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By age development roadmap

Mental and physical development milestones from Tee Ball through 16U

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TEE BALL (AGES 4–6)

Mental Skills to Develop

  • Following simple directions

  • Staying engaged for short periods

  • Handling frustration when missing the ball

  • Encouraging teammates with simple phrases

  • Beginning to learn confidence through success/small wins

  • Learning “focus cues”: “Eyes on the ball,” “Ready stance,” etc.

  • Basic emotional regulation (deep breath before hitting)

Physical / Baseball Skill Milestones

  • Developing basic hand–eye coordination

  • Learning how to hold a bat correctly

  • Learning throwing mechanics (step → throw)

  • Tracking a rolling ball

  • Hitting a stationary or soft toss ball

  • Running the correct direction on the bases

  • Position basics (ready stance, glove up)

COACH PITCH / MACHINE PITCH
(AGES 7–8)

MENTAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP

  • Beginning to understand effort vs outcome (“I can control my effort, not every result”)

  • Staying focused for longer reps and drills

  • Handling small setbacks without shutting down

  • Using simple self-talk phrases (“I’ve got this,” “Next one”)

  • Learning how to prepare before each play (ready stance + mental checklist)

  • Building confidence through consistent routines

  • Understanding team roles and supporting teammates

  • Starting to handle pressure in low-stress situations (coach pitch, soft toss)

PHYSICAL / BASEBALL SKILL MILESTONES

  • Consistent contact on coach-pitched or machine-pitched balls

  • Learning basic swing mechanics (balanced stance, controlled load, level swing)

  • Throwing mechanics with improved accuracy and arm path

  • Tracking fly balls and learning simple footwork

  • Fielding ground balls with two hands

  • Understanding force outs, where to throw, and simple defensive decisions

  • Running bases with awareness (listening to coaches, understanding when to advance)

  • Beginning to learn proper catching technique (glove position, soft hands)

MINORS / 9–10U

MENTAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP

  • Developing focus between pitches (reset routines, breath control)

  • Beginning to understand failure as part of growth (“next play” mindset)

  • Using goal-setting for practices and games (hit the ball hard, throw strikes, etc.)

  • Handling competitiveness in a healthy way

  • Strengthening emotional control after errors

  • Building confidence through preparation and repetition

  • Learning visualization basics (imagining success before reps)

  • Improving communication with teammates during plays

PHYSICAL / BASEBALL SKILL MILESTONES

  • Consistent contact on kid-pitch (or hybrid pitching levels)

  • Learning proper pitch selection / strike zone awareness

  • Improved throwing mechanics with more velocity and accuracy

  • Fielding ground balls with correct footwork and glove angle

  • Catching fly balls with proper reads and routes

  • Beginning to turn simple double play footwork (force outs)

  • Stealing bases or leading off (depending on league rules)

  • Learning cutoff/relay basics and simple defensive positioning

  • Understanding situational baseball (outs, runners, where to throw)

Majors / 11–12U

MENTAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP

  • Strengthening competitive focus under pressure situations

  • Using pre-pitch mental routines consistently (hitting, pitching, defense)

  • Managing nerves in bigger environments (all-star games, crowds, tournaments)

  • Developing resilience — bouncing back quickly after mistakes

  • Beginning self-evaluation: “What went well? What can I adjust?”

  • Learning advanced visualization (seeing plays before they happen)

  • Improved emotional regulation during high-stress innings

  • Building leadership skills: encouraging teammates, communicating clearly

  • Learning how to shift focus from outcome → process

PHYSICAL / BASEBALL SKILL MILESTONES

  • Hitting with power and consistency; learning to drive the ball to all fields

  • Pitchers developing secondary pitches (changeup, early breaking ball)

  • Improved throwing velocity and repeatable mechanics

  • Fielders mastering glove-to-throw transition and quick release

  • Catchers learning blocking, framing, and throwing footwork

  • Handling more complex defensive plays (cutoffs, rundowns, bunt defense)

  • Reading pitchers for steals; taking proper leads (if applicable)

  • Understanding advanced baserunning strategy

  • Beginning to understand game strategy beyond their own position

Pony/Juniors 13–14U

MENTAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP

  • Maintaining focus through longer, more intense games

  • Handling bigger emotional swings (umpire calls, tougher opponents, personal expectations)

  • Strengthening confidence through preparation, not results

  • Mastering breathing + reset routines after high-pressure plays

  • Using visualization for at-bats, defensive plays, and pitching sequences

  • Learning accountability: owning mistakes and adjustments

  • Developing resilience and mental toughness during slumps

  • Understanding their role within a team system

  • Beginning to manage self-talk during adversity (“next pitch,” “stay loose,” etc.)

  • Building leadership by example — effort, attitude, communication

PHYSICAL / BASEBALL SKILL MILESTONES

  • Increased velocity, strength, and coordination development

  • Pitchers refining command of off-speed + learning situational pitching

  • Hitters improving pitch selection and zone awareness

  • Fielders mastering footwork for backhand, forehand, double plays, and charging balls

  • Outfielders improving drop-step and route efficiency

  • Learning advanced team defensive concepts (bunt coverage's, 1st/3rd plays)

  • Stronger throwing mechanics to handle bigger field dimensions

  • Efficient base-running with reads off bat + pitcher tendencies

  • Catchers developing blocking endurance and pop time improvements

  • Preparing for transition to full-size fields and higher competition levels

HIGH SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT (AGES 15–16)

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MENTAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP

  • Managing high performance pressure (roster spots, tryouts, competition for playing time)

  • Strengthening routines that promote consistency: pre-pitch, pre-at-bat, recovery

  • Advanced emotional regulation during high-stress moments

  • Developing a confident, process-driven mindset (“win the pitch,” “quality reps”)

  • Identifying personal strengths and weaknesses with accountability

  • Understanding game tempo and how to mentally reset after momentum swings

  • Sharpening competitive focus for full 7-inning games

  • Refining visualization techniques: AB sequences, pitch tunnels, defensive reads

  • Leadership development: communication skills, setting team tone, supporting teammates

  • Mental preparation for scouts/showcases (controlling nerves, being present)

PHYSICAL / BASEBALL SKILL MILESTONES

  • Fully developed throwing mechanics with improved velocity & command

  • Hitters learning advanced pitch recognition (spin, location, sequencing)

  • Strength and speed gains impacting all aspects of play

  • Defenders mastering range, footwork efficiency, and high-level decision-making

  • Outfielders perfecting routes, angles, and throwing accuracy

  • Advanced base-running IQ: jumps, reads, pressure leads, timing steals

  • Pitchers developing full pitch mixes + game-planning skills

  • Refining situational execution (hit-and-run, squeeze, cuts & relays)

  • Catchers enhancing game-calling abilities, leadership, and blocking stamina

  • Preparing for college-level expectations and competition intensity

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