Little League Lineup Help

The Little League field is not a place for fierce competition. It is a place to learn the game of baseball, feel like a part of a team and learn to deal with failure. The way you construct the lineup can create a team atmosphere while helping the children to develop a healthy sense of competition.

  1. Speed

    • Tell the team you're going to have a race day. Set up a race and use a stopwatch to time the players. Identify the three fastest players and bat them lead off, second and last. Change their batting position in every game, but keep them in their speed spots. Speed runners are more likely to score. You want that spark every time the lineup roles over.

    Lefty and Righty

    • Pitching wins games, but your batting order can disrupt the other team's pitcher. Switch the hitters lefty and righty one right after the other, if you can -- lead off with a right-handed hitter, followed by a left-handed batter, them a right-hander, and so on. Bat left-handers third and sixth if you only have two. The opposing pitcher may have difficulty visualizing the strike zone with lefties. Don't let him get comfortable.

    Strike Outs

    • Note your hitter's strike out numbers. Bat the kids who strike out the least just in front of your best hitter. Little league defenses are full of holes and can be played poorly. Batters who don't strike out put the ball in play and will get on base. You want them there when your best hitter strolls to the plate.

    Keep Everyone Involved

    • The mind is powerful in baseball. You want to keep the children engaged in a fun team atmosphere, so they'll be eager to learn and contribute. Mix up the order constantly. If your less skilled players feel they are not a part of the team, you'll lose their contributions and that important atmosphere.