PONY Pony — public training pack

Content revision 395b38e1e61ea01acab1 · compiled October 14, 2026.

Public reference only. No account, answers you saved, notes, private plans or review results are stored here. References may require a connection. Follow the current official rules and complete drill setup; this pack does not establish readiness or permission.

Lesson reference

Hitting Mechanics & Plate Approach

What is the main job of the load and stride in the swing? — explanation

To gather and time the body so the head stays still and the swing starts on balance. The load and stride exist to gather energy and time the pitch while keeping the head quiet and the body balanced. They aren't about big movement: the more a hitter moves, the harder it is to keep the eyes level and start the swing on time. A short load and a soft, early stride set up everything that follows.

A hitter keeps lunging forward and losing his balance toward the pitcher. What is the most likely setup cause? — explanation

A long, late stride that drifts the head and weight forward. Lunging almost always traces back to the stride and load: a long or late stride pushes the head and weight toward the pitcher before contact, so the hitter is out on the front foot with no balance left to swing from. Shortening the stride and getting the front foot down earlier usually fixes it.

Where does the power in a good swing start? — explanation

From the ground up: legs and hips lead, hands follow last. Real bat speed is built from the ground up. The legs and hips start the rotation, the torso follows, and the hands fire last, with each link passing speed to the next until the barrel whips through. Hitters who start with the hands or arms have no lower half behind the swing and lose most of their power.

What is 'hip-shoulder separation,' and why does it matter? — explanation

The hips beginning to open while the hands and shoulders stay back, storing energy like a stretched rubber band. Separation is the gap created when the lower half starts to rotate while the hands and upper body stay back for a beat. That stretch stores energy, like winding a rubber band, and releasing it is a big part of bat speed. If the hips and shoulders spin together, there's no stretch to release.

What does it mean to keep your 'hands inside the ball'? — explanation

Keeping the hands closer to your body than the ball is, so the barrel comes through last. Staying inside the ball means the hands travel a tighter path closer to the body while the barrel stays back and comes through last. It keeps the swing short, lets a hitter turn on inside pitches, and still covers the outside corner. Casting, throwing the barrel out early, does the opposite and makes the swing long and easy to beat.

A hitter keeps hitting weak ground balls to the pull side. What is the most common cause? — explanation

Rolling the top hand over at contact. Rolling the top hand over at or before contact turns the barrel down and across the ball, producing weak, rolled-over grounders to the pull side. Keeping the top hand behind the bat through contact, 'palm up, palm down', and driving through the ball before any wrist roll fixes it.

What is the main goal of a hitter's approach with two strikes? — explanation

Shorten up, protect the plate, and put the ball in play. With two strikes the goal shifts from doing damage to competing: shorten the swing, choke up, widen the base, expand the zone, and put the ball in play. Making the defense field it, or fouling off tough pitches until you get a mistake, is a win. Trying to drive every two-strike pitch leads to strikeouts.

With two strikes, a batter squares to bunt and pushes the bunt foul. What is the result? — explanation

The batter is out: a foul bunt with two strikes is strike three. A bunt attempt that goes foul with two strikes is a strikeout: unlike a normal foul ball, it does not just leave the count at two strikes. That's exactly why bunting is off the table with two strikes: it hands the at-bat away on a foul. (As always, confirm the exact rule wording against the current rulebook.)

Runner on second, no outs, and the team needs to move him to third. For a right-handed hitter, what's the productive contact? — explanation

A ground ball to the right side (the opposite field), advancing the runner to third. A ground ball to the right side moves the runner from second to third even if the hitter is thrown out, because the runner advances behind the play. For a righty that usually means going the other way with an outside pitch. Pulling the ball to the left side keeps the runner at second: the shortstop and third baseman are right there in front of him.

What is the most important thing on a sacrifice bunt? — explanation

Getting the bat out early, staying on top of the ball, and keeping the bunt on the ground in fair territory. A sacrifice succeeds when the bunt stays on the ground and forces a defender to field it, so squaring early, keeping the bat on top of the ball, and giving with the hands to deaden it are what matter. A popped-up bunt is the worst outcome (easy out, maybe a double play), and a bunt straight to the pitcher is the easiest play to make on the lead runner.

In a hitter's count like 2-0 or 3-1, what's the smart approach? — explanation

Be selective: hunt a specific pitch you can drive and take anything else. In a hitter's count the pitcher has to come to the zone, so the hitter holds the advantage. The smart move is to be selectively aggressive: look for one pitch in a spot you can drive and take everything else. Swinging at anything close hands the advantage back; taking automatically wastes the best pitch you may see all at-bat.

What does it mean to be 'selectively aggressive' at the plate? — explanation

Look to attack a pitch you can drive while being disciplined enough to lay off pitches you can't. Selectively aggressive means a hitter is ready and looking to swing, but only at a pitch in a spot he can drive. It blends aggression (attack your pitch) with discipline (lay off the rest). It's the approach that avoids both extremes: passively taking good pitches and chasing bad ones.

Public full lesson (connection required)

Situational Defense Reference

With one out and a runner on first, what should every infielder tell themselves before the pitch? — explanation

The number of outs and where I'll go with the ball if it comes to me. The number of outs and where the ball goes, for example: 'One out, double-play depth, turn two if I can; if I can't, take the sure out at first.' Saying it pre-pitch means no hesitation when the ball is hit.

Two fielders converge on a pop-up and both call for it. Who yields, and what do they do? — explanation

The lower-priority fielder yields, yells 'Take it!', and clears out of the way. The lower-priority fielder yields immediately, shouts 'Take it!' (or 'You!'), and peels out of the way to avoid a collision, then looks for the next job (cover a base or back up).

A pop fly drifts into shallow left field between the shortstop and the left fielder. Who has priority? — explanation

The left fielder, an outfielder coming in beats an infielder going back. The left fielder. An outfielder coming forward takes priority over an infielder drifting back, because catching the ball moving in is far easier and safer than reaching back over the shoulder.

Runners on first and second, one out, the batter lifts a routine pop-up to the second baseman. What is the result? — explanation

Infield fly, the batter is automatically out. Infield Fly Rule: with runners on first and second (or bases loaded) and fewer than two outs, on a fair fly an infielder can catch with ordinary effort, the umpire calls the batter OUT automatically. The batter is out whether the ball is caught or not. Runners are NOT forced: if the ball is caught they must tag up before advancing; if it drops they may advance at their own risk. Catch it cleanly anyway.

Base hit to right-center, the runner is rounding third to score. Who is the cut man, and who backs up the plate? — explanation

First baseman is the cut man; the pitcher backs up home. The first baseman is the cut man. He sets up roughly 30-45 feet in front of home plate, lined up between the outfielder and the catcher, hands up as a target. The pitcher sprints to back up home plate in case of an overthrow.

A ball rattles in the left-field corner for a possible double. Which middle infielder relays, and who covers second? — explanation

Shortstop relays; the second baseman covers second. On a ball to left or left-center, the shortstop goes out as the relay man to shorten the throw, and the second baseman covers second base.

Right-handed batter, runner stealing second. Under the common default, who covers, and why use a pre-pitch sign? — explanation

Shortstop covers; the sign tells the pitcher and keeps them from both leaving the bag. The shortstop covers on a right-handed batter under the common default. The SS and 2B exchange a sign before the pitch so the pitcher knows who is covering, for a comebacker, a pickoff throw, or a ball up the middle, and so they don't both leave the bag uncovered or both run to it.

How should the covering fielder apply the tag at second base? — explanation

Catch it and lay a low sweep tag down in front of the bag. Straddle or clear the front edge of the bag, catch the throw, and lay a low, firm sweep tag down in front of the base so the runner slides into the glove. Don't reach high and don't stand on top of the base.

What's a balk-safe rule of thumb for a right-handed pitcher attempting a pickoff at first? — explanation

Step directly toward first; if unsure, step off the rubber first, then throw. He must step directly toward first base and genuinely attempt a play; he cannot fake a throw to first from the rubber. The safest approach when unsure is to disengage (step off the rubber first) and then throw, because off the rubber he is treated as a fielder.

Which best describes the 'daylight' pickoff at second base? — explanation

The shortstop sneaks behind the runner; the pitcher throws when daylight opens, on a timing sign. The shortstop drifts in behind the runner. When the pitcher, looking back, sees daylight open between the runner and the shortstop breaking toward the bag, he spins and throws to second for the tag. It depends entirely on a shared timing sign so the pitcher and shortstop act together.

Grounder in the shortstop's normal range, runner on first, fewer than two outs. Name the standard double play. — explanation

6-4-3: shortstop to second baseman to first baseman. A 6-4-3: the shortstop fields the ball and feeds the second baseman covering the bag, who touches second for the force out and throws to first base to complete the double play.

Why should the pivot man avoid standing on the bag waiting for the feed? — explanation

He'd be flat-footed, exposed to the slide, with no momentum toward first. Arriving early leaves him flat-footed and exposed to the sliding runner, and it kills his momentum toward first. He should time his approach so he catches the feed as he reaches and crosses the bag, clears to the outfield side, and throws on the move.

A runner is hung up between first and second. Which way do you try to run him, and why? — explanation

Back toward first (the lower base) so he gains nothing if he escapes. Back toward first, the lower base, when possible, so that if he escapes the tag he hasn't gained anything. Run him hard to force a commitment, and try to finish it in a single throw.

How many throws should a clean rundown take, and what does the fielder do right after throwing? — explanation

Ideally one; after throwing, peel off and circle back to back up. Ideally just one. The instant he releases, the fielder peels out of the runner's path and circles back to back up the next throw, so there is always a fielder behind the play.

Runner on first, a sac bunt rolls slowly between the mound and the third-base line. Who fields it, covers first, and calls it? — explanation

The third baseman or pitcher fields it; the second baseman covers first; the catcher calls the base. Depending on the exact ball, the third baseman or the pitcher fields it. The second baseman covers first. The catcher reads the play and calls the base, usually 'One!' for the sure out at first, since the lead runner is normally too far gone to get at second.

When should the defense try for the lead runner instead of the out at first? — explanation

Only when it's fielded cleanly and early, the bag is covered, and the catcher calls it. Only when the fielder reaches the bunt cleanly and early, the covering fielder is already at the bag, and the catcher calls the lead base. If there is any doubt at all, take the sure out at first.

