Build a repeatable ready position
Before a tee rep, settle into an athletic stance. Keep your eyes level and leave room for your hands to move. This is a coaching starting point, not a required stance.
Coaching Points
Watch balance at contact before adding a second instruction.
Common Mistakes
A long list of cues can make a player freeze.
Alternative Considerations
A comfortable stance can differ by player; use contact quality rather than appearance.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Choose a pitch to attack
The coach asks you to name the pitch location you can drive before entering the box. Pick a simple target zone, then adjust with the count.
Coaching Points
Ask the player to describe the decision, not just the result.
Common Mistakes
A hit on a chased pitch does not make chasing a repeatable plan.
Alternative Considerations
Team instructions may change with the count and situation; agree before the at-bat.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Compete with two strikes
With two strikes, simplify your move and stay ready for a pitch you can reach in the strike zone. Keep the same safe balance you rehearsed.
Coaching Points
Use mixed locations and let the hitter explain the read.
Common Mistakes
Calling every swing good because contact occurred hides poor decisions.
Alternative Considerations
A smaller stride is an option, not a universal requirement.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Keep a bunt drill controlled
In a coached bunt station, rehearse foot placement without a live throw first. Keep fingers out of the ball's path and stop the rep if positioning is unsafe.
Coaching Points
Use a coach-controlled progression and stop an unsafe rep.
Common Mistakes
Speed can hide a grip or spacing problem.
Alternative Considerations
Use a soft practice ball and dry repetitions when the group is learning.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Check the bat before the game
Intermediate equipment eligibility comes from its own Rule 1.10. A familiar bat from another program is not automatically approved here.
Coaching Points
Have an adult check markings, size and condition before play.
Common Mistakes
A logo alone does not excuse other equipment restrictions.
Alternative Considerations
Keep a known compliant spare; ask the league when a marking is unclear.
Rules/safety: bats
Prepare on deck responsibly
Intermediate allows an on-deck batter. The coach assigns a safe warm-up area and checks that teammates stay clear of the swing.
Coaching Points
Treat permission and safe setup as different checks.
Common Mistakes
Do not copy the Majors prohibition into an Intermediate lesson.
Alternative Considerations
Field conditions may require an adjusted warm-up routine agreed with the coach.
Rules/safety: leads