What to expect in Single-A.
Single-A adds a key element to the baseball experience compared to Tee Ball: There's no tee! (Mostly.)
In A-ball, coaches will pitch to 6- and 7-year-old players with the goal of eliminating use of the tee entirely over the course of the season. Like Tee Ball, however, the emphasis is still on learning the basics and having a blast.Objectives for Single-A.
Single-A is in many ways a continuation of Tee Ball, with a focus on basic concepts, good sportsmanship, and having fun. However, the introduction of coach pitching encourages players to connect the fundamentals of swinging with the challenge of hitting a ball in flight.
Like Tee Ball, there are no balls and strikes. Coaches can utilize a tee for players who swing and miss at several pitches, or who are struggling to hit pitched balls in general. There are outs on batted balls, but no score is kept at this level. Like Tee Ball, coaches will be on the field during the game to provide instruction and serve as umpires.
The A level prepares players for Double-A (AA), which introduces player pitching. By the end of Single-A, players should have built upon the conceptual basics of Tee Ball by adding a basic understanding of the strike zone, a developing ability to hit pitched balls, and improved throwing and fielding skills.
For more details, check out the Rules for Single-A.
Family time commitment for the A division.
Single-A teams typically play one game a week, usually on Saturdays. Games last no more than one hour and fifteen minutes. Teams will also hold one hourlong practice during the week.
Coaching commitment for the A division.
Coaching Single-A requires the same level of patience, encouragement, and positivity as Tee Ball, with the added element of pitching (underhand, typically) to players. Prepare to spend 5-8 hours per week (or more) total, including practices, games, practice preparation and parent communication.
For more information and practice plans, check out our page on Coaching Single A.