FLBA Philosophy
General Philosophy
It is the philosophy of FLBA to provide a program that emphasizes fun, development of sound baseball skills and healthy competition. At the younger ages, the emphasis will be on the development of sound baseball skills, moving toward a more competitive program at the older ages. Ages 9 -11 are considered “Developmental”, ages 12-13 “Transitional” and ages 14-19 “Competitive”.
Developmental
- Stress sound baseball skill development over competition.
- Coaches should attempt to get players a minimum of 3 innings of play in every league game.
- Coaches should attempt to give players exposure to both infield and outfield positions in game situations (not necessarily in every game).
- There should be more emphasis on practice and less focus on games and tournaments.
Transitional
- Focus on skill development with increasing competition each year from 12 to 13.
- Coaches should attempt to get players a minimum of 2 innings of play in every league game.
- Players should be given opportunities to play many positions, especially early in the year, with increasing specialization each year from 12 to 13.
- Game and tournament focus increases from 12 to 13 but practices should still play a MAJOR role in overall season activities.
Competitive
- No playing time is guaranteed but coaches are encouraged to get every player time in every league game.
- Skill development focused on primary position(s).
- Finer points and refined skills taught in practices. Practices are still critical to player and team development.