Little League Tryout Preparation

Little League offers youth the opportunity to develop baseball and softball skills, while also learning leadership and teamwork skills. Like most sports, Little League generally requires participants to tryout, and divides players into levels based on age and ability. Levels in Little League include Major League, Minor League, Rookie League and Tee Ball. Minor League is for youth who will benefit from developmental instruction, helping them improve their skill. Major League is for older youth, or youth who know the game and play the game well.

  1. League Preparation

    • Well before the Little League season officially begins, league organizers are busy preparing for the season. Little League is organized by a hierarchy of commands, from the local league, all the way up to International Headquarters. Local leagues must make sure their rules, regulations and bylaws are operating according to the administration's recommendations for all aspects, including tryouts. A membership drive should be implemented to recruit and grow the membership locally. Leagues should clearly communicate Little League opportunities for youth and for adult volunteers. Registration and tryout schedules must be prepared for the season.

    Player Preparation

    • Ask what you will be evaluated on. Even if you have participated in tryouts before, the evaluation can change from year to year, or from coach to coach. Ask your coach or league organizer in advance what you will be asked to do to demonstrate your playing ability. Practice things like batting, running, pitching and fielding ground and fly balls. Maintain a positive attitude. While some criteria will be assessed objectively, such as counting how many balls are hit or the time it takes to run a set distance, other subjective criteria, such as effort and leadership ability, also play a role. Little League players should eat well, rest plenty and try not to stress on tryout day.

    Coach Preparation

    • Coaches need to make sure they are up-to-date on rules, regulations and bylaws; which can change from time to time. Background checks on coaches should be conducted each year before the season officially begins. In preparation for the season, coaches often attend various clinics, training, or courses on subjects such as first aid and Little League Education. If coaches will be involved in tryouts, they should also prepare by coming up with the criteria they will use to assess players.

    Parent Preparation

    • Little League tryouts may be really important to your child. Avoid adding additional pressure to perform on your child. Instead, help your child prepare by supporting them in practice leading up to tryouts. Properly register and record the tryout dates on a calendar, as tryouts are generally mandatory. Be a positive role model for your child and take on the role of a motivational coach when it comes to preparing for tryouts.