First inning, runners on first and third, the runner on first takes off. Simplest, lowest-risk response for a youth defense? — explanation

Throw through to second for the out (or run him down) and accept a possible run. Throw through to second and take the out (or run the runner down), accepting that the run from third may score. Early in the game the sure out and simplicity usually beat a complicated cut play that invites throwing errors.

In a 'cut' play, who reads the runner on third, and what's the decision? — explanation

A middle infielder or pitcher cuts the throw; throw home if R3 broke, otherwise tag at second. A middle infielder or the pitcher positioned in front of second cuts the catcher's throw and watches the runner on third: if that runner broke for home, he throws home; if the runner held, he completes the tag at second.

No outs, nobody on, routine ground ball to shortstop. Which defender comes from the plate area to back up first base? — explanation

The catcher, he has no play at the plate, so he hustles behind first. The catcher comes from the plate area to get behind first on a bases-empty grounder. The right fielder also backs up first from the outfield side under this lesson's plan; both cover a possible wild throw from different starting positions.

A ball is hit to the wall with a runner trying to score from first. Where should the pitcher go? — explanation

Back up the base the throw is going to, home (or third), deep and in line. He sprints to back up the base the throw is heading to, home plate (or third, depending on the lead runner), getting deep and lining up with the relay so an overthrow doesn't get past him.

Last inning, tie game, winning run on third, one out. How does the infield play, and what's the trade-off? — explanation

Infield in to cut the run at the plate; the trade-off is less range. Infield in (on the grass) to cut the run at the plate. The trade-off is reduced range, more ground balls sneak through for hits, but you accept that to keep the winning run from scoring on a routine grounder.

Two outs, runner on third, close game. Should the infield play in? — explanation

No, with two outs, just get the out at first; play normal depth. No. With two outs you simply record the out at first (or the nearest force), so play at normal depth. The runner on third can't score if you get the third out on the grounder, and playing in would needlessly surrender range and easy hits.

Runner on second only, grounder to third. Is there a force at third, and what must the third baseman do with a runner advancing? — explanation

No force at third; he must tag the runner (or throw to first for the batter-runner). No, there is no force at third with only a runner on second, because that runner isn't forced to vacate. The third baseman must TAG the advancing runner, or throw to first to retire the batter-runner, where touching the base is enough.

Bases loaded, grounder to the shortstop. What's the force situation and the cleanest out? — explanation

Force at every base; cleanest is to touch second (no tag needed). There's a force at every base, including home. The cleanest play is usually the force at second (or home, then first for two), just touch the bag, no tag needed, because every runner is forced to advance.

Public full lesson (connection required)

Catcher’s Command Center

A pitch nips the bottom of the zone on the corner. What's the best receiving action? — explanation

Receive it with the thumb under and “stick” it quietly in the zone. Turn the thumb under so the glove meets the low pitch and “sticks” it firmly and quietly in the bottom of the zone, holding it a beat. Stabbing or yanking the pitch reads as a ball; a calm, controlled catch presents it as a strike.

Where should a catcher try to receive the ball relative to the body? — explanation

Out front, where the umpire can clearly see it. Out front, in the umpire's clear line of sight. Catching the ball deep against the body hides the location and makes a strike look like a ball; receiving out front lets the umpire see the pitch finish in the zone.

Runner on second, the pitch bounces in the dirt directly in front of the plate. Best action? — explanation

Drop to both knees and block it in front, chest angled down. Drop to both knees, fill the gap with the glove, and block the ball in front with the chest angled down. With a runner on second, keeping the ball in front (not catching it) is what stops the runner from advancing to third.

How should the chest and shoulders be angled on a block? — explanation

Squared and angled DOWN toward the plate. Round the shoulders and angle the chest DOWN toward the plate so the ball deadens and drops in front of you. A chest that's flat or angled up lets the ball ricochet away, giving runners a free base.

What most reliably throws out a base stealer at the Pony level? — explanation

A quick, clean transfer plus an accurate, on-the-bag throw. A quick, clean transfer and an accurate throw. “Pop time” is footwork and release, not raw arm strength: a catchable throw right on the bag beats a powerful throw that sails off-line, especially at this age.

Where should the throw to second base arrive for the easiest tag? — explanation

Low: chest-to-knee height, right over the bag. On a low line, around chest-to-knee height directly over the bag, so the fielder catches it and drops the tag straight down. A high throw forces the tag up and lets the runner slide in underneath.

The runner is rounding third and the throw is on its way: you don't have the ball yet. Where do you set up? — explanation

Give the runner a lane and stay off the plate until you catch it. Give the runner a lane and stay off the plate until the ball is in your glove. Under the rules PONY uses (OBR 6.01(i)), a catcher who blocks the runner's path without the ball, and slows him down, gets the runner called safe.

Bases loaded, ground ball, the throw comes home for the out. Do you tag the runner or the plate? — explanation

Touch the plate: it's a force at home. Touch the plate. With the bases loaded the runner is forced to advance, so it's a force out at home: just touch the plate with the ball, no tag of the runner required. It's faster and lets you turn a possible double play.

A high foul pop goes up near the plate. Which way does it drift, and how should you position? — explanation

Back toward the infield: keep your back to the infield. Backspin carries a foul pop back toward the infield, so turn your back to the infield and let the ball drift to you. Catchers who face the backstop end up reaching back over their head as the ball sails away from them.

When should the catcher take the mask off on a pop-up? — explanation

Find the ball first, then toss the mask clear of your feet. Locate the ball first, THEN remove the mask and toss it well clear of your feet. Flinging it early (before you know where the ball is) risks tripping over your own mask while tracking the pop-up.

Your pitcher just gave up two hits and is rushing his delivery. Best management move? — explanation

Call time, slow the tempo, and give one simple reset cue. Call time and slow the tempo, then give one simple, calming cue (a target, a breath, “low strike”). A rattled pitcher who's rushing needs the catcher to reset the rhythm: speeding up or piling on fastballs usually makes it worse.

You're ahead 0-2 on a hitter. What's the general approach with the next pitch? — explanation

Expand just off the zone and make him chase: don't give in. Expand just off the plate and try to make the hitter chase: you're ahead, so you don't owe him a strike to hit. Grooving a get-me-over fastball 0-2 wastes the count's advantage and is exactly the pitch good hitters punish.

Public full lesson (connection required)

Batted-Ball Priority & Relays

A ball splits the left-center gap for extra bases. Who goes out as the lead relay man, and where does the second baseman go? — explanation

The shortstop is the relay; the second baseman covers second for the trail runner. The shortstop sprints out as the lead relay man on balls to left and left-center. The second baseman covers second behind the shortstop relay so a trailing runner cannot advance there unchallenged.

Why does the relay man run all the way out toward the outfielder instead of waiting near the infield? — explanation

To shorten the outfielder's throw, which makes it far more accurate. A shorter throw from the outfielder is a more accurate throw. By going all the way out and giving a big target, the relay man turns one long, error-prone heave into two shorter, controlled throws, and he can catch on the move and redirect quickly.

A double down the right-field line, runner trying to score. In the system taught here, who is the relay man and who is the cut man to home? — explanation

Second baseman relays; first baseman cuts to home. On right-side balls the second baseman goes out as the relay man, and the first baseman sets up ~30-45 feet in front of the plate as the cut man to home. The shortstop covers second behind the relay, and the pitcher backs up home.

When the second baseman goes out to relay a ball in the right-field corner, who covers second base? — explanation

The shortstop rotates over to cover second. The shortstop rotates over to cover second base. The relay man (2B) has vacated it, so the SS fills the bag to stop a trail runner from advancing into second uncontested.

Last inning, protecting a two-run lead. A fly might carry over the outfielder. What is the first move, and why? — explanation

A drop-step back, because nothing can be allowed over his head. A drop-step back. In a no-doubles alignment, gain depth on a fly that may carry over you so it stays in front. Once the ball is clearly short, charge it under control; a safe single is preferable to an avoidable double.

What tradeoff does a no-doubles alignment make? — explanation

A short single may fall, but fewer balls get over an outfielder for extra bases. A single. The whole point of no-doubles is to trade a cheap single (a runner on first) for protection against extra-base hits that put runners in scoring position late in a close game.

A soft fly is falling between the second baseman drifting back and the right fielder charging in. Who should take it? — explanation

The right fielder: an outfielder coming in beats an infielder going back. The right fielder. An outfielder moving forward has a much easier and safer play than an infielder reaching back over his shoulder, so the outfielder takes priority, and must call it loud and early so the infielder can peel off.

The center fielder and the shortstop both track a shallow bloop. Who has priority? — explanation

The center fielder: he has top priority on any ball he can reach. The center fielder. He carries the highest priority on the field and can call off anyone (infielder or corner outfielder) on any ball he can reach with ordinary effort.

A ball is driven deep toward the wall. What's the correct footwork for the outfielder? — explanation

Turn, sprint to the spot, and use a free hand to find the fence. Turn and sprint directly to the spot where the ball will come down: backpedaling is slow and risks a fall. As he nears the fence he uses his throwing-side hand to feel for the wall (a 'wall-check') so he can stay locked on the ball without crashing into it.

The ball caroms off the wall with runners moving. What should the outfielder do with the throw? — explanation

Field the carom, crow-hop, and throw to the relay man. Field the carom under control, crow-hop, and throw to the relay man: not an avoidable long heave to a base. Hitting the relay turns one long, inaccurate throw into two shorter, controlled ones and keeps trail runners from advancing on an airmailed throw.

A grounder sneaks through the infield with a runner on first. How should the outfielder field and throw it? — explanation

Charge under control, get the body in front, and throw through the primary cut man. Charge under control with the body in front of the ball, field it cleanly off the glove side into a crow-hop, and throw THROUGH the cut man chest-high to the right base. Getting in front prevents a bad hop from skipping past, which would turn a single into extra bases.

It's a skipping bad-hop grounder with the tying run trying to score. What's the outfielder's priority? — explanation

Block it with his body to keep it in front, even if he can't field it cleanly. Keep it in front. With a run on the line, blocking a tricky hop with the body (even if he can't field it cleanly) beats an 'olé' attempt that lets the ball get past him for an extra base or a run. A ball in front of you is still only a single.

