Reston Herndon Little League (RHLL) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a chartered program of Little League International (LLI). We provide co-ed baseball programs for youth league ages 4-12 residing within our LLI-defined geographic boundaries or attending local schools. Players league age 4-7 may play with RHLL regardless of whether they live or attend school inside our boundaries and may continue to play with RHLL as long as they have continuous and unbroken participation within RHLL.
Each year, over 600 boys and girls participate in our instructional, developmental, and competitive programs. We are the largest youth baseball league in Reston-Herndon area and the only one affiliated with Little League. We operate two seasons:
- Spring (late-March to early/mid-June): Our primary season
- Fall Ball (late August to late-October): A developmental season with no skill evaluations
We offer six distinct levels of play, catering to players of all ability levels.
The Little League Baseball age charts determine the league age of a player according to the year and month of their birth
For our developmental divisions (League Ages 4-7) Blastball, T-Ball and Single A, the primary focus is on introducing young players to the fundamentals of baseball, providing expert instruction, and fostering growth. To maintain this focus, scores and standings are not kept, allowing players to concentrate on:
- Developing essential skills
- Sharing equal playing time
- Practicing good sportsmanship
Teams are carefully formed considering various factors, including:
- Coach and parent/guardian requests (e.g., friendships, carpooling)
- Neighborhood and school affiliations
- Previous team assignments
Additionally, we strive to balance age distribution across teams at each level. Every reasonable request submitted during registration is honored to the best of our ability. This approach ensures a supportive, enjoyable environment for young players to learn, grow, and develop a lifelong love for the game.
Blastball
Blastball is an exciting introductory program designed specifically for League Age 4-year-olds, offering a simplified version of T-Ball. This engaging format is tailored to young attention spans, packing action and fun into every session. With small teams, every child gets to participate in every play, retaining their interest in the T-Ball and baseball concept. Our youngest players develop essential fundamental skills, including hitting, throwing, and fielding. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, sportsmanship, and most importantly, having FUN! This nurturing environment sets the stage for future success in T-Ball and beyond. Blastball teams meet weekly for a 60-minute weekday practice and participate in a 60-minute game on Saturdays. This program provides an ideal foundation for our youngest players, cultivating a lifelong love for the game.
T-Ball
The T-Ball division is designed for players of League Ages 4 and 5, as well as beginners who are League Age 6. This introductory program focuses on fundamental skills development in a fun and supportive environment. Teams participate in a 60-minute practice during the week and a 60-minute game on Saturday. One of the unique features of Tee Ball is that all players bat once every inning, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate. Additionally, players rotate through multiple field positions during the game, promoting versatility and teamwork.
A-Ball
The Single A division is designed for League Age 6 and 7 players, as well as novice players who are League Age 8. It is recommended that League Age 6 players that want to participate in A-Ball have previously participated in a Spring T-Ball season. This division serves as our introductory coach-pitch level, where players continue to develop their skills in a supportive environment. When needed, batting tees are used to promote a good pace of play. Teams participate in a 60-minute practice during the week and a 75-minute game on Saturday. The gameplay format emphasizes player participation and development. Additionally, players rotate through multiple field positions during the game, introducing them to various roles and responsibilities. This structure fosters a fun and engaging atmosphere, ideal for young players to build confidence and fundamental skills.
For our competitive divisions (League ages 8-12). Reston Herndon Little League offers competitive baseball programs in three divisions: AA, AAA, and Majors. These divisions cater to players aged 8-12, focusing on advanced skill development and teamwork.
Key Features:
- Player-pitch format
- Modified rules at AA and AAA levels to promote pace of play and introduce advanced concepts
- Scores and standings are kept and playoffs conclude the season.
In the Spring, all players Little League age 8-12 and 7 year old players requesting to play AA must attend skill evaluations. These assessments ensure fair team placement and balanced competition.
Players are pooled into AA, AAA, or Majors divisions based on, skill level, age, experience, requested division, player development needs and available slots in each division. Managers will draft teams from these pools, selecting players best suited for each division. Some players may be considered for multiple pools, allowing managers flexibility. RHLL utilizes advanced evaluation software, Skill Shark, to gather data from coaches and league representatives, ensuring accurate and objective assessments. Special requests are not prioritized during the draft, however they are given to the coaches. Requests are in no way guaranteed.
Our goal is to place every player in a division where they can develop their skills, build confidence, contribute to their team and have FUN! We strive to create balanced teams. By doing so, we aim to provide an optimal environment for growth, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.
In the Fall, RHLL commissioners, player agents and coaches work together to place players on teams.
AA
The AA division is primarily geared towards League Age 8 and 9 ear-old players, with a limited number of experienced League Age 7 players and newer League Age 10 players also eligible to participate. This division marks our introductory player-pitch level, where players take their skills to the next level. To maintain an engaging pace, some modified rules are implemented. AA teams typically meet for a 90-minute weekly practice and compete in two games: one weekday evening (usually Monday or Tuesday) and one on Saturday. Each game consists of six innings, lasting approximately two hours. Score is kept. To foster comprehensive skill development, all players remain in the batting order throughout the game, and minimum-play requirements ensure everyone gains experience in multiple field positions.
As an exciting conclusion to the season, all AA teams participate in the playoffs, providing a thrilling opportunity for players to showcase their skills and teamwork.
AAA
The AAA division is designed for League Age 10 players, with select experienced League Age 9 players and newer League Age 11 players also eligible. This division represents our experienced player-pitch level, where skilled players refine their techniques. In AAA, teams engage in four weekly activities: two 90-minute field practice and two 6-inning games lasting approximately two hours each. Games are typically scheduled for weekday evenings (Tuesday or Wednesday) and Saturdays. To maximize player growth, all players remain in the batting order throughout the game, and minimum-play requirements ensure diverse field experience.
As an exciting conclusion to the season, all AAA teams participate in the playoffs, providing a thrilling opportunity for players to showcase their skills and teamwork.
Majors
The Majors division represents the pinnacle of competition on the 60-foot Little League field. This level is comprised of League Age 11 and 12 players, along with a limited number of advanced League Age 10 players. Teams engage in four weekly activities: two ~90-minute field practice and two 6-inning games lasting approximately two hours each. Games are usually held on Wednesday or Thursday evenings, with an additional Saturday game. To maximize player growth, all players remain in the batting order throughout the game, and minimum-play requirements ensure diverse field experience.
As an exciting conclusion to the season, all Majors teams participate in the playoffs, providing a thrilling opportunity for players to showcase their skills and teamwork.
This elite division provides experienced players with an ideal environment to refine their skills, develop strategic play, and showcase their abilities at the highest level of Little League competition.