Rookies Quickball (Ages 4-5)
Quickball teaches the (Fun)damentals of baseball by combining skills & sandlot fun.
Introduction: Quickball is designed for diamond sport rookies, introducing the youngest players to the game. It brings more activity and less standing around for the children. Quickball provides a positive experience for entry level players and their families to fall in love with the game.
What to expect
- Learn the fundamentals - Foot cutouts, position cards and curriculum teach rookies the basics.
- Master your skills - Skill stations are the perfect platform to show your diamond prowess.
- Fast-paced play - Constant action keeps players engaged and active while developing confidence & game skills.
Parent/players can expect an 8-10 week program over the course of the regular season which extends from April to June. Each session will last one hour. There are no practices. Runs and game scores are not counted. There are no division standings, playoffs or All-star tournament play at the end of the season.
Rookie Quickball consists of all League Age 4 players and any first time League Age 5 players to East Side Little League.
Quickball's benefits
- Play it anywhere - Whether it’s the backyard, an open field or a local beach, take your gear wherever you go.
- Make it accessible - It does not require gloves or large rosters, creating more opportunities for players of all skill levels to get involved with the game.
- Enjoy instruction - The sport is also easy to coach — an especially important note for those new volunteer coaches that are interested but wary of the knowledge required.
Quickball vs. Tee Ball
SIMILARITIES
| Quickball | Tee Ball |
|---|---|
| Recommended for ages 4-5 | Recommended for ages 4-5 |
| One field official needed for each game | One field official needed for each game |
| Each batter bats in each inning | Each batter bats in each inning |
DIFFERENCES
| Quickball | Tee Ball |
|---|---|
| Batters bat off of coaches pitching to swing plane | Batters bat off of batting tee |
| Player activity is widespread and constant | Player activity is sporadic and limited |
| Games move fast and involve up to 50 balls | Games move slower and involve only one ball |
| Baserunning rules are progressive. Each batter runs a single, double, triple and home run in each game. | Baserunning rules are non-progressive. Runners advance only one base at a time whether they are safe or out |
| Fielding goals are simple, direct and age-appropriate. Fielders learn the value of getting outs. |
Fielding goals are complex. When runners are on two or more bases, fielders tend to get confused on what to do with the ball once they catch it. |
| Players receive tangible rewards for their efforts in all phases of the game, including running, throwing, catching and hitting. | Players receive no tangible rewards for their efforts in the field or at bat |
| Teamwork is emphasized at all times, rewarding teams in the field and at bat | Teamwork is emphasized only while on defense |
| Players score points in one of three ways: with a base hit, by completing a baserunning assignment or by fielding a ball and throwing it to the proper base | There is no player scoring |
| Rules dictate that players rotate fielding positions and play each position at least once during every game | Guaranteed action at first base only |
| Anyone can score, regardless of skill level | Rules do not allow players to play every position |
| Guaranteed action at each base during every game |
What is Expected from Volunteers and Parent Coaches?
- Parents need to complete a background check by Mid-March. Please check the Volunteer Page and utilize the Volunteer Form. There is no cost for the background check.
- Parents Volunteers should participate in the League Safety Meeting and Coach preparation sessions. Please check the League Calendar.
- Quickball director will be at all sessions on site to help and oversee program.
- Parents on the field of play working with children, must have a background check.
- Parent Managers and Coaches will be given a roster of players with contact information.
- All player information is confidential and not to be given out to anyone or used for any other purpose than to afford team practices and games.
- There will be a mandatory training session in late January for all coaches, and open to all parents.
TEAMS: Registration will drive the number of teams. The Director will divide the census of players into teams of ten. Volunteer Managers and Coaches are then recruited if still needed.
EQUIPMENT: No equipment is required for Quickball. By participating in the program each player will be given a Quickball bat and ball. Cleats are optional.
RECOGNITION: There are no team records, playoffs, championships nor trophies awarded by the League. Coaches should focus on positive reinforcement throughout the season, games and practices. If the individual team managers wish to give the children a small token at the end of the season, they are welcome to do so. There should be no individual MVP or similar type awards.
For further information regarding the Quickball program, please contact Gary Canuso.