Single to left, runner on first rounding second toward third. Who is the cut man, and why keep the throw low? — explanation

The shortstop is the cut man; a low throw can be cut to stop the batter-runner from taking second. The shortstop is the cut man to third, lined up between the outfielder and the bag. Keeping the throw LOW and on a line lets him intercept it and throw behind the batter-runner if that runner tries to take second on the throw: a high, sailing throw can't be cut, which hands the trail runner the extra base.

The outfielder sees the lead runner will clearly be safe at third. What should the cut man (shortstop) do? — explanation

Cut the throw and check the trail runner, keeping the batter-runner at first. Cut the throw and check the trail runner. If the lead runner is going to beat the throw to third, there's no reason to let the ball travel: the shortstop intercepts it and keeps the batter-runner from advancing to second on the play.

Public full lesson (connection required)

Team Offense & Base Coaching

In an indicator system, which sign does the hitter actually act on? — explanation

Only the sign given immediately after the indicator. Only the sign that comes right after the indicator is live; everything before or after is a decoy. If the indicator never appears in the sequence, nothing is on and the hitter is swinging away on his own.

The coach flashes the steal sign, then swipes a hand down across his chest. What just happened? — explanation

That swipe is a wipe-off: the steal is canceled. A swipe like that is the team's wipe-off (cancel) sign: it erases whatever was just given. The runner stays put unless a new live sign is flashed. Missing the wipe-off is exactly how runners get thrown out on a play the coach tried to call off.

In Pony play, when does a base stealer with a good lead normally break for second on a straight steal? — explanation

On the pitcher's first committed move toward the plate. With leadoffs live, the steal is timed off the PITCHER: the runner stretches his lead and breaks the instant the pitcher commits to delivering home. Waiting for the ball to reach the batter (the timing used in divisions without leadoffs) gives away the jump the lead exists to create, and breaking before the commitment is how runners get picked off.

On a straight first-and-third steal, what tells the runner on third it's time to break for home? — explanation

The catcher throwing through to second base. R3 reads the catcher. If the catcher commits a throw through to second to try to get R1, R3 breaks home. If the catcher holds the ball or throws back to the pitcher, R3 stays: breaking anyway risks an easy out at the plate.

On a SUICIDE squeeze, what is the batter's responsibility? — explanation

Make contact on the pitch no matter where it's thrown. On a suicide squeeze the runner from third is already breaking home as the pitch arrives, so the batter MUST get the bat on the ball wherever it's pitched. If he misses, the runner is a dead duck at the plate. On a SAFETY squeeze, by contrast, the runner waits to see a good bunt first.

A batter squares to bunt, then pulls the bat back and takes a full swing. Under the standard rules PONY play uses, what's the ruling? — explanation

Live ball: the slash is legal, though risky and sometimes restricted locally. Under the standard baseball rules PONY play uses, the fake-bunt-and-swing is a live, legal play: the swing counts like any other. It is still a coaching decision: the shortened late swing is easy to miss with, and some local leagues or tournaments restrict the play for safety, so verify your adopted rules before teaching it.

As a runner rounds second on a hit to the outfield, what should the third-base coach be watching? — explanation

The ball and the outfielder's arm/release. The coach watches the BALL and the fielder (how cleanly it's handled and the strength and accuracy of the arm) because that, not the runner, determines whether the throw beats him home. The coach already knows the runner's speed from before the pitch.

There are two outs. A single rolls to a left fielder with a slow transfer and weak throwing arm as the runner rounds second. How does this change the send decision? — explanation

Lean toward sending if the throw looks late; with two outs, a good chance to score can justify the risk. With two outs, a runner stranded at second or third scores nothing if the next batter makes an out, so the coach can be more aggressive, especially against a weak arm. The 'don't make the third out at home' caution still applies if the throw clearly beats him, but two outs tilts the call toward sending.

Runner on first. From the rubber, the pitcher snaps a fake throw toward first without stepping off or completing a throw. What's the call in Pony play? — explanation

It's a balk: every runner is awarded one base once the umpire calls it. Under the standard balk rule used in PONY play, a pitcher on the rubber who starts a move to first must step off or complete the throw: a feint without the throw is a balk, and every runner is awarded one base. Coach runners to keep playing until the umpire makes the call, and check local rules: some leagues give young pitchers one warning first.

A fly ball is hit deep with the runner on first and fewer than two outs. What's the first-base coach's primary job? — explanation

Tell the runner to tag up (or hold halfway) so he's not doubled off. On a catchable deep fly with fewer than two outs, the runner must be ready to retreat and tag, or hold roughly halfway, so he isn't doubled off if it's caught. The coach makes that call because the runner is moving away from the ball and can't always judge the catch.

In Pony play, where does the next hitter get ready while a teammate is batting? — explanation

In the on-deck circle: helmet on, timing swings, eyes on the field. PONY play uses a standard on-deck circle, so the next hitter gets real timing swings before his at-bat. The non-negotiables are safety habits: helmet on, proper distance from the plate, and eyes on the field for every pitch, because foul balls and overthrows find the on-deck circle. (Local park rules decide exactly where the circle sits.)

Why do coaches insist the whole bench echo the number of outs before each batter? — explanation

So everyone knows the situation and avoids baserunning and tag-up mistakes. Saying the outs out loud keeps every player and runner on the same page, which prevents the classic blunders: failing to tag up, not running on a force, or jogging on what should be a two-out 'run on contact.' Shared situational awareness is a quiet but huge part of team offense.

Public full lesson (connection required)

Base Running & Base Stealing

A grounder is hit to the shortstop. What's the correct path and finish at first base? — explanation

Run a straight line and run through the bag at full speed, then break down. Run a straight line and run through the bag at full speed, hitting the front edge. Running through is faster than rounding. After crossing first, turn into foul territory and return directly to the bag; if you try for second, you can be tagged. Save the rounding arc for balls clearly through the infield.

After running through first on an infield single, the runner sees the throw skip past the first baseman. What should they already have done? — explanation

Looked to the foul (right) side after crossing the bag, ready to react to an overthrow. Glanced to the foul (right) side immediately after crossing, and broken down under control so they can react. If the ball is loose, the first-base coach yells 'go!' and the runner advances, after reading it, not by guessing.

A coach tells a Pony runner to take a lead off first. Is that legal, and how big should the lead be? — explanation

Yes, leadoffs are legal; take a balanced primary lead you can always get back from, and read the pitcher for a pickoff. Leadoffs are legal at the Pony level. The runner takes a controlled primary lead (a couple of shuffles, no crossover, square and balanced) short enough to dive back on a pickoff throw, then reads the pitcher and extends a secondary lead timed to the pitch. A lead you cannot recover from is how runners get picked off.

With a runner leading off first, the pitcher comes set, then flinches his shoulders and steps toward home without delivering. The umpire awards second base. What happened? — explanation

The pitcher balked, so the runner is awarded the next base. The pitcher balked. In the Pony division balks are enforced under Major League rules, and a balk awards each runner one base. This is why leading off with an eye on the pitcher matters: a disciplined runner recognizes the balk and takes the base he is owed.

What single habit most separates runners who advance on wild pitches from those who don't? — explanation

Deciding before the pitch ('if it's in the dirt, I'm gone') and moving off a balanced secondary. The pre-pitch decision. The key is to pre-load the read: already be committed ('if it's in the dirt, I'm gone') and to be moving off a balanced secondary shuffle, not to start thinking once the ball bounces.

A runner on third sees a pitch hit the dirt, but it caroms directly in front of the catcher within arm's reach. Should the runner break for home? — explanation

No, a ball right in front of the catcher is a trap; only go when it clearly gets past them. No. A ball blocked directly in front of the plate is the classic trap for a runner on third, the catcher pounces for an easy tag. Break home only when the ball clearly gets past the catcher (to the backstop or well to the side), and tie the call to outs and score.

A Pony runner wants to steal second. What is the correct read to get a jump? — explanation

Read the pitcher's first move off the primary lead and break on his commit to home, then account for the catcher's arm. From a legal lead the runner reads the pitcher's first move and breaks the instant the pitcher commits to home, using a crossover first step. The catcher's arm strength and pop time set how big a jump is needed. Leaving early risks a pickoff, so the jump comes from the read, not from cheating.

A runner stealing second slides head-first and is called out for an illegal slide, even though he beat the tag. What most likely happened? — explanation

His league has a local rule restricting head-first slides to diving back only. Head-first sliding rules vary by league. Under Major League rules a head-first slide is legal, but many local PONY leagues restrict head-first slides to diving back to a base, so a head-first slide to advance is called out. Confirm your league's adopted rule, and when in doubt teach a bent-leg pop-up slide, which is also faster to recover from on an overthrow.

A runner on third tags and breaks for home the moment the outfielder bobbles the catch, before securing it. The defense argues he left early. Who's right? — explanation

The runner: you may legally leave on the fielder's first touch, even on a bobble. The runner is right. On a fly ball a runner may legally leave the moment the ball is first touched by a fielder, even if it's bobbled and not yet secured. Waiting for the 'secured' catch actually costs the runner time on a sacrifice fly.

One out, runner on second, a sharp line drive is hit to the shortstop's left. What should the runner do? — explanation

Freeze and read it, a line drive can be caught and double you off. Freeze and read it. A line drive can be caught for an out, and a runner who breaks on contact gets doubled off easily. Read whether it's caught or clearly through, then advance, unlike a fly ball (tag) or a ground ball (run), a liner demands a momentary freeze.

You're caught in a rundown between first and second, with a teammate on third. What's your primary objective? — explanation

Force the defense to throw the ball as much as possible, sprint at the fielder with the ball, change direction late. Force the defense to throw the ball as many times as possible, each throw risks an error, and staying alive lets the runner on third (and the trail runner) advance. Achieve it by sprinting hard at the fielder holding the ball to force an early throw, changing direction late, and avoiding the tag.

During a rundown with no force play, the trail runner advances and ends up on the same base as the lead runner. The defense tags both. Who's out? — explanation

The trail runner: the lead runner owns the base; advance only as far as is safe. The trail runner is out (the lead runner is entitled to that base; this isn't a force). The lesson: the trail runner should advance only as far as is safe and must know which base the lead runner owns, over-advancing onto an occupied base turns one out into a giveaway.

