🥎 Little League Softball Divisions

Choosing the right CFLL softball division is about putting your child in an environment where she can learn, build confidence, and have fun. Every player develops at a different pace—there is no “right” or “wrong” path. The descriptions below are intended to help parents understand what each division at CFLL feels like and which one may be the best fit for their player this season.

🌼 Tee Ball Softball

Typical Ages: 4–7

Best for:
Girls who are new to softball and just beginning to learn the basics.

What to expect:

• Players hit the ball off a batting tee—no live pitching
• Focus on learning:
  • Hitting, throwing, catching, and running
  • How the game works (bases, positions, teamwork)
• Short practices and games designed to keep players engaged
• Lots of encouragement, instruction, and parent involvement

Why this division matters:
Tee Ball is about fun first. Players gain confidence, learn fundamentals, and start to feel comfortable on the field in a relaxed, supportive environment.

✅ No live pitching
✅ All skills levels welcome
✅ Designed for first-time players

⚾ Minors – Coach Pitch (Jr. Minors)

(Often the next step after Tee Ball)

Typical ages: 6–8 (some flexibility depending on experience)

Best for:
Players who are ready to swing at moving pitches and learn how the game flows, but still benefit from structured instruction.

What to expect:

• Players hit live pitches delivered by a coach or a pitching machine
• Introduction to:
  • All defensive positions
  • Basic game situations (outs, force plays, moving runners)
• More structured games, but still instructional in nature
• Coaches remain heavily involved to guide learning

Why this division matters:
This level bridges the gap between Tee Ball and full gameplay. It helps players develop timing, confidence at the plate, and a better understanding of the game.

✅ First exposure to live pitching
✅ Instruction-focused, not performance-focused
✅ Ideal for building fundamentals and confidence

🥎 Minors – Player Pitch

Typical ages: 8–12 (with flexibility for younger or older players based on readiness)

Best for:
Players who have basic hitting and fielding skills and are ready to be introduced to player-pitched games.

What to expect:

• Players pitch to other players (with learning and limits in place)
• Greater emphasis on:
  • Pitching, catching, and field awareness
  • Game situations and decision-making
• Still a developmental environment, but with more game realism

Why this division matters:
This is where softball starts to feel more like the “real game,” while still focusing on learning and development rather than wins and losses.

✅ Introduction to pitching
✅ Continued skill development across all positions
✅ Competitive, but still instructional

🏆 Major League Softball (Majors)

Ages: 9–13

Best for:
More experienced players who are comfortable with pitching, catching, and game situations.

What to expect:

• Player pitching at full distance
• Increased focus on:
  • Strategy and teamwork
  • Defensive alignment and offensive execution
• A more competitive game environment
• Continued emphasis on sportsmanship and development

Why this division matters:
Majors prepares players for the next level of softball while reinforcing fundamentals, confidence, and love of the game.

✅ Highest level of play within Little League Softball
✅ Greater independence and game strategy
✅ Best suited for experienced players