Coach Pitch Baseball – Quick Rules

Coach Pitch is an instructional division. The goal is to teach positions, basic rules, & game flow while keeping players engaged.

Players on the Field

Positions

• 1B (First Base)

• 2B (Second Base)

• 3B (Third Base)

• SS (Shortstop)

• Pitcher’s Helper

• Catcher

• Up to 6 Outfielders

Position Rotation

• Rotate players through all positions when possible.

• Exception: First Base – player should be able to catch throws.

Catcher Rules

• Catcher should wear full gear or at least a face mask.

• Catcher may stand near the plate to retrieve balls and make plays at home.

• Catcher does not catch pitched balls.

Pitching Setup

• Coach pitches underhand or overhand, 15–20 feet from home plate on a knee or sitting on a bucket. 

• Player pitcher stands next to the coach as the pitcher’s helper.

Batting Rules

• Continuous batting order for all players.

• Each batter receives 5 pitches and would then bat off a tee (no additional pitches may be given)

Base Running Rules

• No walks, stealing, or advancing on overthrows

• Batter and runners must wear a helmet while on the field

Game Length

• 4 innings OR 1 hour, whichever comes first

• Visiting team bats first

• No score kept

Game Structure & Flow

• Coaches should communicate to keep the game moving.

• Goal is to complete at least 3 innings.

Early Season

• No outs

• Bat through the entire lineup

Later in the Season

• Begin playing 3-out innings

Optional (to boost engagement) *Coaches must agree on this rule before the game starts.

Teams may agree to:

• Split roster in half

• Half the team bats each inning

Benefits

• Faster innings

• More engagement

• Less standing in the field or waiting on the bench

Coaching Positions

• 1 defensive coach in the infield and one in the outfield

• 1 parent volunteer/dug out helper to organize players and prepare the next batters

Batting Order Tips

• Use jersey numbers in order

• Reverse the order each inning (This prevents the same player from always batting last.)