Public full lesson (connection required)

Pitching: Grips, Mechanics & Strategy

Section 01

The Grips

Fastballs and a changeup are the foundation. Players aged 11 or 12 in Pony 14U should avoid the slider and other breaking balls under Pitch Smart guidance; a qualified coach may consider a breaking ball only for an age-appropriate older player. Tap a pitch to load it into the Grip Explorer.

Grip Explorer

Fastball

Expected Movement
Velocity Difference

Velocity figures are general, approximate ranges relative to your own four-seam fastball, not fixed numbers. Actual differences vary by pitcher, age, and arm strength.

Section 02

Mechanics

Work the delivery in order, windup to follow-through. Check each step as you groove it.

Saving follows the selected profile. This module saves one thing: which of the seven mechanics steps you have checked. Signed-in, it saves privately to the selected profile; signed-out, it stays in this browser. The account controls confirm server saves. The grips, strategy, and Q&A sections save nothing. To clear it, use Reset checklist below or clear this browser's site data; a private window starts with an empty checklist.
Set position with runners on

Practice this as a separate progression from the windup checklist below. With the pivot foot touching the rubber, take the legal set position, bring the hands together, and come to a complete stop before delivering. Rehearse a direct step toward a base before a legal pickoff throw. An illegal deceptive move can be a balk, so let the coach and umpire apply the current rule before using the move in a game. See the 2026 Official Baseball Rules, 5.07(a)(2) and 6.02(a) as adopted with PONY exceptions.

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    Section 03

    Strategy

    Common questions pitchers ask. Tap a question to open the answer.

    Section 04

    Arm Care

    The outing that matters most is the next one. Protect the arm before and after.

    The two rules to carry off this page: daily pitch counts are capped by league age, and required calendar days of rest scale with the pitches thrown. At ages 13-14 the daily maximum is 95 pitches; a league-age 11 or 12 player in Pony 14U follows the 85-pitch row. Both age rows use 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 days of rest as the day's count climbs through 20, 35, 50, and 65 pitches (published PONY pitching rules; local leagues may cap lower). Stop throwing and seek evaluation for any arm pain rather than pitching through it.

    Arm care is its own module

    Warm-up and long-toss progressions, post-outing recovery, the full pitch-count and rest table, the kinetic chain, and workload red flags all live in Arm Strengthening & Injury Prevention, the single source of truth for keeping the arm healthy.

    Open Arm Strengthening & Injury Prevention →

    Public full lesson (connection required)

    Arm Strengthening & Injury Prevention

    During band external rotations, the player's shoulder keeps shrugging up toward the ear. What does that usually mean? — explanation

    The band is too heavy or he's fatigued; lighten the tension and reset clean form. A shrug means the big upper-trap muscle is taking over because the cuff can't handle the load, that's exactly the forward shoulder tracking we're trying to prevent. Lighten the band until the elbow can stay pinned and the movement is clean. With arm care, light and correct always beats heavy.

    What is the rotator cuff's main job when a player throws? — explanation

    To stabilize the shoulder joint so the bigger muscles can work safely. The cuff is a stabilizer, not a power source. It holds the ball of the shoulder centered in the socket so the large muscles can generate and deliver force without the joint slipping. Train it for control and endurance, not for strength numbers.

    There is no universal 'safe maximum distance' for 13-14 long toss. So what's the most reliable rule to follow? — explanation

    Build distance gradually and stop at the first sign of fatigue or sloppy mechanics. Since the research doesn't give one safe number for this age, the dependable principle is to progress gradually within comfortable effort and let fatigue and mechanics (not a tape measure) set the limit. The moment accuracy fades or the arc balloons, the session is done.

    Why do many programs finish long toss with 'pull-down' throws on a line? — explanation

    To groove an efficient, lower-stress release as the player comes back toward pitching distance. Pull-downs bring the throw back to a flatter, on-a-line path that mirrors a real pitch, reinforcing an efficient release. Ending the session this way is about quality of movement, not squeezing out extra max-effort throws on a tired arm.

    Where does the power in a good throw actually start? — explanation

    The legs and hips, then up through the core. Power is generated from the ground up: the legs drive, the hips and trunk rotate in sequence, and the arm delivers energy that was created below. Treating the arm as the source of power is what overloads it.

    A pitcher throws 'all arm' with little leg drive. Why is that an arm-care problem, not just a mechanics one? — explanation

    The arm has to create the energy the lower half should have produced, adding stress to the shoulder and elbow. When the legs and core don't contribute, the shoulder and elbow absorb forces they were never meant to generate. Over many throws, that extra stress is a leading path to overuse injury, so fixing leg drive is protecting the arm.

    Should a 13-14 year old follow a weighted-ball overload program to add velocity? — explanation

    No, research links these programs to higher injury risk, especially for growing arms. Studies of weighted-ball velocity programs show meaningfully higher injury rates (sometimes appearing the next season) and young, developing arms are the most at risk. The small velocity gains do not justify that risk at this age. Build mechanics, strength, and rest instead.

    If light plyo work is used with this age group at all, what should it focus on? — explanation

    Teaching the arm to decelerate safely, with light implements and low volume. For 13-14s, the only safe role for light plyo work is deceleration, helping the arm slow down under control after release. That means very light implements, low volume, and supervision, with zero focus on chasing velocity.

    What's the main goal of a post-throwing 'flush'? — explanation

    Gentle activity that promotes blood flow and starts the recovery process. A flush uses easy, low-intensity movement (light jogging, easy catch, gentle band work) to get blood circulating and kick off recovery. It should feel easy and restorative, never like more training.

    The 'ice vs. blood flow' debate means a coach should… — explanation

    Recognize the science is mixed and follow the athletic trainer or doctor. Because the evidence is mixed, there's no one-size answer. The responsible move is to lean on qualified medical guidance and the individual athlete's response, rather than treating any single recovery method as a guaranteed fix.

    A 13-year-old throws 45 pitches for his rec team on Saturday. His travel coach wants him to pitch Sunday. What's right? — explanation

    45 pitches requires rest days, and his arm doesn't reset between teams, so he needs the required rest before pitching again. PONY's pitch-count chart (Rule 10) says 36 to 50 pitches in a day needs 2 days of rest, so he should not pitch Sunday. PONY's rule covers PONY games; Pitch Smart says to add up every team's pitches, because the arm has no idea which jersey he's wearing. The combined workload is what counts.

    Which is a red flag that a pitcher is fatigued and should come out, even if he's under the pitch limit? — explanation

    Dropping velocity, fading accuracy, a dropped elbow, and longer time between pitches. Falling velocity and accuracy, a dropped or 'tired' elbow, an upright trunk, and slower tempo between pitches are classic fatigue signs. These override the count entirely, a fatigued arm is an at-risk arm, so the pitcher comes out regardless of how many pitches are left on the card.

    Public full lesson (connection required)

    Complete drill instructions

    Dynamic warm-up

    Warm-up · About 8 minutes · 1-30 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Raise body temperature and move every joint before anyone throws or swings.

    Setup: Two cones about 20 steps apart. Players in lines of three or four, all facing the same way.

    Equipment: 4 cones

    Two spaced warm-up lanes marked by four cones, with all players doing the same easy jog in the same direction and an adult beside the lanes.
    Easy-jog phase of the warm-up: spread players out between the cones and keep each trip in one direction. Finish the movement sequence in the steps before throwing. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Easy jog down and back.
    2. Walking knee hugs and lunges down; jog back.
    3. Side shuffles both directions; carioca if the group is ready.
    4. Arm circles small to big, forward and back.
    5. Two short build-up sprints at about three-quarter speed.

    Coaching cues: Tall body, quiet feet. Smooth before fast.

    Safety: No throwing until the warm-up is finished. Players with pain sit out and tell an adult.

    Easier: Walk the movements and cut the sprints. Harder: Add a reaction start: players sprint on a clap from a ready stance.

    Limited space or staff: Indoors: march, knee lifts, gentle in-place side steps and arm circles. No running lanes, sprints or moving lunges; leave room for full arm reach and use a dry, clear floor.

    For this division: Add a second sprint and a short skip for height.

    Related: Lesson 8: Arm Strengthening & Injury Prevention

    Partner throwing progression

    Throwing and catching · About 10 minutes · 2-30 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Warm the arm gradually and throw to a target with a repeatable motion.

    Setup: Partners on two parallel lines, every throw going the same direction. Leave a wide gap between pairs.

    Equipment: 1 ball per pair, cones or chalk for the two lines

    Two separated pairs face their partners across marked throwing lanes, holding one ball per pair before an easy throw.
    Start with easy, accurate throws to a ready partner. Keep pairs in separate lanes; step back only while throws remain relaxed, then finish closer in. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Start close with short, easy throws aimed at the partner's chest.
    2. After several easy throws, take a step back and repeat.
    3. Keep backing up only while throws stay accurate and relaxed.
    4. Finish by stepping back in for a few quick, accurate throws.

    Coaching cues: Point the glove at the target, then throw. Step toward your partner.

    Safety: Everyone throws in the same direction, and nobody walks between lines. Any arm pain stops throwing for that player that day and an adult is told. This is a warm-up, not a distance contest.

    Easier: Stay at the first distance and use a softer ball for new catchers. Harder: Add a quick catch-and-release for the last few throws, still at an easy effort.

    Limited space or staff: Short of space or adults: one line of pairs along a fence, with one adult watching the whole line.

    For this division: Distance can grow toward infield-throw length when accuracy holds; effort stays easy.

    Related: Lesson 8: Arm Strengthening & Injury Prevention, Lesson 7: Pitching: Grips, Mechanics & Strategy

    Catch and funnel

    Throwing and catching · About 8 minutes · 2-10 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Catch with two hands and bring the ball to the throwing hand quickly.

    Setup: Partners about two steps apart on their knees, then standing; an adult watches the group.

    Equipment: 1 soft ball per pair

    Two views of a kneeling player: receive a white red-seamed soft practice baseball in the left glove, then bring the glove toward the belly with the throwing hand nearby.
    Left: receive a soft practice baseball toss with the throwing hand nearby. Right: secure the ball and bring it toward the belly before tossing back. Keep pairs well separated. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Partner tosses underhand to the chest.
    2. Catch with the glove open to the ball and the throwing hand close by.
    3. Pull the ball to the belly button, then toss back.
    4. Move tosses to the glove side and throwing side.

