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 at-bat
Before a player-pitch game, the adult checks the bat against PONY 8(C), including certification, barrel and condition.
Coaching Points
The USA Baseball mark and the -3 BBCOR exception must be read with the complete rule; 2-3/4-inch barrels are prohibited.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse a tee-ball or coach-pitch label with approval for this player-pitch game.
Alternative Considerations
A coach resolves equipment questions before practice or play, not through an improvised quiz ruling.
Rules/safety: bats
Prepare safely on deck
A supervised on-deck player waits in the designated area wearing the protective headgear PONY requires.
Coaching Points
Confirm the area is clear and controlled before a warm-up swing. The adult owns the safety check.
Common Mistakes
Being next to bat does not make an occupied area safe to swing in.
Alternative Considerations
The coach can use a no-swing waiting routine as a coaching choice without calling it a national ban.
Rules/safety: protective