Coach Pitch Softball rules - Boerne Little League

Last updated: Fall 2026

If a situation isn’t covered by these local rules, the official Little League rules apply.

Game length

1 hr 15 min

Run limit

5 per inning

Pitching

Coach pitch, underhand

At-bat

5 pitches max

Defense

10 players (4 outfielders)

Stealing

None

Game format

Games are 1 hour 15 minutes. A new inning may start if time hasn’t expired; it begins when the final out of the previous inning is made.
5 runs maximum per inning.
Mercy rules (Little League rule 4.10): 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4, 8 after 5.
Continuous batting order.
7 players are needed to start and continue a game.

Coaches pitch underhand from inside the pitching circle, with both feet inside the circle during the delivery. They don’t have to start from or touch the rubber.
Coaches must avoid interfering with defensive play. If a coach interferes with a live ball, the ball is dead and no runners advance.

Each batter gets a maximum of 5 pitches. If the 5th pitch is fouled, the at-bat continues until a fair ball or a strikeout.
Batters must keep one foot in the batter’s box at all times.
There is no infield fly rule.

No stealing.
Runners may not leave their base until the pitch crosses home plate (Little League rule 7.13).
- Penalty: immediate dead ball, the runner is out, other runners return to their bases, and the batter resumes with the same count.
Play is dead when the designated pitcher has control of the ball in the pitching circle, or when a fielder tags the lead runner or lead empty base and all runners have stopped.
When time is called, runners more than halfway to the next base are awarded it; runners less than halfway return. The field’s halfway marks decide, and each runner is judged separately.
Overthrows at first base only: runners may advance one base total per play. It isn’t automatic; the defense may try to throw them out. No advancing on later overthrows or on throws from the catcher to the pitcher.

10 defensive players, including 4 outfielders.
Outfielders stay on the outfield grass until the ball is hit and may not creep forward. Any part of the body crossing that line before contact is a violation.