little league baseball equipment

Rawlings RLLB Little League Baseball $57.99 Rawlings RLLB Little League Baseball. Rawling's RLLB Little League baseballs are made with the highest standards and are tournament grade. The covers are made with full grain leather for added durability and Rawlings raised seam for improved grip.

DeMarini 2012 DX2 DXDXL (-11) Little League Baseball Bat $44.99 DeMarini 2012 DX2 DXDXL (-11) Little League Baseball Bat. DX1 Alloy: Delivers perfect balance of high KSI strength and fracture toughness for long lasting performances Hybrid Performance Grip 2 1/4'' barrel Meets 1.15 BPF youth baseball bat standard Approved for play in Little League and all other youth associations

DeMarini 2012 Black Coyote DXBCL (-11) Little League Bat $34.99 DeMarini 2012 Black Coyote DXBCL (-11) Little League Bat. The DeMarini Black Coyote (-11) Little League Baseball Bat features DeMarini performance alloy and a shock diffusion handle (SDH) with an exclusive rubberized coating designed to decrease shock felt in a players hand at contact. Meets 1.15 BPF youth baseball bat standard Approved for play in Little League and all other youth baseball associations

DeMarini 2012 Distance DXDSL (-12) Little League Bat $49.99 DeMarini 2012 Distance DXDSL (-12) Little League Bat. DX1 Alloy: Delivers perfect balance of high KSI strength and fracture toughness for long lasting performance Schock Diffusion Handle (SDH): Exclusive rubberized coating designed to decrease shock felt in a players hand at contact Hybrid Performance Grip 2 1/4'' barrel Meets 1.15 BPF youth baseball bat standard Approved for play in Little League and all other youth associations

Combat 2012 B1 Alloy (-12) Youth Baseball Bat $99.99 Combat 2012 B1 Alloy (-12) Youth Baseball Bat. The Combat B1 Alloy (-12) Youth Baseball Bat is the perfect bat choice for a beginning baseball player. USSSA BPF 1.15 Approved for play in Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball, AABC

The Little League Baseball World Series $24.99 Little League Baseball is a microcosm of American history, filled with countless anecdotes, good fortune, adversity, and hope...

DeMarini 2012 F5 DXAFL (-10) Youth Baseball Bat $229.99 DeMarini 2012 F5 DXAFL (-10) Youth Baseball Bat. The DeMarini F5 youth baseball bat features a SC4 Doublewall Barrel, Tri Strut TR3 Composite Handle, N2M End-Cap and Hybrid Performance Grip. Approved for play in Little League and all other youth baseball associations.

DeMarini 2012 Vexxum DXVNL (-11) Youth Baseball Bat $179.99 DeMarini 2012 Vexxum DXVNL (-11) Youth Baseball Bat. The DeMarini Vexxum youth baseball bat features a SC4 Alloy Barrel, C6 Composite Handle, N2M End-Cap, Hybrid Comfort Grip and a Rotation Index. Approved for play in Little League and all other youth baseball associations.

Rawlings 2012 Plasma YBPLA3 (-12) Youth Baseball Bat $49.99 Rawlings 2012 Plasma YBPLA3 (-12) Youth Baseball Bat. The Rawlings Plasma (-12) youth baseball bat is made of high strength aerospace plasma alloy with a 2 1/4'' barrel. BPF 1.15 approved for Little League and all other associations.

How To Coach Little League Baseball $18.95 This book instructs coaches on the duties and responsibilities of coaching Little League baseball, including maximizing practice efficiency, teaching the basics of the game, and effectively ...

Marucci 2012 CAT5 (-10) Youth Baseball Bat $149.99 Marucci 2012 CAT5 (-10) Youth Baseball Bat. CAT5 Technology features a balanced weight distribution and reduced moment of inertia which gives the bat a lighter swing weight for increased swing velocity. The patented Anti-Vibration knob decreases negative vibration and increases confidence and power. The contour of the bat was developed based on popular MLB models used by Albert Pujols and Chase Utley. All CAT5 bats have a one year full warranty. Approved for play in: Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball, AABC, USSSA Meets 1.15 BPF performance standard

Mattingly 2012 V-Grip Balistk (-12) Youth Baseball Bat $229.99 Mattingly 2012 V-Grip Balistk (-12) Youth Baseball Bat. Mattingly's V-Grip Balistik (-12) Youth Baseball Bat features an alloy and composite dual design with a V-Grip handle. A 100% composite full length frame for ultimate feel and a full metal jacket alloy barrel shell for undeniable performance and durability. Meets BPF 1.15 Standard, Approved for all associations that allow composite barrel bats. As of March, 2011 this also includes the majors and below divisions of Little League Baseball.

