Coaches at any level need to run efficient and productive baseball practice sessions. The primary purpose is to get players to improve at hitting, fielding, throwing and baserunning. One of the best ways to get the most out of practice is to keep the drills short so players pay attention and get the most out of the drills from start to finish.
All Fields Drills
To improve hitting, make each swing count in batting practice. Give each player nine swings. Each player then has to hit the ball to left field on three of the swings, to center field on three of the swings and to right field on the remaining three swings. Give each player a point for each successful swing.The player with the most points wins.
1-2-3 Drill
To do this fielding drill, line up all your infielders at third base. Hit each player three ground balls. On the first grounder, the fielder throws to second as if it is a force play. On the second ground ball, the fielder throws to first base. On the third grounder, the fielder throws the ball home as if to get the runner who is trying to score.
Baserunning Drill
Have each base runner take a lead off of first base. If the pitcher throws to first base to pick the runner, have the runner go back to the base. If the pitcher throws home, the runner takes off for second, rounds the base and heads for third. On the coach's signal, the right fielder throws a ball to third to try and get the runner. Then the runner starts off at second base and tries to score on a ground ball single to center field. The runners who get to third and then score win the drill.
Communication Drill
One of the keys to playing good defense is for all fielders to be able to communicate with each other. Line up all fielders in their normal spots. Throw pop-ups that require infielders to go out and outfielders to come in. The key is how well the fielders communicate. Teach your outfielder to call off the infielder and the infielder to go after the ball until he hears the outfielder call him off. This drill helps all fielders know their role on any fly ball.
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