AAA Softball introduces players to a competitive level of play. Players may have one or more years of experience in baseball or softball, but new players are welcome.

Players continue to demonstrate progress in the fundamental skills of softball to include making the correct decision on the field and increasing knowledge of the rules of the game. Players develop life skills related to teamwork and respect of coaches and umpires. Intensity level of play appropriately increased.

Score keeping, pitching limits, and game scores are introduced. No standings are kept at this level.

Teams will be formed by schools/neighborhoods as much as possible. Teammate and manager requests will be considered, based upon availability.

Players continue to build upon the fundamentals learned in baseball or softball, with emphasis on

Hitting: the pitcher release of the ball to the bat; knowing the count and adjusting to it; bunting.

Base Running: sliding into the bases; proper (Little League) softball lead-off and stealing on a passed ball; and running through 1st base or rounding to second; watching/listening to the coach.

Throwing: proper relay skills of the outfielder and infielder; use of a cutoff any time the ball gets passed the outfielders normal position.

Fielding: properly fielding a fly ball; backhand catch; every fielder has a responsibility on each pitch, TEAMWORK; understand when to apply a tag vs tagging the base (i.e. force out); and retire the lead runner with less than 2 outs.

Pitching: Players will begin to learn the fundamentals of fast-pitch.

Catching: setting the target and then setting a target in different parts of the strike zone; blocking the ball; and use of wider stance when runners are on base; and fielding a passed ball.

See Coaching the Alderwood Way for more information, including drills to practice the above skills.

Practices: Practices are organized by the team manager with assistance from volunteer coaches. Recommended practice frequency is three times a week during the pre-season (starting in early March); and once a week during the season. Practices will be held at local school fields in the Edmonds School District.

Games: Teams participate in two games a week during the regular season, typically one weeknight game and one weekend game (Friday night or Saturday). Game schedules will be available at least one week prior to the start of game play.Games will be held at the Alderwood Little League complex.

Games are limited to a maximum of 6 innings or 2 hours in length. Games utilize a continuous batting order; 9 defensive players each inning; and balanced playing time. Scores are kept but not recorded for standings. Game play will be in accordance with Little League Rules and Local rules.

Season: The eight week season typically starts the week following the Edmonds School District spring break and extends until the weekend after Memorial Day; for a total of 16 to 18 games. See annual calendar for dates.