2026 COACH PITCH RULES

2026 VAN WERT YOUTH BASEBALL COACH PITCH RULES

COACH PITCH BASEBALL

(6-8 years old)

1.All players present must play at least 2 innings in the field.

2. A continuous batting order will be used with all players present in the line-up. No out will be given for a batter missing an at bat.

3. Free substitution is allowed.

4. The coach is the pitcher. The ball may be pitched by the coach from 30 FT TO 35 FT AWAY, A SHORTER DISTANCE MAYBE needed to allow the player to hit the ball. In baseball, the pitch will IDEALLY be thrown overhanded.

5. Players will be given a maximum of 6 pitches per bat. All pitches (strikes, balls, and foul balls count to the total).

6. A batted ball, unless it is a foul, is live and in play until the defense stops the progress of the lead runner or unless the ball is back in the adult pitcher’s glove. Note: There are no “halfway” marks on the field. A player cannot call time. (We do not want the kids to hold the ball in the air and call time.) We want the kids to learn how to use the baseball to stop the runners! Once the lead runner is stopped or the ball is in the adult’s pitcher’s glove, The ball remains dead until the next batter.

7. A batter is called out after failing to hit the ball into fair territory after 6 pitches have been delivered by the coach. A player may strike out before the 6th pitch. Foul balls and foul tips are considered strikes. A batter is not out on a foul ball or foul tip, (even on the 6th pitch) unless the foul ball is caught by the catcher or other fielder.

8. Batters are not allowed to bunt or swing easily. Penalty: the batter shall be called back to the plate, and a strike will be called. The ball is dead and runners may not advance.

9. If the batter hits and the ball come, in contact with the pitching coach, the ball is dead and does not count in their pitch count.

10. Throwing the bat will result in a warning. If the player throws the bat again the player will be warned for the final time. If the bat is thrown for a third time the player will be called out. IF at the next plate appearance after the player was called out the batter throws the bat once again there will be no warning, and the player will be called out immediately.

11. Due to the difficulty of mastering the catching position at this age level, it is advisable to have the catcher stand away from the batter (home plate) 5 or 6 feet. Catcher’s helmet and chest protector are required. Shin guards are optional.

12. There is no infield fly rule.

13. Runners may advance a maximum of 1 BASE on an overthrow at any base

14. Runners may not advance on any pitch that is not put in play

15. Runners on base may not leave the base until the ball is hit.

16. When playing with 10 players, you have one player at 1st, 2nd, SS, 3rd, 4 outfielders, 1 pitcher, and 1 catcher.

With 9 players, play with 3 outfielders.

With 8 players, no pitcher and 3 outfielders.

Less than 8 players will be considered a forfeit but may be played for experience with players borrowed from other teams if agreed upon by both teams. Coach pitch teams can borrow from other teams if they have fewer than 9 players. Borrowed players MUST play the outfield and bat at the end of the order.

17. No team shall score more than 6 runs in one inning. No game shall have more than 6 innings. The 6th inning, or the last inning, will be played until 3 outs are recorded (can score more than 6 runs).

18. The TIME LIMIT is 1 hour and 15 minutes, Any inning starting after 1 hour 5 mins from game start time should be limited to 3 outs or a max of 5 batters (per team), whichever comes first, in order to play as close to one hour as possible and get as many at-bats as possible for the kids.

19. There is no ten-run rule. BUT, if a team is up 15 runs after 5 innings, the game is over unless the team losing wants to play another inning for practice if time allows.

20. UP TO 5 coaches total will be allowed into the dugout area per team.

21. During fielding 1 or 2 coaches are allowed on the diamond to help supervise and instruct.

22. During batting 2 base coaches and a pitcher coach are allowed on the field.

23. The coaches cannot physically assist any player during a live ball situation while on the field.

24. The home team is responsible for keeping the score book. The guest team can choose to keep or not keep one.

25. Players should be coached to slide into all bases except first. Headfirst slides are not permitted. If a player violates either of these rules, he should not be called out but reminded of the rule at the time.

26. Players may not slide into first base. Ensure players understand how to run through first base.

27. Players should be provided with the opportunity to play both infield and outfield positions in each game. It is not necessary that each player play in every position on the field, however, Coaches should use their discretion and avoid positioning players not skilled enough to catch most thrown balls at first base.

28. THIS LEAGUE IS DESIGNED TO BE FUN AND POSITIVE WHERE PLAYERS ARE INTRODUCED TO THE GAME OF BASEBALL. THE FOCUS IS ON TEACHING THE FUNDAMENTALS, INCLUDING BASIC SKILLS, RULES TEAMWORK, AND SPORTSMENSHIP. COACHES AND PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT LEARNING AND GROWTH, HELPING PLAYERS UNDERSTAND HOW TO PLAY THE GAME WHILE BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND LOVE FOR BASEBALL. WINNING IS NOT THE PRIMARY GOAL – DEVELOPMENT, EFFORT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE GAME COMES FIRST.