According to Richard Magill, author of "Motor Learning and Control," Gentile's two-stage model for motor learning suggests that, as a youth baseball coach, teaching 6- and 7-year-old players the correct mechanics and movement patterns associated with the game should be one of your primary goals. For batting, this means teaching them how to bunt and swing properly under controlled conditions, even without a ball, if necessary. Conduct a variety of enjoyable drills during each practice session to achieve this objective.
Sacrifice-Catch Drill
Bunting is an important skill for youngsters to learn because they'll likely be asked to bunt many times throughout their playing days. Additionally, bunting helps develop hand-eye coordination, which is an essential skill for catching and hitting the ball, as well, along with many other non-baseball-related activities. The sacrifice-catch drill teaches your players to "catch" the ball with the barrel of the bat rather than stab at the ball, which will likely make the ball go too far. Tape a glove to the barrel of the bat and have one player at a time practice bunting by tossing a ball in the strike zone and asking them to imagine "catching" the ball with the glove. The ball won't actually stay in the glove, of course, but it provides an effective visual aid for the players.
Stride, Pause and Swing Drill
The full baseball swing requires a coordinated series of movements that might prove difficult for some 6- and 7-year-old players. Breaking the swing into segments, therefore, might be more productive, especially at first. The swing should start with a short step toward the pitcher, during which the batter keeps his hands close to his back shoulder, and concludes with a powerful swing to and through the ball. Have your players pause after they stride and check to make sure they're positioned properly before they swing. Make them correct their position before swinging, if necessary. You can have them swing without a ball, hit a ball off a tee or toss a ball from a short distance away, depending on their ability level, to perform the drill.
Tee Drill
Having 6- and 7-year-old players hit off a tee is good practice because it allows them to focus on swinging correctly without worrying about swinging at the right time. It's also an effective way to have them practice a lot of swings in a relatively short period of time. Set several tees up at once, if possible, and have your players hit the ball into a net. Once they become proficient, change the height of the tee and move it to the inside and outside parts of the strike zone periodically. Give your players plenty of constructive feedback and encouragement as they perform the drill.
Front-Toss Drill
The front-toss drill is a logical progression from the tee drill because it involves a coach tossing a ball into the strike zone from the direction of the pitcher's mound, but from a short distance and slowly, making it as easy as possible for the batter to hit the ball. Stand behind a screen and toss the ball either overhanded or underhanded, depending on his ability level, to one batter at a time. Consider using a soft baseball or a tennis ball if the batter is afraid of the ball. Give each player at least five successful hits per turn.
References
- "Motor Learning and Control"; Richard A. Magill; 2007
- "The Baseball Drill Book"; Bob Bennett; 2004
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 2000
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