Playing junior baseball is how many children learn the fundamentals of the game, such as how to judge a fly ball, steal a base, or hit a line drive. It is essential for coaches to use available practice time to have junior players run a variety of drills that work on running the bases, throwing, defense, and hitting.
Pop-Ups
Line your players up at their appropriate positions, stand at home plate, and hit fly balls to each of your players. This exercise teaches the players to judge the flight path of the ball. As they become accustomed to judging the ball, teach them the best way to catch the ball, and to position their body so they are prepared to make a quick throw after catching the ball. During the drills, make sure the players get used to calling off their teammates to avoid collisions and possible injury.
Ground Balls
Line players up at their normal positions, and hit ground balls towards them. Vary the speed with which you hit the ball, and the bounce of the ball, with each hit. This drill will teach the players how to track a ground ball successfully, which is one of the hardest skills to grasp in baseball. Once the players are comfortable fielding the ground balls, direct the players to throw to a specific base.
Game Situations
Provide your defensive players with specific game situations. Line them up on the field, hit the ball, and have them play out the situation. For example, tell your players that there are runners on first and second with one out. Once you hit the ball, the fielding player will have to make a decision on what base to throw to. This will teach the players to think ahead, so they know what they are going to do with the ball if it is hit their way.
First to Third
Have all of your players line up along the first base line. Have each player run to second, round the base, and run to third. While the players are running, make note of the angle they are taking as they round second base. Work with players individually to ensure that they're taking angles that allow them to maintain a high rate of speed. Instruct all your players to step on the inner part of the base when turning, as this makes the turn faster.
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