Diamond D1-PRO Professional League Baseball $79.99 Diamond D1-PRO Professional League Baseball. The Diamond D1-PRO Professional League Baseball provides consistent performance from the first inning to the last, durability to help the budget and the perfect raised seam. Each pack contains 12 baseballs.

Diamond Baseball Little League 1 Dozen, Type Senior Little League $53.04 Little League Competition Grade Baseball Cork and rubber pill w/ select wool windings Premium leather cover Raised seams

Diamond Baseball Little League 1 Dozen, Type Little League $53.04 Little League Competition Grade Baseball Cork and rubber pill w/ select wool windings Premium leather cover Raised seams

Nike 2012 Aero CX2 (-11) Youth Baseball Bat $249.99 Nike 2012 Aero CX2 (-11) Youth Baseball Bat. 2-piece, ultra-high performance, lightweight youth baseball bat Multi-Wall Cross-React Carbon Composite creates an explosive bat/ball collision Power Belt Technology maximizes the size of the sweet spot Speedlink System composite handle with composite barrel is balanced for power, engineered to flex for quicker acceleration, and tuned for reduced vibration and solid feel at contact Patented Aero-Cap is 3% more aerodynamic than traditional cupped-end bats for increased bat speed and additional power Durable automotive clearcoat Cushioned synthetic-leather grip offers exceptional feel and durability 95% Composite, 5% Plastic -11 length-to-weight ratio, 2 1/4'' barrel Meets 1.15 BPF standards *Approved for play in Little League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball and AABC

Easton 2011 Typhoon LK71T (-11) Youth Baseball Bat $39.99 Easton 2011 Typhoon LK71T (-11) Youth Baseball Bat. TYPHOON -11 LK71T Quick Overview Storm the field with the Typhoon's -11 super lightweight length-to-weight ratio and ultra thin 29/32" handle with cushioned grip. Storm the field with the Typhoon's -11 super lightweight length-to-weight ratio and ultra thin 29/32" handle with cushioned grip. Made of 7046 alloy, the Typhoon features a powerful 2-1/4" extended barrel. The Typhoon is approved for Little League play, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball, AABC and USSSA and conform to a 1.15 BPF performance standard. * -11 super lightweight * 7046 alloy * 2-1/4 extended barrel * Ultra thin 29/32 * Ultra-thin handle with cushioned grip * Complies with all current bat association performance standards

Reebok 2010 Vector O Youth (-11) Baseball Bat $199.99 Reebok 2010 Vector O Youth (-11) Baseball Bat. O-TECHNOLOGY reduces drag through the entire swing pattern providing increased swing speed compared to more traditional bat designs. Designed with the patent pending, TLS Connection Technology System Engineered with the Reebok VR950 Alloy/Composite Performance Matrix offering unequalled power and performance. Equipped with an extended barrel profile, maximizing the hitting area. 1.15 BPF Certified and approved for play in Little League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball and AABC Baseball. 2-1/4" diameter barrel with 11 and -9.5 length to weight ratio Comes installed with the Vector Texin End Cap for phenomenal durability. Comes standard with the Reebok tackified handle grip providing exceptional comfort and control. High-Performance Power bat designed for players between 8 and 12 years old who use speed and power to drive the ball.

Easton 2011 Rampage LX67 (-12.5) Youth Baseball Bat $45.99 Easton 2011 Rampage LX67 (-12.5) Youth Baseball Bat. RAMPAGE -12.5 LX67 Quick Overview Constructed of 7050 aircraft alloy, the Rampage features a 2-1/4" extended barrel. Constructed of 7050 aircraft alloy, the Rampage features a 2-1/4" extended barrel and a -12.5 hyper lightweight length-to-width ratio and an ultra-thin 29/32" handle with a cushioned grip. The Rampage is approved for Little League play, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball, AABC and USSSA and conform to a 1.15 BPF performance standard. * Constructed of 7050 aircraft alloy * 2-1/4 extended barrel * Beginners can feel like best in the world * Hyper lightweight * Ultra-thin handle with cushioned grip * Complies with all current bat association performance standards

Nike 2012 Aero MC2 (-12) Youth Baseball Bat $199.99 Nike 2012 Aero MC2 (-12) Youth Baseball Bat. 2-piece, ultra-high performance, lightweight youth baseball bat Speedlink System composite handle with alloy barrel is balanced for bat speed, engineered to flex for quicker acceleration, and tuned for reduced vibration and solid feel at contact Patented Aero-Cap is 3% more aerodynamic than traditional cupped-end bats for increased bat speed and additional power Zr91 Alloy improves the barrels contact surface for bigger explosive hits Precision Barrel Structure optimizes responsiveness of hitting area Durable automotive clearcoat Cushioned synthetic-leather grip offers exceptional feel and durability -12 length-to-weight ratio, 2 1/4'' barrel diameter 50% Aluminum, 45% Composite, 5% Plastic Meets 1.15 BPF standard * Approved for play in Little League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball and AABC

