8U Skills Check List
 
We expect our BGCRE Softball players to develop proper softball skills and a growing knowledge of the game. What you teach your kids at the 8U level is critical to their development and ability to successfully move up through the BGCRE Softball program.
 
Our coaches in the 6U program are asked to prepare our girls for 8U Softball by working with them to master a few basic skills. You may have to review and/or re-teach some of these skills, but at the beginning of this season, your 8U girls should be able to:

 -- Execute the basics of a batting stance.
 -- Automatically run to first base upon hitting the ball.
 -- Identify bases and home plate on the field.
 -- Understand and execute a “Ready Position” in the field.
 -- Field a ground ball using the “Alligator” technique.
 -- Step with the proper foot and throw to a general target.
 -- Catch a ball (tossed by an adult) on the player’s glove side.

By the end of this season, we want our 8U Players to be able to:

 -- Visually track and swing with urgency at a pitched ball.
 -- Run with urgency through first base, after hitting a fair ball.
 -- Round first base and run to second base upon a coach’s instruction.
 -- Move to field a ground ball and throw with general accuracy to a given target.
 -- Catch a thrown ball to complete a force out at a base.
 -- Catch a medium-high pop up tossed by a coach.
 -- Understand basic rules of softball (i.e., out vs. safe, runs, fair vs. foul ball, etc.)


BGCRE Softball 8U Coach’s Performance Check List

You will know you are doing well as a BGCRE Softball Coach if:

 -- Your kids are excited and enthusiastic before and after each game or practice.
 -- Your parents are smiling and saying “Thank You” after each game or practice.
 -- Your kids are behaving with team spirit and sportsmanship.
 -- Your kids are making progress toward mastering the skills listed above.
 -- At the end of the season, your parents and kids say, “See you next year!”