Goals

The goals for the EPBA 2nd Grade "Intro to Kid Pitch" program are:

• Ensure that the experience is positive and fun for all players
• Build on the basic fundamentals of baseball, teaching fielding, throwing, and hitting skills
• Begin to introduce baseball strategy (i.e. back up, defensive positioning, cut-offs, etc.)

Rules

General

• A game consists of 75 minutes. No inning will be started that cannot be completed in that time frame.
• Bases are 45 feet apart.
• No leading off or stealing.
• Overthrows of any kind are limited to one base. Advancing runners must stop when the fielding team returns the ball to the infield.
• The defensive team may have up to three coaches on the field for instructional purposes. It is recommended that the offensive team have a batting coach and two base coaches.
• Base coaches will make the calls at the bases. Players put out must return to the bench.
• Coaches call rainouts and weather delays. Safety is the utmost. If rain exists, the coaches need to conference and determine if the game should be delayed or cancelled. If lightning is observed, the play is to be halted and the field cleared until no lightning is observed for 30 minutes before play can be resumed. Play can continue after the weather threat has passed. If it is obvious that the weather condition will not dissipate in a reasonable period of time, the game is to be called. Practices or games that are rained out may be rescheduled, if possible, with the commissioner is to be called.

Fielding:

• The defensive team will have 6-9 players on the field. If you are short players, reduce outfield.
• Players should change fielding positions each inning.
• Coaches should provide equal playing time for all players, regardless of ability or desired position.
• A pitcher can throw a MAX of 3 outs or 1 time through the batting order whatever comes first.

Batting:

• Establish one batting order for the entire season. EPBA recommends that this be completed in # order for simplicity and consistency. (i.e. If batter # 6 is the last batter of the game, batter # 7 leads off the next game. The batting order will then be continuous through the season. All players will bat in an inning (whether they are in the field or not).
• Each players gets a maximum of 6 pitches from a player and 3 more pitches from a coach (earlier in the season you may want to have a 4-5 or 5-4 mix). After 9 swings total, the player sits down (not out). Note: There are no strike outs for this age group. Outs must be recorded on the bases. It is recommended to have an offensive team coach pitch to their own batter if needed.
• Bases will be cleared after 3 outs. Teams will switch from offense to defense every 6 outs or once through the batting order. This is done to speed up the game. Every 3 outs, all runners will be removed from the bases.
• Defensive team may switch up positions played.
• When the batter hits the ball past the outfielders, the batter cannot proceed past second base.