The slightest improvement in fundamentals can make a world of difference in baseball, a sport in which a fraction of a percentage improvement in batting average or earned run average, for instance, separates top-notch hitters and pitchers from their mediocre counterparts. To help your young players make the most of their natural abilities, start with a series of basic drills to instill the right fundamentals and habits.
Long Toss
Long toss is a simple yet vital drill for young players. Line up a pair of teammates across from one another at a distance at which they can easily and accurately throw. After every 10 throws, have each one take five steps back; repeat the process until the players are lobbing from as far as possible without overextending their arms. This drill is especially helpful to pitchers. A mid-1990s study by surgeon Michael Axe showed that long-toss can help pitchers improve their velocity on the mound; it may also help pitchers to avoid injury by stretching their arms.
Infield
"Taking infield" is a standard drill from Little League all the way up to the big leagues. Have players man each position around the infield--two or three deep at each spot, if you have the entire team participating--and have them alternate fielding ground balls. Alternate among hard-hit grounders, line drives and slow dribbles, and vary where you hit the ball so the players have to react and adjust as they would in a real game. In addition to honing players' fielding abilities, you can use this for game preparation by having them throw to different bases, depending upon the simulated game situation that you announce.
Inside-Outside
One of the keys to being a good hitter in baseball is the ability to keep a consistent swing regardless of pitch location. Young players tend to lunge at outside pitches and have trouble getting to inside pitches. Set up two tees in front of the plate, one on the outside fringe and one on the inside corner. Wait until the player begins his stride; then announce either "inside" or "outside." If you direct him midstride, he will be unable to anticipate and preadjust his swing; this will help him to maintain a consistent attack as a hitter.
Fly Ball Call-Outs
Several times in any given game, multiple infielders or outfielders, or a combination of the two, will converge on a fly ball at the same time. Communication is vital, or dropped balls and collisions can occur. Have players man every position in the field, with the outfielders playing shallow so as to create more crowding with infielders. Hit fly balls and popups to all areas of the field and have players call loudly for the ball before making the catch. This will instill the importance of communications; it will also help players get a feel for the fielding boundaries of their respective positions.
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