Rally Cap and T-Ball Division
Blast Ball
& Mini-Tad Is now the new Rally Cap Program
Welcome coaches and parents to the 2010 season.
The Vernon and District Baseball Association is excited to announce the Rally Cap Program. Baseball Canada launched this program nation-wide. We are pleased to introduce better tools for players and coaches in order to enhance their first experience with the game of baseball. The program sets out a clear guidelines for coaches to progressively teach the game of baseball.
The goals of the Baseball Canada Rally Cap program are:
1. Create an environment in which children and adults can have FUN with baseball
2. Teach baseball skills, rules and strategy to our players
3. Model and teach competitiveness with an emphasis on good sportsmanship
4. Promote increased self-esteem among Rally Cap children and adults
The Crucial Role of Coaches The most important person in the Rally Cap program is the coach. The players look at him/her for instruction, encouragement and inspiration. Assistant coaches and parents take their cues from him/her. Our goals can only be met if coaches embrace them and work to achieve them.
STRUCTURE
The Rally Cap program was developed using existing initiation baseball programs as well as adding other ideas to create some new interest for kids.
In the Rally Cap baseball program, each team will consist of 8 players, meaning more teams could be formed while more repetitions will allow players to improve their different skills.
In Rally Cap baseball, 3 teams will meet at the park at the same time. Two (2) teams will be playing a game while 1 team will be practicing in the outfield.
THE GAME
Each session will last 60 minutes. 2 teams will play an actual game while 1 team will be practicing drills in the outfield area. After each inning played (both teams bat), teams will rotate. The rotation will go as follows: Team on 1st base dugout moves to 3rd base dugout, Team on 3rd base dugout moves to the outfield, the outfield group moves to the 1st base dugout.
At each turn batting, all players will come to bat. The ˝ inning will end when all eight players have completed their turn. Teams will score runs the same way they score runs during a regular game (i.e. touching home plate). Teams will also have the opportunity to earn points or runs on defense (you can therefore earn 8 points on defense every inning). You can earn a point every time you catch a fly ball and every time you throw a runner out at a base. To throw a runner out, you can throw to any base before the runner reaches 1st base. You can only run to 1st base to make an out.
VARIATIONS: You can develop a different point system to reward different defensive plays. (i.e. You can allow more points for fielding a ball followed by an accurate throw.)
There are no walks, no strikeouts, no base stealing and runners can advance only on batted balls. With hitting being the most fun part of the game, the program has the purpose of helping the players hit the ball no matter what the skill level. This means all 3 formats can be used:
Tee-ball - encourage all kids to hit from the tee. This is the best tool to build confidence and create successful at bats
Parent-pitcher - this method is not recommended. The difference in height between the coach and the batter causes the ball to drop at the plate. Players at this age have tiny strike zones and parents are to inconsistent. Throwing underhand can still have it’s challenges.
Pitching machine - the machine is the most consistent way to throw strikes. Set at the lowest speed this machine will be mastered by all by year end.
Start the year off with all players hitting from the tee. Introduce the pitching machine to the games and practices in the 3rd week.
Each player can use the format they wish to use depending on their development stage. All 3 formats can then be used during a game.
Each hitter gets a maximum of 5 swings. If on the 5th swing the ball is not hit, a coach will roll the ball to allow the hitter to run the base paths and to allow the defense to field the ball and make plays. When the last hitter (#8) hits the ball, the ball has to be thrown to home plate to get him out.
The batting order will change the next time a team comes to bat (first hitter becomes last, etc.) Defensive positioning will also change the next time a team comes to bat.
VARIATIONS:
You can actually use the volleyball rotation style and proceed with defensive rotation at each opposite batter.
THE PRACTICE
While in the outfield area, each team will practice different drills with respect to the following FUNdamentals:
Throwing
Receiving
Hitting
Base running
General knowledge
A coach’s guide with drills is included to help coaches prepare the sessions. Four(4) stations with 2 players at each station will be developed. Players will rotate stations next time they come back to the outfield.
We highly recommend that you set up your equipment before the start of the session. We also want to avoid players bringing bats and balls. They only have to think about bringing their own glove.
THE RALLY CAP SYSTEM
During the season, the teams will be working on the 5 FUNdamentals of baseball. We recommend that at the mid point in the season the players should have the opportunity to perform the different tasks in order achieve the requirement for that level . It is our goal to have fun!!!. Every player will achieve the white cap level by year end. If the player can not complete the white cap level successfully they can be awarded the hat based on enthusiasm or willingness to compete. All the players that are trying for the Grey Cap level must be able to complete the level successfully. Second year players will also be encouraged to try for the Black Cap level.
All kids are special in their own ways. This program is our baseline for success as an association. Please feel free to add new ideas to your games or practices. Parent involvement is an important part of implementing this program. Start the year off with a parent meeting. Inform them of the program and ask them to be a part of the success. The kids love it when they are involved and it will make your job a lot easier.
PARTICIPANT REPORT CARD
Mini-Tad will host a Rally Cap Day at the mid point in the season. Parents and friends are encouraged to come out and see what the players have learned. Make notes on how the players are progressing. Use this information to set your year end goals for the players and the team.
At the end of the year Mini-Tad will host a final Rally Cap Day. This is were the players will have the chance to prove that they can complete the levels. All of the players testing for the Grey Cap level and the Black Cap level must be able to complete the White cap level. The Grey cap level is optional and the players should be well prepared before testing at this level. Those testing for the Black Cap level should be able to complete the Grey Cap level.
YEAR END
V.D.B.A will host a wrap up party. Coaches will hand out the participant report cards and present the player with a white, grey or black hat.
The Rally Cap Program can be found at www.baseball.bc.ca
Rally CapDivision - 2010 schedule
Tues/Thurs @ Bearisto/Mission Hill/Okanagan Landing schools.
“The love of baseball starts at this age for all”
“Please sign up to coach and enjoy the game like a kid again”
“Please sign up to coach and enjoy the game like a kid again”
Stephanie Kornick
Rally Cap Director
RallyCap@VernonBaseball.com