Why Little League?

Gary, this is fun. I have a travel team that is 10-U and has played both sets of rules in various tournaments. All our players play L.L., too. Without exception, the players and parents prefer "real baseball." The games are fun, and if the execution is there, some runners can be nailed at 3B (on 65' bases). AAU has even dropped the age to 11, when "the fun" begins.

As far as pitching mechanics, I have found that teaching the stretch is easier for the boys to learn, anyway, so when we go to a AABC tourny, our pitching is set. As they learn the wind-up, I encourage our pitchers (especially my son), to pitch from the wind-up w/ no runners on, and the stretch w/ runners (even in L.L. w/ no leads).

As far as the base runners, with leads they learn more agressive base running--which carries over to L.L. as they get some great jumps when the ball gets to the plate.

The fielders, too, learn to have to be on top of things, by expecting that anything CAN AND WILL happen.

Batters must learn disciplin, in that the coach's signs are gospel. Takes, double steals, suicides, steals of home all become part of the game--and the batter better be ready to execute.

Enough wind spent from my sails. I believe teach the kids the REAL game. It is fun!