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Originally Posted by Rufus
Hey there. I'm a first year coach for an 11U recreational league team operating under USSSA. I believe we are using NFHS rules, where they are not superseded by USSSA or county rules, but am not sure (and have an email into the league coordinator to find out).
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I believe USSA is an OBR based organization, BUT depending upon one's area they have adopted SOME FED rules namely the FPSR and Malicious Contact rule.
Personally I do not know too many 11U leagues that use STRICTLY FED rules.
Also, I do not know how developed these young F1's ( you said 11U) are so I would not "go crazy" about the Balks.
I would simply go over the "no brainer" ones and then later on as the child develops and gets older is where I would work on the pick-off moves and the "other" type balks.
The no brainer ones would be: F1 starts his pitching motion and then stops as he sees a runner taking off for the next base.
You cannot fake a throw to first base while in contact with the pitcher's plate.
Whenever the young F1 does get flustered (until he gains experience) it's best to simply instruct him the proper way to disengage the pitcher's plate (step backwords with pivot foot) That way he is a fielder and can fake a throw etc. without being called for balk.
As far as the "other" balks as previously mentioned I would not worry about these at this young age. It's more important for an 11 yr. old to throw strikes and not walk the ball-park.
Pete Booth