Streamwood Little League
Parent Guide: Transitioning from A Ball to AA

Welcome to the AA Division! This season represents a big and exciting step in your child’s baseball journey. AA is designed to introduce new skills while keeping the game fun, safe, and confidence-building.

This guide explains what’s different, what to expect, and how parents can best support players during this transition.

What’s New in AA?

Kid Pitch Begins
AA is the first level where players pitch to one another.

• Expect more balls, fewer strikes, and longer innings early in the season.

• Pitching success is measured by confidence and effort, not strikeouts.

Player Pitch with Coach Support

• Every at-bat begins with player pitch to help children learn and grow.

• If a batter is walked on four balls, a coach will step in to pitch and help finish the at-bat.

• If a batter is hit by a pitch, the player may either:

  • Take first base, or

  • Continue the at-bat with coach pitch taking over

This approach helps keep players safe, builds confidence for both pitchers and hitters, and keeps the game moving while skills develop.

Hard Baseball
Players now use a regulation hard baseball instead of a T-ball.

• This can feel intimidating at first, especially for hitters and catchers.

• Coaches teach safety, awareness, and proper technique from Day 1.

Catcher’s Position

• Many players will be catching for the first time in AA.

• Catchers are responsible for blocking and retrieving balls that get past them.

• Passed balls are expected early in the season and are a normal part of learning.

• Coaches rotate catchers frequently to build confidence, avoid fatigue, and keep the experience positive.

More Positions & Responsibility

• Players rotate through infield, outfield, pitcher, and catcher.

• Everyone is learning — mistakes are expected and normal.

What Games May Look Like Early On

Especially in the first few weeks, you may notice:

• More walks and hit batters

• Slower pace of play

• Inconsistent throwing and catching

• Coaches frequently rotating pitchers and catchers

This is normal and expected at the AA level.
Progress is measured over weeks, not innings.

Why Pitchers & Catchers Rotate Often

You may see pitchers or catchers removed sooner than expected. This is intentional.

Coaches rotate players to:

• Protect young arms

• Prevent fear or fatigue

• Build confidence through positive experiences

• Give many players a chance to learn

Being removed is not a punishment — it’s part of development.

Safety Is the Top Priority

AA rules and practice plans emphasize:

• Strict pitch counts and required rest days

• Immediate removal for pain, fear, or fatigue

• Helmets for all batters and runners

• Feet-first slides only

Confidence and health always come before winning.

All male players are required to wear a hard cup supporter.

How Parents Can Best Support Their Player

What Helps Most

• Praise effort, not results

• Celebrate courage

• Encourage listening to coaches

• Remind players that mistakes are part of learning

What to Avoid

• Coaching from the stands

• Focusing on strikeouts, wins, or stats

• Comparing players

• Showing frustration with mistakes

Your attitude sets the tone

Common Questions

“Why is my child nervous?”
That’s normal. New skills plus a harder ball equals an adjustment period.

“Why isn’t my child pitching every game?”
AA focuses on rotation, safety, and long-term development.

“Why do games seem messy?”
Because learning is happening in real time — and that’s the goal.

The Big Picture

AA is about building:

• Confidence

• Safe mechanics

• Love for the game

• Readiness for higher levels

By the end of the season, most players show huge growth compared to the first few weeks.

Thank you for supporting patience, positivity, and sportsmanship. Together, we help players succeed — on and off the field.