Easton 2012 YB11X1 XL1 (-10) Youth Baseball Bat $229.99 Easton 2012 YB11X1 XL1 (-10) Youth Baseball Bat. Patented two-piece ConneXion for optimized feel at impact while maximizing energy transfer IMX Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32'' tapered handle for greater bat head speed Extra Long barrel design for massive sweet spot and expanded hitting zone 2 1/4'' diameter extra long barrel Approved for Little League Play

Easton 2012 YB11S1 S1 (-12) Youth Baseball Bat $229.99 Easton 2012 YB11S1 S1 (-12) Youth Baseball Bat. Patented two-piece ConneXion for optimized feel at impact while maximizing energy trailer IMX Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32'' tapered handle for greater bat head speed Speed design for Low M.O.I. and faster swing speeds 2 1/4'' diameter extra long barrel Approved for Little League Play

Easton 2011 LNC1XL Omen XLB (-12) Youth Baseball Bat $159.99 Easton 2011 LNC1XL Omen XLB (-12) Youth Baseball Bat. Improved patented two-piece ConneXion for optimized feel at impact while maximizing energy transfer IMX Composite barrel and ultra thin 29/32 tapered handle with Regular Handle Flex for greater bat head speed Lower M.O.I. means lighter swing weight and faster swing speed Used in the 2010 Little League World Series

Little League Tee Ball, Planting Positive Seeds

Tee Ball is the most popular youth baseball program in Little League, including other youth baseball leagues around the country, and has the most participants. As the 5- and 6-year-olds whom participate in Tee Ball get older, there is a drop off in youth baseball participation each year. Traditionally the largest drop off of players in most youth leagues occurs after players reach their twelfth birthday. Soccer is almost a year round sport and youth lacrosse is growing, which are both in direct competition with youth baseball. Baseball parents, coaches, and leagues are almost compelled to make the first baseball experience for young kids a positive one.

Youth baseball leagues can develop certain positive philosophies that will maximize the chances of retaining baseball players in their leagues. I'll touch on just few that I feel most appropriate. First of all, Tee Ball leagues should strive to make it as non-competitive as possible. Some overzealous parents who are very competitive will look upon their own child's first tee ball experience as the Major League World Series. Leagues must set a standard with this non-competition philosophy. Not keeping score is an option leagues try. But, from my experience with my own kids, as much as parents and coaches try, some of the kids themselves will be keeping score and reminding the coach and the other teammates every time a player crosses home plate. This will also lead to the kids keeping track of wins and losses. One option leagues might consider is to mix the teams up every 3rd or 4th game. This option affords tee ball teams to still have a team concept because they will practice with their team, and 75% of their games will be together. One thing they will have to overcome is two sets of different colored uniforms playing on the same side. Maybe one way to overcome this is to have players come to these games in white tee shirts and the leagues supply cheap colored vests. Maybe we call these games "All League Games", or another positive term that everyone can accept.

The other part of the game that needs to be addressed is that at the age of 5 & 6, the skill level will vary tremendously. Leagues need to treat the tee ball season as a progression type situation. In a 20 or 25 game season, maybe use a larger ball when hitting off the batting tee for the first five games. In practices, coaches should use a larger ball on a tee early in a season. One thing I did when coaching tee ball is to take a bathroom plunger, turn it upside down and place it into the batting tee. Now a coach can rest a beach ball or a kick ball on top of the tee for the kids to hit.

When teaching fielding, coaches need to make the task as achievable as possible. I used to start the season using a Velcro ball and Velcro paddle to catch a fly ball. The kids love this. On ground balls, teach the players to make contact with the ball with their glove, keep it in front of them, and not necessarily catch it. On throwing, keep the distance short, spreading the players out very liberally and moving them back after every five throws.

These are just a few ideas that leagues should address, keeping in mind that we must start with baby steps and progress as the season goes on. Parents must realize that they will have their fair share of competition as their kids move up in age. Tee Ball should be a positive experience in every sense of the word. Skills should be the theme of tee ball and less competition. In the world of youth sports, which includes playing time problems, parental sniping, and on the field arguing, youth baseball Tee Ball should be immune to these problems as much as possible.

http://www.YouthSportsClub.com

About the Author

Marty Schupak has coached youth baseball for 21 years and is the video creator of "The 59 Minute Baseball Practice", "Backyard Baseball Drills", "Winning Baseball Strategies", "Hitting Drills & Techniques", "Pitching Drills & Techniques", and author of the popular book, "Youth Baseball Drills". He is also creator of the Baseball PakPad Scoring Application available on Apple devices. He is President of the Youth Sports Club, a group dedicated to making sports practices and games more enjoyable for kids.

http://www.YouthSportsClub.com