TBall Baseball

Division Rep:        tball@ell-baseball.com

TEE BALL
The Little League Tee Ball program is a training process by which youngsters can learn, develop and practice fundamental baseball skills at an early age and receive maximum enjoyment from the experience. Conventional baseball and softball requires that a pitcher throw accurately across home plate within each batter's defined strike zone. Most youngsters 5, 6, 7, and 8 years old have not developed skills to pitch accurately nor to hit a pitched ball. Consequently, neither the batter nor fielders are given ample opportunity to develop fundamental hitting and defensive skills outside an organized Tee Ball program.

The young player benefits in several ways hitting the ball from a prescribed tee. The youngster has the opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination and swing technique without fear of being hit by a pitched ball, and the defensive team is allowed more opportunities to develop fundamental fielding skills. Youngsters will learn to play and enjoy baseball and softball through good instruction and participation experience in Tee Ball.

A key to a successful Tee Ball program is the careful selection of managers and coaches. Adult leadership must reflect positive and constructive direction tempered with patience. Patience is probably the most important virtue necessary when managing youngsters of Tee Ball age. A pamphlet titled "Little League's Greatest Challenge" is available through Little League offices to assist league officials in selecting managers and coaches. "My Coach Says" and "The Other Side" are appropriate publications for the novice Tee Ball manager and are also available through Little League.

The learning experience must be fun coupled with developing fundamental skills of hitting, throwing, fielding and running. The basic concept should be total team participation in a congenial environment under the direction of concerned and competent adults. Remember, the value of the Tee Ball program is the learning experience. Participants in Tee Ball are in a critical developmental period. A manager's reward will come from being a positive factor and influence in each child's development.