T-ball is a wonderful option for young children just beginning to learn how to play baseball or softball, because hitting a ball off a batting tee is much easier than hitting a pitched ball. Additionally, batted balls do not travel as fast in T-ball as they do in baseball or softball, giving fielders more time to react to the ball. Use your practice time to run enjoyable, age-appropriate drills to teach your T-ball players the basic fundamentals of the game.
Beach Ball Drill
The beach ball drill helps T-ball batters build confidence because beach balls are much bigger than baseballs. The drill is meant for players who feel frustrated due to their inability to make contact with the ball. Simply have your players hit beach balls off a tee instead of baseballs. Progressively use smaller beach balls to increase the difficulty as your players develop confidence.
Catching Drill
This drill teaches youngsters how to catch properly. Using a soft ball, such as a cloth baseball or tennis ball, stand about 15 feet away from your players and gently toss the ball to them underhanded. Throw the ball above their waist first and have them catch the ball in their glove with their fingers pointed upward. Make sure they cover the ball with their throwing hand after catching it. Next, toss the ball below their waist and tell them to catch the ball with their fingers directed downward. Finally, randomly toss the ball high and low to make your players react appropriately. Gradually increase the distance between you and your players.
Ground Ball Drill
The ground ball drill teaches your players how to field ground balls. Stand about 30 feet away from your players and roll them slow ground balls. Have them field the ball and throw it back to you. Constantly encourage them and provide feedback about their technique. Progressively roll the ball harder and from farther away.
Home Run Drill
Even young children likely know the excitement associated with hitting home runs. The home run drill lets them feel this excitement while teaching them how to hit and run the bases. Have your players hit a ball off a tee and then run around all the bases as fast as possible. You can also position other players at first, second and/or third base to practice running home after the ball is hit.
Knee Throwing Drill
The knee throwing drill allows your kids to practice throwing without having to worry about how to position their feet. Have them get on both knees with their chest facing you, 15 to 30 feet away. Tell them to turn their chest away from you, circle the ball backward, and point their glove at you to form a "T" position with their arms. Then have them throw by rotating their shoulders forward, moving the ball toward the target, and tucking their glove to their chest.
References
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 1999
- "The Baseball Drill Book"; Bob Bennett; 2004
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