South Boise Little League Softball is comprised of five divisions. Registration in your preferred division does not guarantee your player will be placed in that division for the season.
NOTE: Certain divisions may not be offered in a particular season based on registration volume.
COACH PITCH/ROOKIES 6-8
AA MINORS 9-11
AAA MINORS 9-11
MAJORS 10-12
SENIORS 13-16
COACH PITCH/ROOKIES 6-8 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2017 – December 31, 2019
The Rookies Division is the first step in the youth softball program at SBLL. 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 and keeping score. Rules are modified to promote lots of action (hitting and fielding). Equal play time in multiple positions can be expected in this division. The emphasis in this division will be on development of the fundamental skills of softball such as throwing, catching, hitting and base running. The coach will pitch up to 5 balls. If by the 5th ball, the batter hasn’t hit a fair ball, a tee may be used. No player will strike out in this division. A half inning will end with 3 outs or 5 runs. A strong emphasis will be placed on learning and playing by the rules to prepare your child for the next level of play.
- Teams are formed based primarily on school location and parent/player requests.
- Practice day(s) and start time are decided by the coach and field availability.
- 2 practices per week until games start
- 12 games per season, and up to 2 games per week.
- Home fields: Red Rock Church Field and Milwaukee Park Softball Field
- Spring Season: March-May (ends just before Memorial Day)
- Fall Season: August-October
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 pitches and make contact with the ball.
THROWING – 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.
BASE RUNNING – Understand how to over-run first base. Be able to remain on a base 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 with minimal disruption.
EQUIPMENT USED
-bats shall be no longer than 33”, 2 ¼ ‘ in diameter, printed with BPF of 1.20
-bats cannot be designated T-Ball or Slow Pitch
-balls are standard Little League youth 11in softballs
-Infield should wear face shields especially the pitcher
AA MINORS 9-11 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2014 – December 31, 2016
Players in this division are league age 9-11 years old with a focus on players who are 9-10 years in league age. Players’ league age eight (8) who wish to play in the AA Minors division must contact the league vice president of softball and are required to attend assessments.
In this division, players will begin to pitch from 35’ with a coach pitcher stepping in to pitch after 2 walks. Once the batter runner hits a fair ball or is retired at the plate, the player pitcher will resume pitching. Runners are allowed to steal all bases except home plate. Equal play time in multiple positions can be expected in this division. This division provides an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game. 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. Players will be drafted onto a team, and all players are re-drafted each year.
- Practice day(s) and start time are decided by the coach and field availability
- 2-4 practices per week until games start
- 12 games per season, and up to 2 games per week
- Home fields: Red Rock Church Field and Milwaukee Park Softball Field
- Spring Season: March-May (ends just before Memorial Day)
- Fall Season: August-October
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.
BASE RUNNING – 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 shall be no longer than 33”, 2 ¼ ‘ in diameter, printed with BPF of 1.20
-bats cannot be designated T-Ball or Slow Pitch
-balls are standard Little League youth 11in softballs
-Infield should wear face shields especially the pitcher
AAA MINORS 9-11 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2014 – December 31, 2016
Players in this division are league age 9-11 years old, with a focus on higher-level league age 10-11 years old.
This division is for players on the cusp of moving into the Majors division and so there is a high level of play. Pitch distance is 35’ and stealing bases (including home) are permitted at this level once the ball reaches the plate. This division will use the Major League rule for uncaught 3rd strike. Equal play is not always guaranteed in this division, but minimum play requirements are mandatory. Players start to play 2-3 positions consistently based on where the coach feels are best for the team. The emphasis in this division is to continue building and refining their skills while also learning game strategy. 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. Players will be drafted onto a team, and all players are re-drafted each year.
Practice day(s) and start time are decided by the coach and field availability.
2-4 practices per week until games start
12 games per season, and up to 3 games per week.
Home fields: Milwaukee Park Softball Field & Borah JV Field
Spring Season: March-May (ends just before Memorial Day)
Fall Season: August-October
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 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. Working on accurate throws after fielding an infield ground ball from the left side of the infield to 1B. Outfielders learning to hit cut-offs and make relay throws to multiple bases including home plate.
FIELDING – Catch fly balls to the outfield. Start to field hard hit ground balls, hoppers and line drives. Correct defensive position to cover various bases and receive throws. 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 with making the decision to run or stay on ground balls vs. fly balls and knowing the number of outs. Learning to take steps off the bag after each pitch and responding to the play as it develops. 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 shall be no longer than 33”, 2 ¼ ‘ in diameter, printed with BPF of 1.20
-bats cannot be designated T-Ball or Slow Pitch
-balls are standard Little League youth 11in softballs
-Infield should wear face shields especially the pitcher
MAJORS 10-12 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2013 – December 31, 2015
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. Pitch distance is 40' and you can steal as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers’ hand. Equal play is not always guaranteed in this division, but minimum play requirements are mandatory. Players start to play 2-3 positions consistently based on where the coach feels are best for the team. The emphasis of this division is development of individual and overall team skills. 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. Players will be drafted onto a team, and all players are re-drafted each year.
Practice day(s) and start time are decided by the coach and field availability.
2-4 practices per week until games start
12 games per season, and up to 3 games per week.
Home fields: Borah JV Field
Spring Season: March-May (ends just before Memorial Day)
Fall Season: August-October
SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):
BATTING – Comfort with pitches in the 40-58mph range and able to make solid barrel contact with pitches that are clear strikes. Start to recognize varying pitch speeds and adjust timing. Able to bunt effectively for hit or sacrifice.
THROWING – Can throw accurately from all infield and/or outfield positions. Accurate throws after fielding an infield ground ball from the left side of the infield to 1B. Outfielders start to hit cut-offs and make relay throws to multiple bases including home plate.
FIELDING – Catch fly balls to the outfield. Correctly field hard hit ground balls, hoppers and line drives. Know where to throw to get the lead runner out. Correct defensive position 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 shall be no longer than 33”, 2 ¼ ‘ in diameter, printed with BPF of 1.20
-bats cannot be designated T-Ball or Slow Pitch
-balls are standard Little League youth 12in softballs
-Infield should wear face shields especially the pitcher
SENIORS 13-16 Birthdate: Jan 1, 2009 – December 31, 2012
Players in this division are league age 13-16 years old. 12-year-olds may play if assessed capable of playing in Seniors Division.
Pitch distance is 43’.
Practice day(s) and start time are decided by the coach and field availability.
2-4 practices per week until games start
12 games per season, and up to 3 games per week.
Home fields: Borah JV Field
Spring Season: March-May (ends just before Memorial Day)
Fall Season: August-October
SKILLS EXPECTATIONS (PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MASTER THESE SKILLS):
BATTING – Comfort with pitches in the 50-65mph range and able to make solid barrel contact strikes. Recognize varying pitch speeds to adjust swing and timing. Able to bunt effectively for a hit or sacrifice.
THROWING – Pitchers will have to manage base runners stealing. Players can throw accurately from the entire infield and outfield positions. Can hit cut-offs and make relay throws to all bases.
FIELDING – Catch fly balls to the outfield. Correctly field hard hit ground balls, hoppers and line drives. Know where to throw to get the lead runner out. Correct defensive position 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.