Fundamentals are the most important aspect of baseball at any level. Many games at the younger levels are won by the team that makes the least mistakes. Baseball coaches must install the fundamentals in practice until they becomes automatic. Practice for fundamentals should be repetitive and specified.
Fielding Ground Balls
Kneel down 15 feet in front of your infielder with a bucket of baseballs. Slowly roll 1 ball at a time directly at the player. Focus on basic fundamentals of fielding the ground ball properly. Ensure that the player's butt is down in a semi-crouch, his glove is down and out in front, and the throwing hand is in proper position above the glove in case of a bad hop. Gradually increase the speed of the toss as the basic fundamentals become automatic. Add movements left and right for backhand and forehand movements. Progress the activity by hitting ground balls from a bat, then have the fielder throw the ball to a base. Finally, add game situations for fielding ground balls, such as double plays.
Throwing for Power
Have your players kneel down on the same knee as the throwing arm. Focus on the baseball grip, trunk rotation, arm motion and the release of the baseball as they play catch with each other. Players should start a short distance away. After about 20 throws, have your players stand up with feet about shoulder width apart. Keep the feet stationary and apply the same focus to this drill. Have each player take one step back after every throw. After 20 throws, have your players throw normally, lifting the opposite leg and stepping forward on the follow through. The focus is always on mechanics, but now the players will be throwing for power. After another 20 throws, the players are now focusing that power for distance. Have each player take one or two steps back until the ball cannot reach the other player in the air. These drills gradually build up the players' arm power. Proper mechanics will help throw with ease, prevent injuries, and throw for more power with accuracy.
Soft Toss to Quick Toss
Kneel down about 10 feet away from the batter with a bucket of balls. Make sure that you are in a safe and foul territory just outside the batting circle when tossing the baseballs. Slowly toss a baseball underhand to the batter. Observe and correct the stance, approach, swing and follow through. Progress the activity by asking the batter to hit in specific areas of the field. Play quick toss when the player is able to hit to all areas of the field and still apply the foundation of mechanics. Toss five balls in a row to the batter. Off-balance swingers will not have enough time to swing at successive tosses.
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