What is Coach Pitch Baseball?
Coach pitch baseball is a variation of the popular game that is designed to help children learn the fundamentals of the game. The primary difference between traditional baseball and coach pitch baseball is that coaches pitch to their own team instead of players batting against the opposing team’s pitcher. This is done to control the speed of the game, ensure safety, and maximize the amount of time children spend learning the game instead of standing in line to bat.
Benefits of Coach Pitch Baseball
Coach pitch baseball offers a variety of benefits to young players. It helps develop fundamental skills such as throwing and catching, as well as the important concepts of teamwork, communication, and strategy. Additionally, coaches are able to control the speed of the game and ensure a safe playing environment for children.
Rules for Coach Pitch Baseball
Coach pitch baseball has a few simple rules that players and coaches should be aware of before the game begins. The following are the primary rules for playing coach pitch baseball.
Number of Players
Coach pitch baseball is typically played with nine players on the field. Each team should have a catcher, two infielders, two outfielders, and four batters.
Innings and Outs
Each game typically consists of two to three innings. Each inning consists of three outs.
Strikes and Balls
A strike is counted as a swing and a miss, a foul ball, or a ball that crosses the plate within the strike zone. A ball is counted as a pitch that is outside of the strike zone. When a batter has two strikes against them, they must take the pitch. If the batter has three balls, then they are awarded a walk.
Scoring
Teams score runs by having players circle the bases and cross home plate. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Fielding
The catcher is the only defensive player that is allowed to block the plate. All other defensive players must remain in their designated positions until the ball is put into play.
Pitching Distance
The pitching distance is typically set at 35 feet. The length of the distance may be adjusted depending on the age and skill level of the players.
Batting Order
Before the game begins, coaches must create a batting order which lists the order in which the batters will come to the plate. All players must bat in the order indicated by the batting order.
Limit on Number of Pitches
In order to ensure that each batter receives an equal number of pitches, coaches are limited to six pitches per batter. If the batter does not hit the ball after six pitches, the batter is awarded a walk.
Substitutions
Substitutions are allowed, but coaches should limit the number of substitutions in order to ensure that all players have an equal amount of playing time.
Safety Tips for Coach Pitch Baseball
In order to ensure the safety of all players, coaches should follow these safety tips:
- Ensure that all players are wearing protective gear. This includes helmets, shin guards, and chest protectors.
- Keep all players within an arm’s reach of the coach. This will help ensure that no one is injured while playing.
- Encourage players to use proper technique. This includes using proper throwing and batting techniques, as well as using the proper grip on the bat.
- Ensure that all equipment is in good condition. This includes making sure that the bats and balls are in good condition and that the field is free of debris or other hazards.
Conclusion
Coach pitch baseball is an excellent way for children to learn the fundamentals of the game. It is important for coaches to be aware of the rules of the game and to follow safety tips to ensure that all players are safe. With the right approach, coach pitch baseball can be a fun and rewarding experience for all participants.
References
- “Coach Pitch Rules and Regulations.” Little League, Little League International, www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/coach-pitch-rules-and-regulations/.
- “Coach Pitch Baseball Rules.” SportsRec, SportsRec, 8 Aug. 2017, www.sportsrec.com/111509-coach-pitch-baseball-rules.html.
- Stalcup, Larry. “How to Play Coach Pitch Baseball.” Livestrong.com, Leaf Group, 13 June 2019, www.livestrong.com/article/145022-how-to-play-coach-pitch-baseball/.