hands, contact)
• Gradually introduce soft toss and front toss
• Emphasize athleticism and hand-eye development

Fielding

• Break down fielding into steps (ready position, approach, field, throw)
• Use lots of ground ball reps with coach throws
• Play “Mini-Games” to create a competitive, yet fun environment

Base Running

• Teach running hard through the base
• Teach basic turns and tagging up
• Practice proper lead-offs and watching coaches

Situational Awareness

• Where’s the play? Where’s the throw?
• Introduce basic baseball IQ with game-like scenarios
• Keep instructions simple: “If the ball’s hit to you, what do you do?”

Development Over Winning

• No standings, no trophies—reward effort, growth, and sportsmanship
• Hold mid-season and end-of-season competitive skill sessions
• Use individual progress checklists instead of stats

Coaching Techniques That Work

• Use visual and physical cues more than words
• Demonstrate everything (young kids are visual learners)
• Break things into small, digestible improvement areas
• Incorporate fun games that reinforce fundamentals

Make It Fun

• End practices with short, fun games (base running relays, pop-up challenge)
• Have theme days (crazy sock day, backwards hat day, tanktop day)
• Give small, positive awards (e.g., “MVP of the Day”)

End of Season Wrap-Up

• Hold an in-house “development day” where players showcase skills
• Offer individual feedback and encouragement
• Prepare players to tryout and make our 10U Team for the following year

For more questions, please email: [email protected]