    Coaching cue: Two hands, then belly button.

    Safety: Soft balls for anyone still learning to catch. Keep pairs far enough apart that a miss cannot hit another group.

    Easier: Roll the ball instead of tossing it. Harder: Add a short step and a throw to a target after each catch.

    Limited space or staff: Indoors: rehearse an imaginary catch and funnel with empty hands or a glove, no ball or throw. Foam underhand partner tosses are optional only with division approval, clear separated lanes and adult supervision; never substitute hard balls or throw against a wall.

    For this division: Use real balls and short-hop tosses once catches are clean.

    Related: Lesson 2: Situational Defense Reference

    Tee hitting into a net

    Hitting and decisions · About 6 minutes · 2-4 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Repeat a balanced swing that finishes through the ball.

    Setup: One tee and a net or fence. One batter swings; everyone else waits behind a marked line well outside the swing area.

    Equipment: 1 tee per station, hitting net or safe fence, bucket of balls, batting helmets

    One helmeted batter at a tee and hitting net, with an adult and waiting players behind the swing area.
    One batter holds a bat. Keep the waiting line outside the swing area; stop before loading or collecting. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Batter sets up the right distance from the tee: bat can reach the ball with a slightly bent arm.
    2. Five swings, then the next player.
    3. Waiting players take turns loading balls only when the adult says the batter is set down.
    4. Rotate: batter, loader, waiting line.

    Coaching cues: See the ball on the tee, then swing through it. Finish balanced.

    Safety: Only the batter holds a bat. Waiting players stand behind the line. Collect balls only on the adult's call.

    Easier: Bigger ball or a lighter bat; fewer swings per turn. Harder: Move the tee for inside and outside pitch locations.

    Limited space or staff: No net: hit Wiffle-balls into a fence. Indoors: dry swings with a mirror or partner check.

    For this division: Add a job: call the pitch location before each swing.

    Related: Lesson 1: Hitting Mechanics & Plate Approach

    Front toss behind a screen

    Hitting and decisions · About 6 minutes · 2-4 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Time a moving ball and hit it back through the middle.

    Setup: An approved adult stands behind the tall panel of an appropriate L-screen, with head and torso protected. Toss underhand through the open area above the low panel toward a helmeted batter, into a net or clear open field.

    Equipment: appropriate protective L-screen, bucket of baseballs, net or clear open field, batting helmets

    A right-handed screened front-toss scene on a coherent baseball diamond. The flat pentagonal plate sits between batter boxes, foul lines follow dirt basepaths, and the distant mound is separated from the screen. One airborne ball travels from the open screen notch toward home.
    Screened front toss in front of the mound: align the tossing hand toward home plate. Protect the head and torso behind the tall panel and use the open area above the low panel, never the mesh. Keep the bucket behind the screen. One airborne ball is shown; both foul lines follow dirt basepaths. Stop before collecting balls. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Adult shows the ball, then tosses firmly and underhand.
    2. Batter hits the ball back up the middle.
    3. Five swings per turn, then rotate.
    4. Adult stops tossing while balls are being collected.

    Coaching cue: Hit it back where it came from.

    Safety: Only an approved adult tosses. Position the screen to protect the head and torso; inspect it before use. One batter holds a bat; waiting players stay behind marked cones outside the swing and batted-ball areas. Stop all tosses and put the bat down before collecting balls. No player stands in front of the net or in the batted-ball area.

    Easier: Slow the toss and use a larger or lighter ball. Harder: Mix locations; ask the batter to take tosses that are not strikes.

    Limited space or staff: No screen: choose Wiffle-ball front toss and use only its specified light balls, or switch to tee hitting. Never use baseballs for the no-screen variation.

    For this division: Vary the toss speed slightly and add a take on bad tosses.

    Related: Lesson 1: Hitting Mechanics & Plate Approach

    Wiffle-ball front toss

    Hitting and decisions · About 6 minutes · 2-4 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Time an easy underhand toss and make controlled contact with a Wiffle-ball.

    Setup: An approved adult kneels beyond the batter's full bat reach, facing one helmeted batter. Use Wiffle-balls only, with no screen. Mark a waiting area behind and away from the swing and batted-ball path; keep the hitting area clear.

    Equipment: Wiffle-balls, bat, batting helmets, waiting-area cones, clear open hitting area

    An adult kneels beyond bat reach holding a Wiffle-ball, facing a helmeted batter with the bat down. Helmeted waiting players are behind cones; there is no screen.
    Wiffle-balls only. Keep the adult beyond bat reach and waiting players outside swing and batted-ball areas; stop before collecting. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Adult shows the Wiffle-ball and makes a gentle underhand toss.
    2. Batter makes controlled contact into the clear hitting area.
    3. Five swings per turn; the adult stops tossing before the next player comes in.
    4. Put the bat down before anyone collects balls.

    Coaching cues: Easy toss, balanced swing. Wait behind the cones until the adult calls you.

    Safety: Wiffle-balls only: do not substitute baseballs or softballs in this no-screen drill. Helmets stay on; only one player holds a bat. The adult stays beyond full bat reach. Keep all waiting players outside swing and batted-ball areas. Wiffle-balls still require spacing and supervision. Stop all swings and tosses before collecting.

    Easier: Use slow, predictable tosses and fewer swings. Harder: Vary easy toss locations and ask the batter to take balls outside the target area.

    Limited space or staff: If Wiffle-balls or a clear hitting area are unavailable, use tee hitting with its required equipment.

    For this division: Keep contact controlled and add a swing-or-take decision. Wiffle-ball hitting is a practice-only drill for every division. Use Wiffle-balls only in this no-screen drill; never substitute baseballs or softballs. This drill does not change league game-ball rules.

    Related: Lesson 1: Hitting Mechanics & Plate Approach

    Count and swing decisions

    Hitting and decisions · About 6 minutes · 2-6 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Practice plate decisions: what to swing at with no strikes and with two strikes.

    Setup: Players in a semicircle with bats set down. The adult holds cards or calls out pitch locations and a count.

    Equipment: location cards or a drawn strike zone

    A coach shows a pitch-location grid to seated players; bats are set down behind the group.
    Example discussion: call a 1–0 count and show a pitch outside the strike zone; ask each player to choose swing or take and explain why. Repeat with two strikes. Bats stay down; no balls are thrown. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Adult calls the count, for example "1 and 0".
    2. Adult shows a pitch location.
    3. Each player says "swing" or "take" and why.
    4. Repeat with two strikes and talk about protecting the plate.

    Coaching cues: Early in the count, hunt your pitch. Two strikes: protect the plate.

    Safety: No bats in hands during the talk. This station needs no thrown or batted balls.

    Easier: Only three locations: middle, too high, too low. Harder: Add a game situation: runner on third with one out.

    Limited space or staff: Indoors or in the dugout: call counts and pitch locations; players answer swing or take verbally. Keep bats set down and use no thrown or batted balls.

    For this division: Add the situation and the runner's job for each call.

    Related: Lesson 1: Hitting Mechanics & Plate Approach, Lesson 5: Team Offense & Base Coaching

    Ground balls: ready, field, throw

    Infield · About 7 minutes · 3-6 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Field a ground ball in front and make a controlled throw to a target.

    Setup: An adult rolls or hits ground balls from a safe distance. One fielder at a time; a receiver at a base or a net as the target.

    Equipment: bucket of balls, base or target net, gloves

    An adult, an active fielder and a receiving player arranged for one ground ball, with waiting players to the side.
    Feed → field → throw to the receiver. Waiting players and rotation stay outside the active lane; rotate after the ball is dead. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Fielder starts in a ready stance.
    2. Adult rolls or hits a ground ball.
    3. Fielder moves to the ball, fields it out in front and steps to throw.
    4. Throw to the receiver; rotate fielder to receiver to line.

    Coaching cues: Glove down early. Feet to the target, then throw.

    Safety: One ball in play at a time. The waiting line stands to the side, out of the throwing lane.

    Easier: Roll slowly straight at the fielder. Harder: Add balls to the backhand and forehand sides.

    Limited space or staff: Small space: short rolls and underhand tosses to a partner instead of a base throw.

    For this division: Mix hit ground balls and add a force throw to the correct base.

    Related: Lesson 2: Situational Defense Reference

    Force out: feed and cover

    Infield · About 7 minutes · 4-8 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Know which base has the force and make a firm, catchable feed to the player covering it.

    Setup: Infielders at their positions with one base marked as the force. An adult calls the situation and rolls the ball.

    Equipment: bases, bucket of balls, gloves

    At close distance, a shortstop makes a right-handed underhand flip to a second baseman with a foot touching second base. Both have left-hand gloves; no runner is in the feed lane.
    Example: runner on first, one out; the force is at second. Rehearse the shortstop’s short underhand flip and the second baseman’s cover without a runner until the feeds are controlled. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Adult calls the runners and outs.
    2. Players say where the play is before the ball moves.
    3. Adult rolls a ground ball; the fielder feeds the covering player.
    4. The cover player catches with a foot on the base.

    Coaching cues: Know the play before the pitch. Feed to the chest.

    Safety: Covering players stay on their side of the base; no runner is used until the feeds are safe and controlled.

    Easier: Walk through with no ball, then use rolls. Harder: Add a runner who starts on the adult's signal.

    Limited space or staff: Short on space: a single base and two players at a time.

    For this division: Add a turn at second where the division's defense lesson covers it.

    Related: Lesson 2: Situational Defense Reference, Lesson 4: Batted-Ball Priority & Relays

    Fly balls: call it and back up

    Outfield and relays · About 7 minutes · 3-6 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Full field

    Goal: Call the ball early, give way by priority, and back up the catch.

    Setup: Two or three players in a line of positions. An adult throws or hits high balls between them from a safe distance.

    Equipment: tennis or soft balls for younger players, baseballs for older players, gloves

    One player calls for a white red-seamed soft practice baseball while a second player yields and stays clear to back up the catch.
    Name the positions and priority before each rep. One player calls for the ball; the other answers, gives way and backs up. Start with soft practice baseballs and stop if two players converge. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Adult names the positions and their priority.
    2. Adult throws a ball between two players.
    3. The player with priority calls loudly; the other answers and moves to back up.
    4. Rotate positions after each catch.

