A program for League Age 3 year olds that teaches players the basics of baseball while having fun. Players participate with their adult (or older sibling or similar helper). The batter hits a spounge ball and runs to the base. When the runner stomps on the base a loud HONK is sounded, which kids love. When the defensive player fields the ball they yell BLAST and if this is yelled before the runner gets to the base, the runner is out. Gloves/mitts are not needed because of the softness and size of the Ball. The fear factor of being hit is eliminated from the game altogether. BlastBall has an 8 game season.

Specific skills emphasized:

• Hitting off a tee
• Order of bases
• Fielding grounders

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

A program for League Age 4 and 5 year olds to teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. All batters will hit a tee-ball (softer baseball) from a batting tee and all rostered players present for the game bat in order, whether playing defensively or not. An adult coach is stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players

Specific skills emphasized:

• Eye on the ball
• Throwing and catching the ball
• Fielding grounders then throwing to an infield position

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed primarily for League Age 5 and 6 year olds. This is a machine-pitch league (a catapault style pitching machine is used. By controlling the pitches with a pitching machine, there is more action at the plate and in the field. Fear of being hit by a pitched ball is diminished (it is much like hitting off a tee, only we are introducing timing of the swing). It makes the game safer and improves the playing confidence and ability of all participants. It removes the boredom - which is often the result of either overpowering or inadequate pitching - by throwing only strikes. Fewer errors and greater throwing accuracy are the result of increase in activity.

Specific skills emphasized:

• The concept of an out (not everyone is safe on base, sometimes you get out, and that is ok)
• Getting the timing of the swing right vs hitting stationary baseball
• Concept of a cutoff
• Introducing recieving pitches as a catcher

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Recommended for League Age 7 & 8 year olds. At this level, the kids transition from machine pitch to kid and coach pitch (half the game is pitched by an adult, with half being pitched by a player). Kids are taught proper pitching techniques. Players continue building and refining their fundamental skills while they begin to better understand game strategy. Each game will consist of 3 coach pitch innings with 3 kid pitch innings. LSO is committed to the safety of all our players, therefore, the coach will assess which players have the skills to pitch in a game situation.

Specific skills emphasized:

• Pitching basics
• Catcher basics, including throwing runners out at 3rd (with the SS and LF backing up the throw)
• Not swinging at every pitch (only those that will be hittable)
• Learning how to steal (including taking signs from the coach)

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Recommended for League Age 9 and 10 year olds. At this level, the kids enhance their pitching skills and move to Little League rules. It is at the minor league level that players first experience post-season tournament competition and Little League All Star games with district, and state levels of play.

Specific skills emphasized:

• Advanced Catching
• Stealing all bases
• The defence controling the ball at all times (including the throw back to the pitcher)

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed for League Age 11 and 12 year old players. Little League rules are used. There is an end of season tournament as well as the chance to play in the Little League World Series as part of the All Star team.

Specific skills emphasized:

• Drop 3rd strike
• Advanced Pitching (making sure the player is not balking, however there is no penality for balks in this division)

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed for League Age 13 year old players. The program uses a larger field (50 foot pitching and 70 foot bases). During the season, Intermediate teams play other teams in our Little League district (so some small amount of traveling is expected for games... 15-25 minutes on average).

Specific skills emphasized:

• Longer base patchs
• Longer pitching distance
• Leading off and holding a runner on (and picking them off)
• Balks are enforced

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed for League Age 14 year old players. Junior League Baseball uses a conventional 90-foot diamond. During the season, Juniors team play other teams in our Little League district (so some small amount of traveling is expected for games... 15-25 minutes on average).

Specific skills emphasized:

• Full size baseball field
• BBCOR bats can be used (however USA Baseball bats are still allowed)

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed for League Age 15 and 16 year old players. A conventional 90-foot diamond is used. Senior League offers a full range of tournament play including a World Series. Other area teams are played (including select teams).

Specific skills emphasized:

• Highest level of youth baseball. Consistant with those teams in high school.

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed for League Age 17 and 18 year old players. This is for those gradulates of Little League. The program is players seeking top level amateur play. The Big League Baseball division uses a conventional 90-foot diamond. Other area teams are played, including some local tournaments.

Specific skills emphasized:

• Highest level of youth baseball. Consistant with those teams in high school.

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart

Designed for the player that is ready for something more than the in-house league LSO runs, but is not able to commit to \"full travel\" baseball (either due to financial, skill, or time commitment reasons). Tryouts generally occure in July for the following year's spring season. The Firehawk teams play other area All-Star level teams, and the core of these teams generally form the core of Lakota's Little League All Star teams.

Key Points:

• The core of the Firehawk teams generally go on to form the core of a Little League All Star team.
• Playing other area Little League All Star level teams.
• Can play in local area tournments.
• Generally play other lower level select teams in addition to the Little League schedule.
• Firehawk teams are age specific (there are seperate teams for 9u, 10u, 11u, etc).

Ages are based on the Little League Age Determination Chart