As a youth baseball coach or parent, you should strive to provide a fun and safe environment while teaching the basic procedures and rules of the game and the skills your kids will need to play at a higher level if they want. Basic drills should emphasize base-running, batting, catching, fielding and throwing.
Chair Drill
The chair drill teaches your players the proper footwork to use when fielding a ground ball as a second baseman, third baseman or shortstop. Ask a group of players to form a line in the infield, at either of the middle infield positions, and place a chair 10 to 15 feet in front of them. Roll a ball at the chair. Have the first youngster in line step to the right, move forward along the right side of the chair, step in front of the chair to field the ball and finally throw the ball to first base. Give each player in line multiple repetitions.
Communication Drill
Young baseball players, no matter what position they play, need to learn how to communicate effectively on fly balls and pop flies to avoid collisions with teammates. In this communication drill, have one group of players form a line in the outfield and another group form a line about 20 yards away. Hit or throw a fly ball between the lines and ask the first player in each line to converge on the ball. Tell the players to communicate, with one player calling for the ball and the other moving out of the way. Rotate through the lines multiple times.
Run-Through-First Drill
Some youth baseball players don't realize the rules permit them to run through first base without being tagged out by a defensive player on the opposing team on an infield ground ball. Use the run-through-first drill to introduce this rule to your players. Place a cone about 10 feet beyond first base and have your players form a line at home plate. Instruct the first player to simulate a swing, sprint through first base, stop before she reaches the cone and look to the right, in case the throw gets by the first baseman. Have each subsequent player follow suit.
Tee Drill
Batting is one of the most difficult skills in sports, especially for young and inexperienced players. Having your youngest players hit off a tee allows them to practice the proper swing without worrying about timing. Align the tee with their front foot at waist height to start. Tell them to try to drive the ball up the middle. Then move the tee to different areas of the strike zone when they prove they're ready. Give them plenty of encouragement and constructive feedback.
References
- "The Baseball Drill Book"; Bob Bennett; 2004
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 2000
- "The Science of Hitting"; Ted Williams and John Underwood; 1986
Member Comments