    Coaching cues: Call it loud and early. The other player backs up.

    Safety: Start with soft balls. Players never run full speed toward each other without a call; the adult stops the rep if two players converge.

    Easier: Short, softly thrown balls with one player at a time. Harder: Add the sun, a wind side or a third fielder.

    Limited space or staff: Limited space: short pop-ups with tennis balls in a small area, two players at a time.

    For this division: Baseballs and longer throws; add the infielder going back.

    Related: Lesson 2: Situational Defense Reference, Lesson 4: Batted-Ball Priority & Relays

    Relay lines

    Outfield and relays · About 7 minutes · 3-6 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Full field

    Goal: Move the ball quickly and accurately through a relay player.

    Setup: Lines of three players spread along a straight lane: outfielder, relay, receiver at a base. Lanes far apart.

    Equipment: 1 ball per lane, cones for lanes

    Two separated parallel lanes of players, each with a receiver and a marked base.
    Outfielder → relay → receiver. Keep lanes separate and stop throws before players change positions. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Outfielder throws to the relay player's glove side.
    2. Relay turns to the glove side and throws to the receiver.
    3. Receiver catches and tags the base.
    4. Rotate positions every few throws.

    Coaching cues: Relay: hands up, turn glove side. Hit the chest.

    Safety: Lanes run parallel with nobody crossing them. Short distances first; stop for arm pain.

    Easier: Shorten the lane and roll the ball in. Harder: Add a timer target the group tries to beat with accurate throws.

    Limited space or staff: Tight space: shorter lanes with underhand tosses.

    For this division: Full relay alignment toward the base the lesson names.

    Related: Lesson 4: Batted-Ball Priority & Relays

    Home to first: run through the base

    Baserunning · About 6 minutes · 3-14 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Run hard from the batter's box through first base and look for the ball.

    Setup: Home plate and first base. Players take turns from the batter's box after a dry swing.

    Equipment: bases, cones

    View from behind a flat five-sided home plate toward first base. Batter boxes share the field perspective, and the first-base foul line begins beyond the box. A helmeted runner moving away from home touches first, whose outside edge follows the foul line; waiting players and the coach stay clear.
    Shown: touch first while running away from home. Keep running through the bag, then slow down beyond it and return outside the running lane. One runner at a time. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Dry swing, drop the bat safely (no throwing it).
    2. Run hard, touch the front of the base and run through.
    3. Break down after the base and look toward the infield and the coach.
    4. Walk back along the outside of the line.

    Coaching cues: Run through, not to, the base. Look for the coach.

    Safety: One runner at a time. Runners return outside the base line. Helmets on for running if your rules require it.

    Easier: Start from a standing position without a swing. Harder: The adult calls "round it" or "stay" as the runner approaches.

    Limited space or staff: No field: straight-line sprints to a cone, practicing the run-through and look.

    For this division: Add the turn toward second on a ball in the outfield.

    Related: Lesson 6: Base Running & Base Stealing

    Leaving the base on time

    Baserunning · About 6 minutes · 3-10 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Leave the base at the moment this division allows, then read the ball.

    Setup: Runners at first base. An adult acts as the pitcher and a second player as the batter with no bat.

    Equipment: bases

    A helmeted runner waits with a foot on first while watching a coach prepare a simulated pitch. Home plate is outside this camera view.
    Paused setup before the simulated pitch; this picture does not show when to leave. Read this division’s Base Running lesson, then practice its permitted departure timing. No ball or bat is used. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Read Lesson 6 (Base Running) for this division's leaving-the-base rule first.
    2. The adult simulates a pitch.
    3. Runners leave only when the division rule allows.
    4. The adult calls "ground ball", "line drive" or "fly ball"; runners react.

    Coaching cues: Know when you may leave. Line drive: freeze.

    Safety: No thrown ball is needed. Space runners so they do not collide on the base.

    Easier: Walk-through with the adult naming each step. Harder: Add the coach's signs from the Team Offense lesson.

    Limited space or staff: Any open area with a marked base works.

    For this division: Add secondary movement where the division's base-running lesson allows it.

    Related: Lesson 6: Base Running & Base Stealing

    Tag-up reads

    Baserunning · About 6 minutes · 3-10 players per group · 2 approved adults · Space: Full field

    Goal: Decide when to tag up and when to go halfway on a fly ball.

    Setup: Runners at third (or second). An adult throws a fly ball to an outfielder; another adult acts as the base coach.

    Equipment: bases, soft balls for younger players

    A helmeted runner stands on the homeward side of third with a shoe visibly on top of the bag, watching a deep fly approach an outfielder. The adult base coach stays clear of the route.
    Deep-fly example with fewer than two outs: stay in contact with the base while watching the catch. Leave on the catch when the base coach says go; the shallow-fly read is different. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Runner stands on the base with the outs called.
    2. On a deep fly with fewer than two outs, tag and watch the catch.
    3. Leave on the catch when the base coach says go.
    4. On a shallow fly, go partway and return if it is caught.

    Coaching cues: Fewer than two outs: tag on the deep fly. Leave on the catch.

    Safety: Runners slide only as taught in the lesson and only where the adult has checked the base area.

    Easier: The adult calls "tag" or "halfway" before the throw. Harder: Add a throw home and a decision to stop.

    Limited space or staff: Limited space: runners react to called flies with no ball thrown.

    For this division: Add the shallow fly and the two-out case.

    Related: Lesson 6: Base Running & Base Stealing, Lesson 5: Team Offense & Base Coaching

    Catcher stance, receiving and blocking

    Catcher footwork · About 7 minutes · 1-4 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Hold a balanced stance, catch the ball quietly, and block balls in the dirt.

    Setup: Catchers in full gear, spaced apart. An adult tosses soft balls from a short distance.

    Equipment: full catcher's gear, soft or foam balls for blocking

    A catcher in full gear demonstrates a balanced receiving stance, then a blocking position with both knees down and a white, red-seamed soft practice baseball in front.
    Left: balanced stance and a quiet receiving target. Right: knees down, glove low, chest over the soft ball to keep it in front. Full gear for tossed balls; use short sets and soft balls for blocking. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Stance: feet wide, weight balanced, glove out front.
    2. Adult tosses to the glove; catcher receives quietly.
    3. Adult bounces a soft ball in front; catcher drops to the knees and keeps the ball in front.
    4. Rotate after five reps.

    Coaching cues: Quiet glove. Chest over the ball.

    Safety: Full gear for any ball thrown at a catcher. Blocking reps use soft balls and short sets.

    Easier: Only stance and receiving; no blocking. Harder: Add a transfer and a throwing footwork step (no long throw).

    Limited space or staff: Indoors or without gear: stance, imaginary receiving and slow footwork only, no ball, throw or blocking drop. Keep players apart on a dry, clear floor. Full gear is required before any ball is thrown at a catcher.

    For this division: Add the quick transfer and a throw-down footwork pattern without a full-effort throw.

    Related: Lesson 3: Catcher’s Command Center

    Rundown decisions

    Team situations · About 7 minutes · 4-8 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Half field or infield

    Goal: Run the runner back toward the last base with as few throws as possible.

    Setup: Two bases, a fielder at each, and a runner between them. Start at walking speed.

    Equipment: bases, soft ball for the first reps

    A close, ground-level home-to-third walking rehearsal: a helmeted runner walks toward a receiving partner near third, followed by a fielder holding a ball in his right hand and wearing a glove on his left. A coach observes from foul territory.
    Home-to-third example, walking rehearsal: guide the runner back toward third, then throw only on the partner’s call. Begin with a soft ball; tags are gentle and below the shoulders. Check base distances for your division. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Fielder with the ball runs at the runner with the ball held up.
    2. Throw only when the partner calls "now".
    3. Tag the runner with the ball in the glove.
    4. Rotate runner to fielder.

    Coaching cues: Ball up, run hard at the runner. Throw on "now".

    Safety: Tags are gentle, below the shoulders. Start walking; build speed only when throws are controlled.

    Easier: Walk-through with no ball. Harder: Add a second runner and a backup fielder.

    Limited space or staff: Small space: shorten the distance between bases.

    For this division: Full speed once the walk-through is clean.

    Related: Lesson 2: Situational Defense Reference, Lesson 6: Base Running & Base Stealing

    Situation scrimmage

    Team situations · About 15 minutes · 6-30 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Full field

    Goal: Everyone makes the right decision for the called situation: where the ball goes and who covers.

    Setup: A defense in the field and a group of runners. An adult calls the runners and outs, then hits or rolls the ball.

    Equipment: bases, bucket of balls, batting helmets for runners

    A wide view of a coherent baseball diamond: a coach at home pauses a runner-on-first situation while the fielders discuss the force play and coverage. First is at full basepath distance, with the mound aligned toward second.
    Paused example: runner on first, one out. Name the play and who covers before the coach rolls one ball. Walk through first, then rotate positions after discussing one improvement. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Adult calls the situation, for example "runner on first, one out".
    2. Every fielder says where the play is.
    3. Adult puts the ball in play; players make the play.
    4. Short talk: what went right, one fix. Rotate positions.

    Coaching cues: Know the play before the pitch. Talk to each other.

    Safety: One ball in play at a time. Runners wear helmets. The adult hits from a spot where no fielder is in front of a batted ball they cannot see.

    Easier: Walk-through first, then rolled balls. Harder: Add the base coaches and a second runner.

    Limited space or staff: Short on space or adults: walk-through the same situations with no ball.

    For this division: Hit balls and full base-running reads.

    Related: Lesson 2: Situational Defense Reference, Lesson 4: Batted-Ball Priority & Relays, Lesson 5: Team Offense & Base Coaching

    Pitching mechanics without a ball

    Throwing and catching · About 6 minutes · 1-6 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Practice balance and direction toward the target with no throwing load.

    Setup: Players on a line facing a target, a towel or no object in hand.

