When you coach children in baseball, you find it's a world away from coaching adults. Youngsters need more time -- and confidence -- to learn the game, according to Olivet Nazarene University. As a coach, you can introduce drills that not only build kids' self image but also develop their throwing, fielding and batting skills.
Covering First
The QC Baseball website recommends a drill to help players cover first base. Players line up near the base with the coach standing between first and second. The first player approaches first, catches the ball and throws it back. She goes to the back of the line, and the next player prepares to catch. The coach throws each ball to a different spot so players can practice different kinds of footwork as they catch.
First Base Running Drill
When youngsters hit the ball and run to first, they often slow down so they can stop right on the base. This hesitation gets many of them tagged out, according to the Baseball's Best Drills website. You can introduce a drill that keeps them running fast, either past first base or around the corner to second. Players line up behind home plate, and one enters the batter's box. He pretends he's batting, and heads for first as fast as he can. The first base coach urges him on, telling him to go on to second base or to overrun first by two or three steps.
Bucket of Balls
QC Baseball suggests a drill that helps young players with fielding and throwing. Place a bucket near third base, and have players at all infield positions except the pitcher's mound. The coach hits a ground ball after giving the players instructions -- for instance, the third baseman should throw to first, the first baseman to the catcher and the catcher back to third. Each time a play is completed with no errors, the ball goes into the bucket.
Batting and Fielding
Turn batting and fielding practice into a game, recommends Baseball's Best Drills. Players can stand anywhere on the field, and one player bats. If a player catches a fly ball, he gets to bat next. If he fields a grounder, he stays in the spot. The hitter lays the bat on the ground, and the fielder rolls the ball to try to hit the bat. If he's successful, he becomes the next hitter. If he's not successful, the batter can hit again or you can have a rotation in place.
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