What Is The 'Fists of Fury Development Program'
The Hillsdale Haymaker Player Development Team has created a program that will prepare our youngest athletes for play within the GBMSL (And Beyond). It is specifically designed for our U5/U7 group, and progress through the program is measured via skill milestones not chronological age.
What To Expect As A Parent
Registration
Registration each year will start around the middle of February. Although registration will be open until mid-April, it's important to note that there usually is an early bird discount if you register before the end of February, and space is limited, so early registration will ensure your athlete has a spot for the coming season.
Our Registration Form can be found here
2022 Recreational Registration Form
Games & Practices
There will be no formal games at this age as the focus will be on developing fundamental skills & athleticism, and creating a fun and challenging atmosphere to learn the basics. Participants will be grouped with similarly skilled peers, and will periodically be assessed for their progress through the program.
The program runs once per week (same day & time each week), and lasts 10 weeks. Depending on the groups level, each session is 45-75 minutes long. There may be an opportunity for 3 additional sessions at the end of the program.
Equipment
Items that will be provided by the Hillsdale Athletes organization include training aids including balls, bats, tees, catcher's equipment. Players will also be provided with a program shirt and hat that will be yours to keep at the end of the program.
Items that will need to be supplied by the participant will be a glove, helmet (with face guard), and running shoes.
Volunteering
Volunteers are the backbone of every successful youth sports program. They keep costs down, and foster a culture of community. The program will require a leader and a few assistants to ensure the program runs smoothly and all the participants get the most out of their time on the field.
Not comfortable with your own knowledge of the game? Not to worry the Haymaker Development Team has created a Manual for all leaders and assistants that will help them navigate their way through the season.
Interested? Make sure to make note on your registration form.
The Fists of Fury Development Program
The program includes 6 levels of progress. Each level has a milestone to be reached for the 5 skills required to excel at softball.
2022_Fists_of_Fury_Progress_Report
Note: If your athlete is a 2nd Year U7 and would like to get assessed to play within the U9 division, please review all requirements within the progress report and if you believe your child meets all criteria then reach out to
[email protected] for a pre-season assessment.
Alternatively, if your athlete is aged into the U9 division but feel they could use some additional development before playing at that level, again reach out to
[email protected] to see if it's possible to participate within the Fists of Fury Program.
Here is a practice plan sample -
2022_Sample_Practice_Plan_-_FOF_Jab