    Equipment: small towel per player (optional)

    Two views of a right-handed player rehearsing without a ball: balance on the right leg with the left knee raised, then stride toward the target onto the left leg.
    Right-handed example, no ball: left frame holds balance on the right leg; right frame strides onto the left leg toward the target and finishes over it. Left-handed players reverse the sides. Move slowly with adult feedback. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Balance position, hold for a count of two.
    2. Stride toward the target and finish over the front leg.
    3. Repeat slowly; the adult checks direction.
    4. Talk about one change for next time.

    Coaching cue: Balance, then go to the target.

    Safety: No ball is thrown, so no pitch count starts. Live pitching practice needs an adult tracking throws and the player's recent game pitches; game limits are not practice targets.

    Easier: Balance only. Harder: Add the arm path slowly with the towel.

    Limited space or staff: Indoors: balance and step slowly with empty hands, no ball or towel. Keep enough space for full arm reach, use a dry, clear floor and stop for pain.

    For this division: Add the full motion slowly with the towel.

    Related: Lesson 7: Pitching: Grips, Mechanics & Strategy, Lesson 8: Arm Strengthening & Injury Prevention

    Closing huddle

    Team situations · About 5 minutes · 1-30 players per group · 1 approved adult · Space: Small safe space (no field)

    Goal: Name one thing each player improved and one thing to practice at home.

    Setup: Players seated in a circle with water.

    Five players and their coach sit in a circle with water bottles for a closing discussion. Gloves, helmets and one closed equipment bag are set aside; no loose bats or poles are present.
    One win and one next step: let each player name an improvement, then agree on the team’s next goal. Remind players to report pain or injury and confirm approved pickup before dismissing them. Generated setup illustration; check your field and equipment. Open image for a larger view.

    Steps:

    1. Each player names one thing that went well.
    2. Coach names one team goal for next time.
    3. Remind players to tell an adult about any pain or injury.
    4. Collect equipment together.

    Coaching cue: One win, one next step.

    Safety: Confirm every player is picked up by an approved adult per league policy.

    Easier: Coach asks yes-or-no questions. Harder: Players ask each other the question.

    Limited space or staff: Indoors: sit or stand in a clear circle, share one win and one next step, and confirm approved pickup. Keep bats and balls set down.

    For this division: Link the goal to the next lesson in the dugout.

    Complete Rules and sources

    Pitching and rest

    Limits, recovery and pitcher eligibility.

    PONY Pitch Rules

    Pitch Count Compliance & Rest Thresholds

    On a Pony bench the manager (not the scorekeeper, not the umpire) owns the count: tracking pitches, mapping rest days, and lifting a pitcher before an eligibility problem exists.

    PONY Baseball Rule 10 uses the Pitch Smart pitch-count and rest chart by league age, but its same-day game permission differs from Pitch Smart workload advice. In Pony 14U the daily maximum is 95 pitches for ages 13-14 and 85 for ages 11-12 playing up. Required calendar days of rest scale with pitches thrown that day: for ages 13–14, 51–65 pitches requires three full calendar days, so a Saturday 52-pitch outing means Sunday through Tuesday off and Wednesday is the earliest next pitching day. A pitcher who reaches the daily maximum mid-batter may finish pitching to that batter before being removed. The figures below are quoted from the published PONY pitching rules: confirm them against your league’s adopted rules, which may be stricter.

    Actionable Management TakeawaysOversight Checklists
    Track every pitcher’s count yourself; cross-check the official recorder each half-inning.You can state every pitcher’s exact count on request.
    Plan the week backward from rest days before you set a rotation.Each pitcher’s next eligible date is mapped on a calendar.
    Know the mid-batter exception: a pitcher at the limit may finish that batter.You know the pitcher must come out when that batter’s at-bat ends.
    PONY 10(E) permits pitching in both games within one combined daily maximum; Pitch Smart advises against pitching in multiple games on the same day, so plan separate pitchers when possible.The legal cap is tracked across both games, and the health recommendation is explained separately.
    Local leagues may adopt stricter caps or extra rest: know your adopted rules.Your league’s local pitching rules are confirmed before the season.

    Coaching points

    • Daily maximum for the Pony division (ages 13-14): 95 pitches per day (published PONY pitching rules / USA Baseball Pitch Smart).
    • Rest (ages 13-14): 1-20 = 0 days; 21-35 = 1; 36-50 = 2; 51-65 = 3; 66+ = 4 calendar days.
    • Rest is measured in calendar days, not games: map it on a real calendar.
    • The rest threshold is set by the count at the start of a batter: a pitcher who reaches the daily maximum mid-batter may finish that batter, then must be removed.

    Common mistakes

    • Letting the scorekeeper ‘own’ the count: the manager owns the pitching plan.
    • Treating PONY doubleheader permission as a recommendation to pitch twice; also forgetting the combined daily count.
    • Assuming short outings need no tracking: low-pitch days still stack workload, and the rest table only protects what you record.
    • Ignoring outside workload (travel/showcase) that stacks on the same young arm.

    Other ways to see it

    • Limits are ceilings, not targets: a 14-year-old throwing 95 every outing is at higher cumulative risk than one averaging 50, even though both are ‘legal.’ USA Baseball Pitch Smart treats these as maximums; many coaches set stricter internal caps.
    • Local leagues may go stricter, never more lenient: your league or district can adopt lower limits or extra rest. Check your local rules: the number you must obey may be tighter than the national figure.
    • Pain trumps the chart: a pitcher under the limit who reports arm pain or velocity loss should still come out. The count is a floor of protection, not proof an arm is fine.

    Lineups and participation

    Roster placement, batting order and defensive rotation.

    Playing Time

    Inning-by-Inning Defensive Rotations

    Mandatory play isn’t a hurdle to clear at the end of the game: it’s a plan you bring with you, written before the first pitch.

    If the league has adopted a minimum-play requirement, every present player covered by it must meet it, and the cleanest way to guarantee it is to chart innings before the game. For Pony 14U, identify any adopted local minimum rather than inventing a national numeric requirement. PONY Rule 9(J)’s two-inning recommendation is for Mustang 10U, not Pony 14U. Record the actual adopted batting-order and participation policy before using it. Beyond compliance, rotate players through infield, outfield, and bench so development is balanced and no one is parked.

    Actionable Management TakeawaysOversight Checklists
    Pre-write a defensive chart for the whole game before first pitch.Every present player is slotted to meet minimum play.
    Get bench players their defensive innings early, not in a frantic final inning.No player is ‘discovered’ short in the last inning.
    Balance development: rotate kids through infield and outfield over the season.No player is parked in right field every game.
    Never create a safety mismatch (e.g., an unready player at a hot corner).Each defensive slot matches the player’s readiness.
    Confirm whether your league uses a continuous batting order.Lineup format matches the adopted local rule.

    Coaching points

    • Chart it first. Compliance is trivial when planned and stressful when improvised.
    • Get reserves in early: innings banked in the first half of the game meet minimums with margin to spare.
    • Develop the whole roster; today’s right-fielder is next year’s shortstop if you give reps.
    • Match position to readiness for safety, then stretch players in lower-leverage moments.

    Common mistakes

    • Putting the last reserve in for only the final half-inning: often just 3 outs, short of many adopted minimums.
    • Hiding weaker fielders and over-playing your best: legal exposure and bad development.
    • Assuming shortened-game participation remedies without checking the adopted rules.
    • Assuming the umpire tracks playing time: that responsibility sits with the manager.

    Other ways to see it

    • What counts varies: leagues measure minimum play in outs, innings, or plate appearances, and definitions differ by adopted local rule. The requirement you must meet is the one your league adopted: confirm it.
    • Win-now vs. develop-all: in a tight game it’s tempting to minimize reserves to the minimum. That’s legal, but a development-first program spreads reps wider; decide your philosophy before the pressure of a close score forces it on you.
    • Continuous batting order: identify whether the adopted format bats the whole roster. Use the applicable national and local/tournament provisions rather than assuming every tournament has the same substitution format.

    Game and event rules

    Check which rules govern your game.

    Game Day

    Game Day Dugout Management & Lineup Cards

    A calm, organized dugout is a competitive advantage: the team that knows who’s on deck and where the helmets are plays faster and cleaner.

    Game-day management is logistics plus discipline: an accurate lineup card, a clear grasp of your substitution and re-entry rules, an honest scorebook, and a dugout where players are engaged but safe. Bring two copies of the lineup, declare substitutions properly, and assign dugout jobs (on-deck, helmets, equipment) so the bench runs itself.

    Actionable Management TakeawaysOversight Checklists
    Bring two legible lineup copies; exchange with the opponent and scorekeeper.Official scorekeeper and umpire have your card pre-game.
    Know your substitution & re-entry rules before you need them.You can explain a starter’s re-entry without looking it up.
    Keep (or assign) an accurate scorebook including pitch counts.Book matches the official record each half-inning.
    Assign dugout jobs: on-deck batter, helmet/bat duty, gate.Every player has a role; bench stays orderly.
    Brief players on dugout safety (helmets to retrieve bats, stay behind the fence).No loose bats; no one in the field of play.

    Coaching points

    • Two lineup cards: one for you, one to hand in. A lost-card scramble is avoidable.
    • Pre-load your substitution knowledge: mid-game is the worst time to learn re-entry rules.
    • A clean scorebook is your defense if a pitch-count or batting-order question arises.
    • Give every benched player a job; engaged kids stay safe and stay in the game mentally.

    Common mistakes

    • Illegible or single-copy lineup cards that trigger confusion at the plate meeting.
    • Improvising substitutions and accidentally making a re-entry illegal.
    • An incomplete scorebook that can’t answer a pitch-count challenge.
    • A rowdy dugout with loose bats: a safety hazard and a discipline signal to the umpire.

    Other ways to see it

    • Continuous batting order vs. standard substitution: confirm which format your game uses. PONY Rule 9(L) permits a starter to re-enter once in the same batting-order position; Rule 9(M) provides a specific emergency exception. Do not invent a universal local batting-order choice.
    • How much chatter is too much: energetic bench talk builds culture but can tip into distraction or gamesmanship. Set a team standard (loud for our hitters, quiet respect for the opponent) rather than policing case by case.
    • Who keeps the book: some managers keep the scorebook themselves for control; others delegate to a trusted parent to stay focused on coaching. Either works if pitch counts are tracked reliably: pick based on your bandwidth.

