8U Coaches Guide
Build consistent softball fundamentals and help players make their first game decisions. Keep teaching the basics to new players and give returning players a challenge they’re ready for.
What to Teach
Use these goals to plan practices and choose the next step for each player.
Hitting
Reinforce stance and grip. Introduce the load, stride, and a controlled swing, using simple terms like barrel and knob. Help players recognize hittable pitches and build confidence swinging against both coach and player pitching.
Throwing
Reinforce a consistent grip, a step toward the target, and controlled footwork from catch to throw. Start with short partner throws and build toward accurate infield throws as players are ready.
Fielding
Get ready before the pitch, move to the ball, and get the glove in position. Practice routine ground balls, tracking fly balls, making throws to first, and backing up teammates.
Baserunning
Practice running hard through first on an infield play, rounding first when there’s a chance to advance, and reading the base coach’s signals. Introduce tagging up and sliding as players are ready. Teach leads and steals according to the current 8U rules for coach pitch and player pitch.
Game awareness
Before the pitch, ask players how many outs there are, where the runners are, and where they’ll go with the ball. Teach when touching a base gets a force out and when a tag is needed. Introduce where to back up and how to help on a cutoff.
Pitching
For interested players, introduce stance, pitching motion, release, and throwing strikes. Give developing pitchers regular, short practice sets. Use one cue at a time to build a repeatable motion and confidence.
Catching
With properly fitted catcher’s gear, teach a balanced receiving position, tracking and catching pitches, basic blocking, and controlled throws back to the pitcher. Introduce where to be when there’s a play at home.
Coaching Notes
First practice priorities
Start with short throws and catches, tee or coach-pitch contact, and ground balls with a throw to first. Have coaches demonstrate the same ready position, movement to the ball, and fielding footwork. Add a simple pop fly as players are ready.
What progress looks like
Look for players getting ready before the pitch, attempting the throw to first, tracking and calling a pop fly, and swinging at hittable pitches. Praise the decision and the attempt, then give one cue for the next rep. Make sure each player gets meaningful turns.
Building toward 8U
Build toward reliable throws and catches, routine ground-ball and fly-ball plays, and more consistent contact against coach and player pitching. Help players recognize force and tag situations, know where to back up, and make baserunning decisions with fewer reminders.
Drills & Demonstrations
Open a drill for its setup, teaching cues, and links to free softball instruction.
Track and call the ball
Time:6–8 minutes. Equipment: Softer balls, gloves, and cones.
How to run it: Start with gentle tosses and one player in each clear lane. Have players track the ball and call “Mine.” Add movement and shared coverage once players can track and call the ball on their own.
What to look for: Players find the ball early, move under control, call it clearly, and reset after a miss.
Free video: Beginner Fly Balls — Michelle Moultrie, USA Softball
Build confidence against live pitching
Time: 10–15 minutes. Equipment: Helmets, bats, softballs, and a clear hitting area.
How to run it: Start with a few tee swings or controlled coach pitches. Add supervised player pitching when the pitcher and hitters are ready. Give each hitter a short set of pitches and one job: recognize a hittable pitch and take a confident swing. Rotate so everyone gets a turn.
What to look for: A ready stance, a decision to swing at a hittable pitch, and a committed swing. Adjust the challenge before increasing speed.
Free video: Four Step Hitting Drill — Coach Margo
Catching foundations
Time: 8–10 minutes. Equipment: Properly fitted catcher’s gear, softballs, and a supervised receiving area.
How to run it: Pick one beginner receiving or blocking drill from the video. Use short sets at a comfortable pace and give one cue at a time. Finish each rep with a controlled return throw.
What to look for: A balanced setup, eyes tracking the pitch, and a controlled return to the pitcher.
Free video: Jen Schro Catching Workout
Beginning pitching progression
Time: Short, focused sets. Equipment: Softballs and a target or a catcher in properly fitted gear.
How to run it: Choose one beginner drill and demonstrate it. Start at a comfortable distance in a clear lane. Use one cue for the motion and one target to throw toward. Give interested pitchers regular turns.
What to look for: A motion the player can repeat, pitches moving toward the target, and a calm reset after a miss.
Free videos: Two Beginner Softball Pitching Drills — Coach D Rubin
Sample Practice
75-minute sample practice
0–5 min: Share one fielding goal and one hitting goal.
5–15 min: Warm up with partner target throws. Start close and build distance as players make accurate throws and catches.
15–45 min: Rotate through three 10-minute stations: field and choose a base, tee contact and run through first, and track and call the ball.
45–60 min: Practice hitting against controlled coach pitches. Add supervised player pitching when players are ready.
60–70 min: Run the bases using current 8U rules. Walk through one force play and one tag play.
70–75 min: Ask players to explain one decision they made. Share the next practice focus and clean up.
Station setup: Assign an adult to each active station. Run fewer stations if you’re short on help, and keep waiting players clear of swings and throws.
Division Rules & Guidelines
Use the league’s current 8U rules during games. These skill goals and practice progressions support development; proposed rule changes are handled separately.
