Rookie Sox (9-12yrs)

life-stages

Rookie Sox is about fun, and the mastering of basic softball skills. Rookie Sox supports our young chargers by providing options to assist with the smooth transition for players to Jump from T-Ball to Softball.

These environments and experiences will influence our ongoing choices to engage in physical activity and sport. Variety, enjoyment and skill development are crucial, along with a positive, supportive, empathetic environment that enables us to learn and be challenged at our own individual pace.


 
LIFE STAGE - LEARN
 
FOCUS: Fun and mastery of basic softball skills rookie-sox-744
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
  • Pitching
  • Batting (including bunting)
  • Fielding fly balls and ground balls
  • Base running (intro sliding)
  • Catching
TACTICAL:
  • Simple rules
  • Basic tactics
PHYSICAL (FITNESS):
  • Introduce general physical conditioning
  • Importance of warm up/cool down
SOCIAL:
  • Teamwork
  • Fair play
  • Work ethic
  • Respect for others
  • Dealing with winning and losing
COGNITIVE:
  • Introduce elements of decision making
  • Rules and ethics
     
GAME MODIFICATIONS:
  • Teach all players to pitch
  • Rotate positions
  • Equal playing time
  • Use 11/12 inch flexi ball
  • Large home plate and strike zone
  • Limit the number of innings pitched
SESSION PLANNING:
  • Up to 60 minutes
  • Appropriate modifications to suit level of players
  • Appropriate skill progressions
  • High levels of activity
  • Positive environment
  • Emphasis on learning through play
  • Players learn 2+ positions
RECREATIONAL SOFTBALL OPTIONS:  
MODIFIED SOFTBALL OPTIONS:  
 
 

ROOKIE SOX RESOURCES

There are two levels of Rookie Sox:

  1. Novice Rookie Sox – the child has never played before and
  2. Rookie Sox – the child who has a good command of fundamentals & basic game knowledge.

The Rookie Sox Manual
The Rookie Sox Manual is designed to provide administrators, coaches, managers, umpires, scorers and players with some information, guidelines and options to assist with the smooth transition for players to “Jump from T-Ball to Softball". Contents include:
  • Key tips for coaches, managers, parents, umpires and scorers
  • Modified game options
  • Coaching modules
  • Training session plans and templates and
  • Case studies
  • Tips to fuel your game

Download this fantastic resource here for free or purchase one from Softball NZ - $12.

Other free Rookie Sox resources:
 		 Rookis-sox-manual2
Rookie Sox Manual
TEE SOX & ROOKIE SOX RULES + MODIFIED GAMES
rules This resource includes playing rules and modified games suited towards Tee Sox (5-8yrs) and Rookie Sox Sox (9-12yrs).
 
Games and rules have been provided to create a more consistent and suitable playing field across New Zealand for these key age groups. The rules are recommended for you to incorporate in your own leagues. 

Download here


Rookie Sox Skill Sets

The Rookie Sox skills sets have been developed to help coaches identify and develop technical, tactical, strategy and game knowledge skills appropriate for this age group. You can also give this resource to your players to enhance your understanding of what they do know…and more importantly, what they don’t know!

 

Rookie Sox Pitching & Catching Programme

Softball New Zealand has developed a National Pitching & Catching Programme targeting the under 13 (Rookie Sox),  age groups. The programme aligns with the National Player & Coach Development Pathway. For more information on the Rookie Sox Pitching & Catching Programme click here.

 


ROOKIE SOX COACH ACCREDITATION
 

Foundation Coach - Stage 3, Phase 1
Phase 1 is about sharing your knowledge and experience, making softball fun and giving everyone a go.
The foundation coach will play an important role in making sure players learn to enjoy softball and other physical activities. Phase 1 is designed to help you as the coach get started in coaching. It covers basic yet important information to help the coach understand individuals and the team through the fundamentals.


 
t-ball-unit.jpg Coach T-Ball Unit - $10.00
For T-Ball Coaches, Parents or Teachers

The Coach T-Ball Unit is the first step on the Softball New Zealand Coach Pathway. The 1 hour practical unit is ideal for someone with little or no experience of coaching who wants to learn how to teach T-Ball to children. The unit provides information on basic coaching guidelines and skills and drills specifically for T-Ball.

Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition.


 
U13-Rookie.jpg U13 Rookie Sox Pitching & Catching Module - $10.00
For Beginning Coaches, Parents or Teachers 

This coaching module is a 1 hour session designed for coaches who are in transition from T-Ball to real softball.

Learn how to coach your U11/U13 beginner pitchers and catchers.

Bring a ball and glove along and 'have a go' at both these key positions.

Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition.


 
Induction-unit.jpg Induction Unit - Fundamental Softball Skills - $15.00
For Beginning Coaches & Parents

A 2 1/2 hour theory & practical course for beginning coaches, parents, players or teachers of all age grades providing information on fundamental softball skills of pitching, catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and running, basic coaching principles, basic rules and some training ideas.

Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition.

 
Induction-unit For Primary, Intermediate or Secondary School Teachers - FREE

A 1 1/2 hour practical course for TEACHERS wanting to know the basic fundamentals of SOFTBALL.

This unit covers off equipment; playing positions; batting order; pitching; catching; throwing; fielding; hitting & bunting; base running; basic game strategy; softball jargon; correcting common errors & simple rules.

This is a FREE COURSE FOR TEACHERS. Participants receive accreditation, a certificate of recognition and the workshop booklet will be forwarded by email.

 
ONLINE COACH ACCREDITATION
Phase 1 of the Softball New Zealand Coach Accreditation Programme is available online with additional modules to be added. To access the online format please register for a login and password by emailing SNZ.