    Adversity

    Managing In-Game Chaos & Broken Scenarios

    Players take their emotional temperature from the manager: in a rain delay, a blown call, or an injury, your calm is the plan.

    Things break: weather rolls in, a call goes against you, a player gets hurt, or your defense needs an emergency shuffle. Each has a sane protocol. Keep players safe and occupied during delays, address umpires through process rather than emotion, follow injury steps deliberately, and have a pre-thought plan for losing a pitcher or fielder mid-game. The throughline is composure.

    Actionable Management TakeawaysOversight Checklists
    Lightning: stop play and move everyone into a substantial building with wiring and plumbing, or a hard-topped metal vehicle with closed windows. Dugouts are not safe. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming, following the site plan.Account for every player in safe shelter and track the last thunder before a restart.
    Umpires: ask calmly for a rule/clarification through proper channels, not judgment-call arguments.You request clarification, not a re-litigation of a judgment call.
    Suspected concussion or other head injury: remove the player immediately for the rest of the day, notify the parent or guardian, and require written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider before any return. If the provider confirms a concussion or other head injury, follow the provider-supervised return-to-play protocol for at least seven days. The coach does not clear the player.Follow California Health and Safety Code 124235 and the league emergency plan.
    Emergency alignment: have a ‘next pitcher / next fielder’ plan ready.A backup pitching/defense plan exists before you need it.
    Model composure; one steady voice resets a rattled dugout.Your tone stayed calm and the bench followed.

    Coaching points

    • Lightning/weather: use a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle, never the dugout. The National Weather Service advises waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
    • Disagree with umpires through process: you may ask for a rule clarification, calmly and at the right moment.
    • For a suspected concussion or head injury, remove the player for the rest of the day; return requires written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider. Stop throwing for arm pain and arrange appropriate evaluation.
    • Pre-decide your next-pitcher and emergency-defense options so a mid-game loss isn’t a panic.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping players in any dugout, bleachers or open field during lightning to ‘wait it out.’
    • Arguing balls/strikes or other judgment calls: it won’t change and it models poor behavior.
    • Pressuring a shaken or hurt player back into the game.
    • No contingency, so losing your starter to the pitch limit becomes a scramble.

    Other ways to see it

    • Clarification vs. judgment: managers can generally request that an umpire clarify or correctly apply a rule (e.g., batting out of order, an eligibility question), but judgment calls (safe/out, balls/strikes) are not reviewable and won’t be changed. The exact conferencing process varies by league: learn your local norms and stay respectful either way.
    • How hard to compete in adversity: there’s a real tension between teaching toughness (‘play through it’) and protecting kids (‘sit when in doubt’). For weather and injuries, default hard toward safety; the ‘compete’ lesson is never worth a hurt child.
    • Resumption & pitcher eligibility: in suspended games resumed another day, a pitcher’s eligibility still depends on required rest: a pitcher who threw heavily may not be eligible when play resumes. Don’t assume your starter can simply pick up where they left off; verify against the PONY rest requirements.

    Safety at practice

    Weather, head injuries, throwing and supervision.

    Coaching practice

    Before practice: the site and the plan

    • Know the field address and where an ambulance would enter. Carry a charged phone.
    • Bring a first-aid kit and know where the nearest AED is, if the site has one.
    • Decide who calls 911 and who meets responders before anyone gets hurt.
    • Keep emergency contacts where your league keeps them. This planner has no place for names, medical details or phone numbers, and none should be typed into it.

    Safety guidance

    Weather and heat

    • Thunder or lightning: stop, and move everyone into a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed. A dugout is not shelter.
    • Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out (National Weather Service guidance), and follow your site plan.
    • Heat: plan water breaks and shade. Stop a player who looks dizzy, confused or unusually tired and get help.

    California law and CDC guidance

    Head injury, fainting and emergencies

    • California Health and Safety Code 124235 applies to youth sports organizations in California: a player suspected of a concussion or other head injury, or who passes out or faints, is removed from the activity for the rest of the day.
    • That player does not return until a licensed healthcare provider gives written clearance. After a concussion or head injury, return follows a graduated protocol of at least seven days under that provider. The coach never clears a player.
    • For a suspected head injury the organization notifies a parent or guardian of the time, the symptoms seen and any treatment given.
    • Call 911 for anyone who is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or having a seizure. Start CPR and use an AED if trained and one is available.
    • Coaching advice: stop activity for chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat during exercise, and tell the parent or guardian.

    Coaching practice

    Arms and throwing

    • Any arm pain stops throwing for that player that day. Tell a parent or guardian.
    • Game pitch limits are maximums for games, not targets for practice. A practice plan never counts as pitching eligibility.
    • Breaks between throwing blocks are part of the plan. Do not shorten warm-up or throw more to fill time.

    Coaching practice

    Lanes, bats and loose balls

    • Every throwing line throws the same direction; nobody walks between lines.
    • Only the batter holds a bat. Waiting players stand behind a marked line.
    • Balls are collected on an adult's call, never while someone is swinging or throwing. Players do not chase balls into another station.
    • Helmets for batters and runners, and any other equipment your rules require.

    League policy

    Adults at practice

    • Drill adult counts are station minimums. Follow the organization's supervision, screening and reporting policies. California youth-service policy requires at least two mandated reporters to be present to the greatest extent possible when adults contact or supervise children (BPC 18975).
    • Only league-approved adults who have completed the required screening and training lead stations.
    • Keep adult-player interactions observable and interruptible: no one-on-one time out of sight.
    • If there are not enough approved adults for every station, run fewer stations. Never leave a station with bats or thrown balls unsupervised to make the numbers work.

    Coaching situations

    Practical examples for planning and managing the game.

    Practice Design

    The 90-Minute Practice Machine

    The enemy of player development isn’t a lack of talent: it’s a line of kids standing around waiting for a turn.

    A high-efficiency Pony practice is built from short, parallel stations rather than one whole-team drill at a time. Time-block the session before you arrive, assign each league-approved, screened helper a visible station with a clear job, and rotate small groups on a timer so reps-per-player stay high. The goal is regular turns for every player, with water breaks and ball collection planned in, not constant throwing.

    Actionable Management TakeawaysOversight Checklists
    Write a minute-by-minute plan and physically bring it to the field.Plan exists in writing before warm-ups start.
    Run 3-4 stations of 4-5 players; rotate every ~12 minutes on a whistle.Each station has ≤5 players and a defined drill.
    Give each league-approved helper one observable station and a brief safety script.Required screening and training are complete; interactions stay observable and interruptible.
    Give waiting players supervised jobs outside swing and batted-ball lanes, such as calling pitch locations or checking a cue. Load or collect balls only after swings and feeds have stopped, the bat is down, and the adult gives the signal.Every station gives each player regular turns, with planned water breaks and ball collection on an adult’s call.
    Close with a team conditioning game tied to one teaching point.Practice ends on time with a clear takeaway.

    Coaching points

    • Time-block on paper; a written plan is the single biggest driver of practice quality.
    • Stations beat lines: four kids hitting off tees beats twelve kids watching one live BP hitter.
    • Coach one cue per drill. ‘Throw to the glove side’ lands; five corrections at once do not.
    • Use only league-approved helpers who have completed required screening and training. Keep every station observable and interruptible by another adult.

    Common mistakes

    • Whole-team drills where 11 kids watch 1: the classic rep-killer.
    • No timer, so the first station eats 35 minutes and you never reach baserunning.
    • Over-coaching: stopping every rep to correct erases the volume kids need.
    • Ending late and losing the field: respect the next team’s slot.

    Other ways to see it

    • Stations vs. team reps: stations maximize volume, but some game situations (cutoffs, first-and-third defense) genuinely need the whole team on the field at once. Budget one team segment per practice rather than choosing one philosophy for everything.
    • Fewer helpers, simpler plan: if you can’t reliably staff 4 stations, 2 well-run stations beat 4 chaotic ones. Match the plan to the adults you actually have, not the ones you wish you had.

    Warm-Up

    The 60-Minute Pre-Game Warmup Clock

    A repeatable warm-up does two jobs at once: it gets arms and bodies ready, and it settles nervous players into a familiar routine.

    Treat the hour before first pitch as a countdown with named segments so nothing gets skipped and the starting pitcher peaks on time. The sequence moves from setup and dynamic stretching, through a throwing progression and long toss, into infield/outfield reps, the starter’s bullpen, and a final team huddle. Adjust the clock to your field time, but keep the order.

    Actionable Management TakeawaysOversight Checklists
    60-45 min: equipment out, dynamic stretch, field/ground-rule check.Field is set; players are physically warm, not just present.
    45-30 min: throwing progression building to long toss.Arms progressed gradually: no one started at full effort.
    30-15 min: infield/outfield ground balls and fly balls.Every position has taken game-like reps.
    15-5 min: starting pitcher bullpen; catcher receives/frames.Starter finishes warm with time to spare, not rushed.
    5-0 min: team huddle, lineup confirmed, energy and focus up.Team takes the field on time and on the same page.

    Coaching points

    • Build the arm gradually: warm muscles and a throwing progression before any hard throws.
    • Time the bullpen so the starter finishes a few minutes before first pitch, not at it.
    • Make the routine identical every game; familiarity calms nerves more than a pep talk.
    • Use the huddle to set one focus (‘first-pitch strikes’ / ‘run hard to first’), not a long speech.

    Common mistakes

    • Skipping the dynamic warm-up and going straight to throwing: an injury setup.
    • A bullpen that ends right at first pitch, leaving the starter rushed or cooling off.
    • No I/O reps, so the first live ground ball of the day happens in the 1st inning.
    • A new routine every week, so players never internalize it.

    Other ways to see it

    • Compressed field time: if you only get 30 minutes before first pitch, you can’t run the full hour. Prioritize the throwing progression and the starter’s bullpen, and move I/O reps into the previous practice rather than cramming.
    • Long toss for young arms: long toss is valuable but should be progressive and capped; an over-aggressive max-distance session pre-game can leave a starter’s arm taxed before the first pitch. Keep it controlled.
    • Static vs. dynamic stretching: current guidance favors dynamic movement pre-game over long static holds; save deeper static stretching for cool-down. Some coaches still mix in light static work: keep it brief if so.
    Sources and review date

    Check the current official rules and written local options for your game. Coaching suggestions are teaching choices.