SMNLL Juniors Development Program (rev. Dec 2024)


Year One: Fall Ball – Building the Foundation

In Year One, the Fall Ball program focuses on helping players acclimate to the full range of baseball rules and the larger field dimensions. This phase emphasizes foundational skills, personal development, and an introduction to key techniques for fielders, base runners, pitchers, and catchers. Players will also begin to understand team tactics and strategies as they adjust to the increased complexity of the game.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Acclimation to New Rules & Larger Field: Understanding the shift in gameplay dynamics with more advanced field dimensions.
• Skill Development for Fielders & Runners:
  • Lead-offs and base stealing techniques.
  • Proper base running mechanics.
  • Correct throwing technique, with a focus on finger placement across seams.
  • Overhead fly ball and popup drills – learning to turn and go.
  • Ground ball fielding fundamentals.
• Pitching Fundamentals (Intro to High School Principles):
  • Safe and proper throwing mechanics.
  • Holding runners and mastering pickoff moves.
  • Key release point principles for effective pitching.
• Catcher Fundamentals (Intro to High School Principles):
  • Safe and proper receiving techniques.
  • Sign giving and communication with pitchers.
  • Roll drills, blocking, and glove mechanics.
  • Pop-up throw-down fundamentals for quick and accurate outs.

Year One: Spring Ball – Applying Skills in a Competitive Environment

In Spring Ball, players build on the foundation developed in Fall Ball, with a greater focus on applying skills in competitive scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on game situations, awareness, and the mental aspects of baseball.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Competitive Application: Taking the skills learned in Fall Ball and applying them in live-game settings.
• Character Building & Teamwork: Emphasizing the development of strong relationships, handling success and adversity, and learning how to perform under pressure.
• Baseball IQ Development: Encouraging players to think critically about the game and improve their tactical awareness.

Year Two: Fall Ball – Advanced Skills and Competitive Play

Year Two Fall Ball continues to build on Year One's foundation with more advanced skills and competitive drills. Players will focus on refining their techniques and begin to master more complex aspects of the game.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Infield Skills: Mastering double plays, scoop and shuffle throws, and one-hopping ground balls.
• Outfield Skills: Catching fly balls with momentum moving toward the infield and executing drop-and-turn cuts.
• Pitching Mechanics: Introduction to off-speed pitching techniques and refining mechanics for better control and velocity.
• Catcher Skills: Strengthening arm mechanics and improving blocking and receiving consistency.

Year Two: Spring Ball – Mastering Competitive Play

In the second Spring Ball season, players apply all that they've learned in a more competitive environment, with the opportunity to practice on a 90-foot diamond (field size used in high school). Players will continue to refine their individual skills while enhancing their understanding of game strategy and teamwork.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Competitive Application: Building on Fall Ball skills in more advanced game scenarios.
• Character Building & Team Chemistry: Emphasizing growth in teamwork, handling success and failure, and fostering resilience.
• Baseball IQ & Prowess: Continued improvement in situational awareness and baseball intelligence, leading to more consistent performance on the field.

Tailored Player Development

While this program provides a general outline of player development over two years, we understand that each player has a unique learning style and pace. Our coaching approach is individualized to ensure that each player’s specific talents, strengths, and areas of improvement are addressed. This personalized approach fosters an environment where players can thrive and reach their full potential.




Coaches Bios

Ron Bolts, Manager
Barry Bloom, Pitching/Catching Coach

Ron and Barry have more than 30 years of combined experience coaching youth baseball on the Peninsula.  The vast majority of that time has been with the 13- and 14-year-old ages with San Mateo Pony league, where they won 6 championships in total.  When Pony ceased operating in San Mateo after 2023, SMNLL Juniors were fortunate to land Ron and Barry to build the SMNLL Juniors program into a premier developmental league for our players and families.