Baseball requires a number of different skills. Finding time to work on those skills during a team practice can be challenging, but a practice schedule can keep the practice moving and the players focused. With the players and coaches on the same page, everyone can focus on specific drills and stay organized.
Step 1
Start with a schedule sheet that has different time slots for the entire practice. Track the date and the goal of the practice on each sheet. Leave an area for comments from players and coaches. Determine five to seven drills focusing on specific skills, teamwork and communication. Set a guideline of 15 to 30 minutes for each station, which allows the players to concentrate n the specific skill. Organize the drills to flow smoothly between stations, and build in breaks and transition times. Give a copy of the practice schedule to each assistant coach.
Step 2
Spend the first 15 to 20 minutes of the practice in a team meeting and warm-up. Address any issues or concerns and lay out the expectations for the practice during the meeting. The warm-up should include dynamic exercises, stretching and form throwing drills.
Step 3
Split the team into position-specific stations. For example, have the outfielders, infielders, pitchers and catchers go to their own stations. Use the next 30 minutes for specific skill development by splitting into two 15 minute sessions or one 30 minute session. Drills can include fielding, catching, throwing or hitting. Assign an assistant or volunteer coach to monitor each station.
Step 4
Use 30 to 45 minutes to build teamwork and communication. Communicating and playing as a team are the most important aspects of a successful baseball team. Drills can include game situations with active base runners, other players fielding pop flies, practicing turning double-plays, performing outfield to infield relays, and improving situational hitting and base running.
Step 5
Use the last 30 minutes for cardiovascular conditioning. Some baseball games can be in hot weather and last several hours. The team that is better conditioned has better odds of winning. Make this fun by running wind sprints, team relays or from base to base.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep the players moving during practice by providing an upbeat tempo to the drills. Stay with a familiar practice schedule to increase efficiency.
- Give all players, especially pitchers and catchers, plenty of rest to avoid arm injuries. Be aware of the direction of thrown or hit baseballs and use backstops where necessary.
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