Baseball practice is very valuable to coaches. As a season progresses, there is less time for practice as games dominate the schedule. However, coaches and players can make practice count by doing key drills that will help players improve their skill level and also sharpen their understanding of the game.
Up the Middle
One of the most important things for a hitter to learn is timing. Many hitters are fearful that the pitcher will throw the fastball by them, so they swing early and are often off balance when they make contact. The point of the up-the-middle drill is for the hitter to wait on the ball so that he hits it up the middle.This will encourage timing and balance at the plate. In this drill, the batting practice pitcher pitches behind a screen. The hitter tries to hit the screen with line drives up the middle. If the hitter can hit the screen six out of 10 swings, he is showing the patience needed at the plate.
Tag-Up Baserunning Drill
Learning how to run the bases is one of the most underrated aspects of baseball. In this drill, put a line of baserunners just behind third base. Each one gets a chance to run. You hit fly balls to the outfielders. The runner has to judge whether the outfielder is in a position to throw him out or whether he can tag up and score. Give each runner a turn, and go through the line three times. By the third time through, the runner's judgment should be much better than it was on the first throw.
Knockout
This is a popular drill for players from the youth level through high school. In knockout, each player gets a chance to throw a strike. If he throws a strike, he moves to the back of the line. If he misses, he moves to the hot seat. If the next player throws a strike, the previous hurler is knocked out and done with the game. If he misses the strike zone, then that pitcher moves to the hot seat. The game continues in this manner until all players except one have been knocked out of the game.
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