Baseball is a sport that requires agility, speed, strong concentration and strength. Coaches holding regular practice sessions help youth players develop and improve all of these skills. In order for the players to get the most out of practice, drills that incorporate running, throwing, fielding and hitting are a necessity.
Base-Running Relay
Split your team into two even groups. Have the first group line up at home plate while the other group lines up at second base. Provide the first player in each line with a baseball. On the whistle, the first player in each line takes off and runs the bases. As the player returns to his starting base, she hands the ball to the next player, who takes off running as soon as she gains possession. This continues until each player has run the bases. This drill not only works as a team-building exercise, but it also gives you the opportunity to see if the players are missing bases or making wide turns, giving you the opportunity to make corrections.
Speed Throw
Divide your team in multiple groups consisting of two players each. Line them up around the field, facing one another, spaced apart according to age-appropriate distances. Provide each group with a baseball and instruct them to throw it back and forth to one another when you blow the whistle. Each successful throw is worth one point. If the ball is not caught, the score resets to zero. Allow 60 seconds for throwing and blow the whistle. The team with the most points is declared the winner and gets to select the next drill.
Drop-Ball Drill
Hit either a ground ball or fly ball to your fielders in the infield. Once the player has possession of the ball, instruct him to toss the ball about three feet to the front, back or side of him. Once the ball comes to rest, blow the whistle and have the player run to the ball and pick it up between his legs. Ensure that he picks the ball up in a throwing position with his shoulder pointed toward the target he will be throwing to. Have him immediately throw to a designated base. This drill helps with fielding bunts and preventing errors.
Tee Drill
The tee drill helps players practice hitting, balance and mechanics. Place a tee at different spots of the plate and have the players hit the ball from their normal positions in the batter's box. The position of the tee mimics specific pitches. For players needing help with inside pitches, the tee can be set up on the inner part of the plate. The outside pitch can be duplicated by placing the tee on the outer part of the plate and nearly behind the batter.
References
- "Little League Drills & Strategies"; Ned McIntosh; 2008
- "Youth Baseball Drills"; Marty Schupak; 2005
- "How to Coach Little League Baseball"; Mickey McConnell; 2010
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