Baseball requires a player to master numerous skills. Many youth programs do a great job at teaching the fundamentals of the game by using baseball exercises that improve a young player's game. These exercises can focus on any of the skills, and can also promote confidence, conditioning and teamwork.
Around the World
Around the World is a teamwork conditioning exercise that can be completed during practice or after a game. Have the player start by the foul pole in right field next to the outfield fence. The player will run next to the outfield fence on the warning track until he reaches the left field foul pole. He will turn around and run back to the right field foul pole. Rest 90 seconds before running again. Repeat the run for the number of innings that the games consist of. For example, complete seven rounds if the games consist of seven innings.
Rounding the Bases
Base running is a skill that every successful baseball player works on. To improve base running, perform a teamwork conditioning drill called Rounding the Bases. Start with one player at home plate--position "A"--and another player halfway between home and first base--position "B." When the coach says "Go!" both players start running the bases, with the runner at position "A" ending on first and the runner at position "B" rounding first and ending on second base. Keep both players on first and second, and have another two players start in position "A" and "B." Upon "Go!" the four players will run the bases, with the runner on second rounding third and ending at home, the runner on first rounding second and ending on third, the runner from position "B" rounding first and ending on second, and the runner from position "A" ending at first. Upon reaching home plate, the runner will move to the back of the line.
Arm Circles
Arm strength and mobility can improve throwing velocity and decrease the risk for arm injuries. Before practice and games, perform arm circles to properly warm-up the shoulder and arm. Start by holding the arms out to the sides and horizontal to the ground. Rotate the hands and arm in a small circle and gradually increase the size of the circle. Keep rotating the arms in circles for 30 seconds. Rest for 20 seconds and repeat the circles for another 30 seconds in the opposite direction.
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