instructional league 6-8 league set up

Question
Hi martin,
here is the problem I 'm coaching an instructional little(6-8) league team and there is another coach who wants to have his players pitch the first inning( we use a pitching machine thoughout the game)I contend that its dangerous because the players don't react fast enough and they don't pitch from the rubber. Can you help our league clarify this issue.pitching or no pitching? Batting machine Vs coach?
   thanks

Answer
Derek,

Please keep in mind that what I'm going to say is what my league does, and what I have stood by in my tenure in Little League Baseball.

Any players league age 5 and 6 should be in T-Ball, regardless of experience.  However, if there is a safety reason(6 year old can really throw the ball and cause harm), then your Board of Directors can move them to the next level of player.  Our 7 and 8 year olds play player pitch/coach pitch.  The pitcher throws to the batter from 35 feet.  If the pitcher strikes the batter out, then it remains an out.  If the pitcher throws 4 balls to the batter, the offensive coach throws three strikes(no ball thrown by the coach is considered a ball).  If the player still doesn't hit the ball, they shall be declared out.

This helps with developing pitching and to helps the batter, as they have to learn to swing and make contact with the ball.  With pitch count in the upper divisions, it is important to develop pitchers at the 7-10 year old range.  In my opinion, and in my tenure in Little League, I have come to the conclusion that a pitching machine does not accomplish anything, as no one is really developing skills with the exception of the batter(and they need to learn delivery from a pitcher and not a machine).

Once again, this is just the view of myself.  Little League relies on the Board of Directors to establish rules in the lower divisions of play.  I have found that our rules have worked best.  We have tried other alternatives, but have always returned to what has worked for us best.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please feel free to write.

-Martin Hoover