7U (North London Baseball)

Print7U

PARK LOCATIONS:

North London Athletic Fields (Adelaide/Kipps)

FREQUENCY/SCHEDULE:

1-2 weeknight sessions each week (can be different nights each week, 6:00-7:30pm) and one weekend practice (consistent date/time), from late-May to early-August.  Schedule is not released until early May.

DESCRIPTION:

This program further introduces the fundamentals of baseball.  No prior baseball experience is necessary.  Players will begin to develop agility, coordination and balance, and an understanding of baseball gameplay.  Baseball skills of throwing, catching, fielding, hitting and base running are introduced. Fun, friendship, teamwork and sportsmanship are stressed.

Program is broken into two segments:
  • Segment 1: Skills development.  Teams will have solo practice sessions on one weeknight and one weekend session each week, learning the basics of baseball and gaining experience with hitting, running, and fielding.
  • Segment 2: Gameplay.  Teams will meet for 1-2 weeknight games each week, and one weekend practice session, to reinforce fundamentals.

7U introduces hard baseballs and uses motorized pitching machines to provide consistency for developing hitters (35mph).  Gameplay uses modified rules: No scores are kept, fielding plays are made but no outs at base.  Single base advancement.  Entire batting order will hit and progress through the bases.  No strikeouts; batting tee gets brought out if players are unsuccessful after 5 machine pitches.  No benching; all players take fielding positions.

SKILLS:

  • Fielding: introduction to positions
  •  Fundamental Movement Skills: Agility - able to touch 6 cones placed in a star shape, while always looking forward
  •  Throwing: able to throw 6/10 balls to a partner/target 25 feet away
  •  Receiving: able to field 3/5 ground balls to the right and left. not moving and progressing to moving
  •  Hitting: Able to hit 6/10 pitched balls past the base paths
  •  Base running: able to run with control (run through first, run to second/third)

    EQUIPMENT:

  • Gloves and batting helmets are required.
  • Baseball bats are provided, though players may bring their own.
  • Athletic supports are required.
  • Uniform (hat, jersey) is provided.  Long pants are recommended.
  • NLBA provides Catcher's gear.