Handcuffs

The Wheel

Wiffle BP

WARM-UP

 

Running drills:

 

Description: All players are side by side on a line.  Players do the exercise on a 45 feet distance, going and returning.

 

Variations and progressions:

C. Shuffle steps

D. Cross steps, front and back

I. Backpedal run

E. Football sprint

 

Warm-up:

 

Description: Warming-up with various exercises giving opportunities to stretch the body and prepare itself for baseball practice.

 

Throwing and receiving:

 

Exercise "Handcuffs"

 

Description: Players pair up with each other or with a parent. At a signal, players take a proper grip on the ball.

 

Equipment: 1 “Incrediball” for each player

 

Variations and progression:

E. On two knees, pick the ball off the ground and throw it to partner (or parent)

I. On their back, throw the ball to a partner (or parent)

 

Exercise "The Wheel"

 

Description: In pairs, the players play catch using the proper mechanics.

 

Equipment: 1 “Incrediball” for each player

 

Variations and progression:

E. Players are executing on command:

1)           Throwing arm goes down

2)           Reach back

3)           Lift arm to shoulder height

G. Add one step with the glove side (giant step), just before throwing.

 

HITTING

 

Exercise "T-Ball"

 

Description: With a partner or a coach located to the side of the player, ask player to hit the ball from a tee. Ensure the tee is placed in front of home plate and NOT on it. Others pick up the baseballs. 

 

Equipment: T-ball, various bats and balls

 

Variation and Progression:     

A. Standard t-ball

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

Exercise "Wiffle BP"

 

Description: With a coach standing in front of the player at 20 feet and throwing, simply ask the player to hit the ball.

 

Equipment: Various bats and balls (wiffle balls)

 

Players are usually set up as follows:

- 2 players hitting

- 2 players catching behind the hitters

- 1 player feeding balls to the coach

- rest of players in the field (gathering balls)

 

Players rotate (in pairs) from the field, to catching behind the hitters, to hitting, and finally back to the field.

 

After a coach has thrown the ball to one hitter, he/she immediately throws the next pitch to the other hitter.

 

Players rotate after each group has had 10-15 quality swings.

 

Key points:

Feet must be wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on bat

 

BASE RUNNING

 

Exercise "Gimme 5"

 

Description: Place bases 30'-40' from players; 4 groups of 3. Players, in turn, take a swing at an imaginary ball, drop bat, run as fast as possible past their base, give the coach “high 5,” return to base as if running to 2B.

 

Equipment: Set of bases (4), bats (2)

 

Variation and progression:

A. Simulate a swing with a plastic or aluminum bat

C. Hit a wiffle ball tossed

 

Key points:

Make sure players are running full speed across the bag, slowing down only after touching it

 

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

 

Exercise "Around the Horn"

 

Description: Have the players stand in a circle. Use an odd number of players if necessary. The coach gives  a ball to one player. At the start signal, the player throws the ball underhand to the second player to his right. While throwing the ball, he must say the name of the player catching the ball.

 

Equipment: Ball (baseball)

 

Key points:

Once the players become comfortable with 1 ball, the coach can add a second, third and fourth ball. See how many balls the players can handle at the same time.

 

Exercise "Names & Numbers"

 

Description: Name each position and their number. Give each player a position name and instruct them to go to that position.

 

Equipment: Ball (baseball), bag

 

Variations & Progression:

Start them off the pitching mound

Write position numbers on balls, place the balls in a bag; have players draw a ball and take it to the corresponding position

 

1 = pitcher

2 = catcher

3 = first base

4 = second base

5 = third base

6 = shortstop

7 = left-field

8 = center-field

9 = right-field

 

GAME & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

 

Exercise "Out"

 

Goal: Teach and explain to players how to make an out.

 

Description: Play a game and instruct players to touch the runners to make an out.

 

Variations and progression:

-Make a couple of teams and play mini-games using only one base.

-Play mini-game using 4 bases.

-Rotate the teams to change match-ups.

 

Key points:

Touch the runner with the ball before the runner touches the base.