The Braves have been in existence for over 25 years with the first “Little” Braves meaning anything on a field smaller than a regular 90′ bases field being around for 10+ years. In 2023, an 8u team was started. We are always learning, adapting and changing as we see fit based on our own failures as coaches, the changes in society and how our vision adapts. Below are some things that we strive to stick to and you can feel free to call us out anytime we get off this path.

Commandment #1 – The Goal is 18

This is #1 because if we do everything the right way, this could and should technically be the only commandment we need. At our very core, the only thing we are trying to do is get your son/daughter ready to compete at the highest level when they are 18 years old. If you join us at eight, we are on a 10-year plan. If its not until sixteen, who cares, we just have less time.

The way we teach the game at our youngest levels in every aspect of the game is the exact same way we do our oldest kids. It may be simplified a bit, but it is not different. We don’t practice different defensive alignments or do things on the bases to entice errors from the defense just because it can work to score runs at a younger age. We see it all the time, but there is only one way to play the game and that’s the way we teach it.

Commandment #2 – Learn Every Position

Yes, there is going to be kids more advanced at certain positions than other kids. Yes, in an elimination game of a tournament the defensive alignment may be decided to give the team the best chance to win and play another game. However, kids will play all over the field at every age. If they want to play in college, they have to be able to be thrown out to any position and have an idea what to do. True story, we’ve heard parents say that a kid should learn how to play a maximum of 2 positions and only play those in games. No, your left-handed kid prob won’t see time at shortstop, but he should still learn and know where a shortstop should be in every situation.

Commandment #3 – No Guest Players Allowed

Full disclosure: It took experiencing this to realize it. There is no reason to use a guest player outside of our organization. If a team is short players, they can have the option of pulling up someone from a younger team if they are available or playing shorthanded. There is no reason to grab a kid from somewhere else to fill in. If a situation arises were something happens last second and guest player is needed, then that kid hits last as the EH or outfield and pitches after all other arms are exhausted. When organizations like NCS and USSSA wake up, they will ban guest players all together and probably win a Nobel Peace Prize for it.