SLVLL AA · SLVLL draft placement; not a fixed national AA age band · 46-foot pitching distance · 60-foot bases
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.
Use the right batting station
AA local instructions prohibit bunting and fake bunting. Your coach sets up a contact-hitting station.
Coaching Points
Explain the local restriction before the rep, then give one simple movement cue.
Common Mistakes
AA and AAA do not have identical bunt instructions.
Alternative Considerations
Use dry repetitions or the league-provided RIFF 5 ball for AA practice.