When youngsters decide to play Little League Baseball, it is an opportunity to play the sport at an organized level. This includes coaches, teammates and a schedule of games. It gives children an opportunity to learn about work ethic, teamwork and also make friends. They also have a chance to be drilled in the fundamentals of the game.
Hitting
Hitting a baseball is one of the most difficult things to do in any sport, according to the late Hall of Famer Ted Williams. It takes a lot of work and repeated effort for players to learn how to hold a baseball bat, stand in the batter's box, swing the bat and make contact consistently. Coaches have to make corrections for most players' swings to give them a chance to hit the ball. Batting practice should be a part of nearly all practice sessions. Have players take a comfortable stance with their feet slightly farther than shoulder-width apart. As the pitcher prepares to throw, the hitter should shift the majority of his weight to his back leg. When that is done, the only way he can move is forward. That will allow him to swing the bat with all his strength and momentum moving toward the pitcher.
Catching
Veteran players might not have to think about the process of catching the baseball. Muscle memory has taken over for players who have been catching the baseball for years. However, players have to be taught to get in front of the ball, to turn up the fingers of the glove if the ball is coming in above waist level, to turn them down if the ball is coming in below waist level and to close the glove at the proper moment when the ball hits the glove. They have to be taught to use their opposite hand to help close the glove in a secure position so the ball does not fall out after the catch is made. One of the ways to teach the fundamentals of catching is to pair up your players and line them up about 25 feet from each other and have them throw the ball back and forth. You easily can see progress and make corrections when they are needed.
Throwing
Many players have thrown a baseball before they arrive at the Little League level, but you have to concern yourself with the finger position on the ball, the arm angle, the snap of the wrist as the ball is delivered and the follow-through. All of these areas require attention to detail. As players are playing catch, you can make corrections in their throwing technique. In game competition, you can remind players by giving them verbal cues as they are about to field the ball. You want players to have their index finger and middle finger on top of the ball as they throw with their thumb underneath. To remind them of this, say "thumb to thigh, fingers to the sky." This phrase is easy to remember and will help players develop the correct throwing form.
Base Running
Running the bases is one of the most unappreciated aspects of the game at all levels. Running the bases well is not simply about being a fast runner. It's about learning when to leave the base and try to advance and learning when to hold your ground. It's about hitting the inside corners of the base as you round the bases so you take the shortest route possible. It's about judging the arm strength of the fielders so you know when to take the extra base and when to stay put. It's about thinking the game of baseball so you know what to do and when to do it. To practice base running, divide your team into two units. Line up one group at home plate and the other at second base. On your signal, the first player in both groups will sprint around the bases, making sure to hit the inside corner and hit each base without slowing down. When the first player gets back to the starting point, the next player takes off. The team that finishes the drill first -- with each player stepping on every base -- wins the drill.
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