When young people first start playing baseball, parents will have to sign their youngsters up to play in youth leagues. There may be some basic skills assessment, but players usually do not have to try out in order to play at the lowest levels. However, as players rise in youth baseball, they will have to try out to make travel teams and higher leagues. Those tryouts are designed to be comprehensive and fair.
Batting
Hitters will be judged to see how well they make contact and how much power they have at the plate. In many youth baseball tryouts, coaches will have the batters hit against a pitching machine. This will give the batters a consistent delivery, and coaches can reasonably assume that each batter is seeing the same pitch. As a result, players can be judged fairly on their performance. Coaches know that it's not a case of one hitter getting good pitches to hit while other batters get poor pitches.
Fielding
All young players trying out will get a chance to field ground balls, make throws to first base and also field fly balls in the outfield. Players will get a chance to field the ball from the shortstop position. They will be given an array of grounders that will demonstrate the fielder's ability and versatility. They will be judged on the strength and accuracy of their arms. Players will be given a chance to catch several fly balls to see how well they move in, move back and catch the ball on the run. Outfield throwing also will be judged.
Baserunning
Players will be timed in their speed running from home plate to first base. Players will also be judged on their ability to run the bases. Players trying out will be situated at first base and will be timed running to third base. Players will also try to score from second base on a single to right field. This requires speed, the ability to turn toward home and a clean slide.
Pitching
Players who want to be pitchers will be given a chance to throw from a mound. Pitchers will be judged on velocity, accuracy and poise. The latter factor may be the most important when making the final decision because coaches want players who can stay calm under pressure and make key pitches when the game is on the line.
References
- "Play Baseball the Ripken Way"; Cal Ripken and Billy Ripken; 2004
- QC Baseball: Baseball Drills -- Coaching Tips
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