What to expect in Triple-A (AAA).
Triple-A is the first fully competitive level in Little League. Game scores are kept for the first time, and our 9- and 10-year-old players experience the highs and lows of wins and losses. Even so, AAA is still focused primarily on developing skills, teaching sportsmanship, and creating a positive environment where young athletes can have fun with their peers.Objectives for AAA.
AAA is an entirely player-driven league - coaches stay in the dugout and along the sidelines while the kids pitch, hit, and play against each other. Umpires call balls and strikes, players walk and strike out, and runs, wins, and losses are all counted. There are playoffs and eventually a league champion. All of this means AAA players will learn experience successes and disappointments, learning valuable lessons on sportsmanship, teamwork, and having fun regardless of who wins and who loses.
The main objective of AAA is to execute the basics of the game at speed and within a competitive environment. The pitching, catching, hitting, base running and defensive skills players have gained must now be put to use quickly, so there is an increased emphasis on improving those skills and matching them with smart decision-making. Players will focus on in-game communication, understanding the defensive assignments, strike zone recognition, and - importantly - the value of effort and a positive attitude.
AAA prepares players for Majors, which is the final and most competitive phase of Little League baseball. By the time players finish AAA, they should have a strong grasp of the most common rules and concepts of baseball, including tagging up as a base runner, defensive situational awareness and decision making, strike zone recognition, and pitching skills.
For more details, check out the Rules for AAA.
Family time commitment for AAA.
AAA is a significant step up in terms of player and family commitment. Teams play two games per week with at least one weeknight game, and games last up to an hour and 45 minutes. Teams will also practice at least once a week for 90 minutes.
Coaching commitment for AAA.
Understandably, coaching at the AAA (and Majors) level requires a higher level of commitment than the lower levels. Coaches should be prepared for at least three on-field sessions per week plus additional practice and game prep, coach coordination, and parent communication. Prepare to spend 8-10 hours per week on coaching-related activities.
The level of practice and in-game management is also higher at this level in order to be competitive with other teams. That said, coaches should continue to focus on player development and fostering a positive team culture where having fun is not tied to winning or losing.
For more information, check out our page on Coaching AAA.