Regardless of the age group, all skill levels are welcome and will have a great time. GBL Softball is dedicated to the mission of making the wonderful game of fastpitch softball accessible to anyone who wishes to play. Whether you are 5 or 13 and whether this is your first or your sixth season does not matter - GBL Softball is the place for you! Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.
Coach Pitch (6U) - Ages 5 and 6
The GBL 6U softball division is open to girls who are ages 5 or 6 as of December 31st. In this division our young players learn basic softball skills in a safe and fun environment. There will be an emphasis on the basic fundamentals of catching, throwing, hitting and base running. The coaches pitch to the batters and each team bats their entire lineup each inning. If a player is not able to hit the ball pitched by the coach, a tee is used so all players get to hit and learn to run the bases. All players will play in the field.
6U softball will practice no more than twice a week. When games begin in March it is usually one weekend game and one weeknight practice. Games will usually wrap up late May or early June. All 6U activities will take place at Houston Levee Park or Cameron Brown Park. Although this age group may also play in the GBL T-Ball League, it is highly recommended that any girls interested in playing and are in this age group, play in this league.
GBL Softball Machine Pitch Division (8U) - Ages 7 and 8
The GBL 8U softball division is an instructional league for girls ages 7 or 8 as of December 31, 2023. The 8U division is designed to establish a fun environment for the players to learn the sport and improve their on-field skills. The 8U division uses a pitching machine during games, but the other rules closely resemble those of the older divisions, as well as the rules in the GBL Coach Pitch League. The focus is on fundamentals of hitting, running, catching and throwing, but there is also an emphasis on how the game is played. Score is kept during the game, and there is a postseason playoff which all teams qualify for.
The 8U division will usually practice twice a week leading up to the regular season. Once games begin in mid-March, each team will play a weeknight game, play a game on the weekend, and hold one practice during the week or on Sunday. The season will wrap-up no late than the 2nd week of June. All 8U activities will take place at Houston Levee Park or Cameron Brown Park.
GBL Softball Fast Pitch 10U Division - Ages 9 and 10
The GBL 10U Softball division is comprised of girls ages 9 and 10 as of December 31, 2023. The focus of the 10U division is on instruction and fundamentals, and the girls get the opportunity to play “real” softball. In 10U it is the first time the girls get to pitch (and the hitters get to face kid pitchers instead of coach pitchers). At the conclusion of the regular season all teams will compete in a postseason playoff to crown a division champion.
The 10U division will usually practice twice a week leading up to the regular season. Once games begin in mid-March, each team will play a weeknight game, play a game on Saturday, and hold one practice during the week or on Sunday. The season will wrap-up no later than the 2nd week of June. All 10U activities will take place at Houston Levee Park or Cameron Brown Park
GBL 12U Softball Fastpitch Division-Ages 11 & 12 (and those that are 13 and still in 7th grade)
The GBL 12U Fast Pitch Softball Division is open to girls ages 11 and 12 as of December 31, 2023 and girls age 13 as of December 31, 2023 who are still in the 7th grade. 12U provides a great opportunity for players to experience high-level competition in an instructional environment with dedicated coaches. This is softball as you know it from TV! Full fastpitch softball rules, with the only changes being for playing time, batting order, and run limits in effect. All the strategy and excitement of the game come through and the players have every opportunity to improve their skills and be a part of a fantastic team sport. At the conclusion of the regular season all teams will compete in a postseason playoff to crown a division champion.
The 12U division will usually practice twice a week leading up to the regular season. Once games begin in mid-March, each team will play a weeknight game, play a game on Saturday, and hold one practice during the week or on Sunday. The season will wrap-up no later than the 2nd week of June. All 12U activities will take place at Houston Levee Park or Cameron Brown Park.