Intermediate Curriculum (Ages 7–9)

Building Skills, Strategy, and Confidence

As players grow, so does their capacity for understanding the game. The Intermediate program introduces more advanced baseball concepts while reinforcing fundamentals. Players at this level start learning situational awareness, mechanical refinement, and positional responsibility — all within an upbeat, encouraging environment.

🧠 Game Awareness & Rules

Players build on their foundational knowledge by learning how to think through plays and understand more advanced rules:

  • Understanding force outs vs. tag plays
  • Learning when and how to tag up on fly balls
  • Making smarter decisions through baserunning fundamentals and situational drills

💪 Throwing Mechanics

Throwing becomes more precise as we introduce new grips and motion concepts:

  • Introduction to the four-seam grip for consistent, straight throws
  • Repeating proper form: point the front shoulder, step, and release
  • Generating momentum and following through for power and accuracy

🧤 Catching & Fielding Skills

Fielding and catching drills focus on improving reaction time, glove work, and coordination:

  • Catching both thrown and hit balls
  • Learning "fingers up" for fly balls and "fingers down" for grounders
  • Using two hands and watching the ball all the way into the glove
  • Fielding forehands and backhands
  • Underhand flips for short throws
  • First base basics – receiving throws, footwork, and stretch technique
  • Crossover and drop steps for outfield movement and tracking

⚾ Hitting Development

We introduce bat selection, technique, and structured drills to build consistent hitters:

  • How to choose the right bat for size and strength
  • Ensuring a proper grip and stance
  • Tracking and hitting pitched balls with confidence
  • Drills to improve swing mechanics:
    • Tee work
    • Soft toss
    • Short toss

📍 Positional Play & Team Defense

Team strategy and positioning become more important as players begin to understand roles and responsibilities on the field:

  • Learning the names and zones for each position
  • Understanding base coverage responsibilities when the ball is in play
  • Introduction to cutoffs and relays to manage longer throws and make efficient plays

By the end of the season, players in this age group will have sharpened their technical skills, improved their awareness of real-game scenarios, and grown more confident as contributing teammates. We emphasize not just how to play — but how to play smart.

We’re shaping confident, capable ballplayers who are ready for the next level.