Home runs are often game-changing events that put big numbers on the scoreboard, but not all runs can come from the long ball. Runs also have to be manufactured via the hit-and-run, sacrifices, discipline at the plate and efficient hitting to all fields. All of these skills must be honed in practice through drills and repetition before they will be effective in games.
Bunting Target Practice
For this drill you will need four cones, two fielders, one pitcher and one batter. Using the four cones, separate the infield into five sections: a section down each foul line, sections leading to the second baseman and shortstop, and one section up the middle. The sections between the foul lines and first cones are worth two points, the second baseman and shortstop sections are worth one point, and the pitcher section is worth minus-one. Have the pitcher throw 10 pitches to each player on the team, and the player who most effectively places his bunts earns the most points and wins.
Hit-and-Run
This drill requires a full infield of players, a runner on first base and a batter at the plate. Start the runner toward second on every pitch as the batter attempts to hit the ball. Rotate baserunners to avoid tiring them out. The batter's goal is to hit the ball to the area vacated by either the second baseman or shortstop when he goes to cover second base after the runner takes off on a potential steal. The defense should execute the entire play as if it were a game situation.
In, Out, Up the Middle for Hitting
This drill requires a pitcher, an outfield of players to shag balls, two pieces of tape, two cones and a batter at the plate. Use the tape to divide the plate into three sections--inside, middle and outside. Use the cones to divide the outfield into three similar sections--left, center and right. Have the pitcher throw balls scattered all over the strike zone. The batter will yell what area of the strike zone the ball is going to--"in," "out" or "up" for middle. If the pitch is in, he will try to pull the ball; if the ball is out, he will try to hit to the opposite field; if the ball is down the middle, he will attempt to hit it to center field. Every hitter should get 10 attempts and earn points for hitting the ball to the correct area.
Fence Drill for Batting
This drill is meant to teach batters to shorten their swings, giving them quicker bat speed and allowing them to wait longer before committing to swinging at a pitch. Have several players line up side-by-side facing a fence with at least 10 feet between each player. Give each player a bat, and have him hold the base of the bat flat against his midsection with the bat head pointing out toward the fence. There should be only a few inches between the end of the bat and the fence. Now have each player get into his batting stance while still facing the fence. Each player should practice swinging by keeping his arms close to the body and extending the bat toward the latter half of the swing. The bat should never make contact with the fence. This forces the batter to use his hips and core muscles as much as possible during the swing, eliminating long, looping swings that happen when arms are extended too early.
Learning Signs
This drill requires a full diamond of fielders, a pitcher, a batter and baserunners at random bases. The goal of this drill is to replicate a game situation while helping the batter and runners become familiar with signals coming from the coaches. Practice putting on a hit-and-run, sacrifice bunts, stealing bases, or even something as simple as taking a pitch. Rotate players at bat, and have the defense play every batted ball as if this were a live game.
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