Quick Link to 8U Registration
Practice will start beginning of April
Game will start first week of May
Practices and league games will be on Monday/Wednesday nights
The 8U softball division is a coach-pitch level using 11 inch softballs. Players begin to learn more of the fundamentals of the game. There is no stealing at this level, but there is usually plenty of offense. There are usually one or two coaches on the field to guide the players during the game. We call it 8U fastpitch even though the coach is pitching so everyone realizes that our league is a fastpitch league and not a slow pitch league. They will learn how to pitch the fastpitch way at 10U and may work on the fundamentals of pitching while in 8U, but coaches will pitch at the games.
8U plays on Monday and Wednesday nights on fields in Ham Lake. They will have alternating games and practices. The coaches meet with the director to help determine the schedule. Games are at 6:30pm.
Players will need to purchase red colored pants, red belt and red socks, glove, batting helmet, and shoes/cleats. The association will provide a t-shirt.
Practices start at the end of April (exact date determined by the weather), games start the first week of May, and the season runs through the end of season tournament the weekend of July 7-8; practices are scheduled in St. Francis but games are held in Ham Lake.
Welcome to the St. Francis Fastpitch Association’s (SFFA) 8U program information page. Many of you may be new to our program or even new to fastpitch. The intent is to give you an overview of what the program is about and what to expect.
The 8U program is the next step from rec league T-ball/baseball/softball.
The intent of 8U fastpitch is to have fun, teach good fundamental skills and if the girls and families like it, move on within the program.
REGISTRATION
SEASON
EQUIPMENT
SFFA 8U FUN FACTS
What are the Goals of the 8U program?
The ultimate goal is the development of all the players as great young sportswomen and as athletes. The focus of the 8U program is to introduce the fastpitch game with an emphasis on fun. We aim to give the girls age appropriate instruction on the fundamentals of the game, including proper mechanics of fielding, throwing and hitting as well as the basics of game “strategy” (i.e., learning to go for the lead runner and not always throwing to 1st base). Ultimately, we want to prepare the girls to enter the 10U program with a solid understanding of the basics of the game. Winning is NOT the goal of the 8U program.
Can I help?
Absolutely! Talk to your team’s head coach. Let the coach know you would like to help and the time commitment that you can make. All parents who wish to assist with practices and/or games are welcome to do so at any time. Bring your glove and jump into the action.
What can I do to help my daughter become a better player?
Practice outside of practice. Just playing catch is probably the easiest and most enjoyable way to help your daughter. Good throws and good catches are central to playing the game well. Talk to your daughter’s coach about what your daughter needs to work on to improve and how you can help her.