Handcuffs

The Wheel

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 progression:

C. Shuffle steps

D. Cross steps, front and back

E. Football sprint

H. Sprint, baseball start

 

 

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)

 

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 "Drill with Pitcher"

 

Description: With a coach located at 20 feet in front of the player, toss the ball with both knees on the ground while asking the hitter to hit the ball.

 

Players are usually set up as follows:

- 2 players hitting

- 2 players catching behind 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 coach has thrown a 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.

 

Equipment: Balls and bats

 

Variations and progression:

H. Tennis racquet, wiffle balls

I. Tennis racquet, tennis balls

 

Key points:

Feet must be wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on bat

 

GAME & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

 

Exercise "Bucket Ball"

 

Goal: Throwing, fielding, base running, cooperation, and teamwork

 

Equipment: 2 balls, 4 bases, helmet, pail or bag

 

Description: 2 teams of 6 - one on offence - one on defense. The defensive team has a catcher at home plate and the other players at appropriate locations.  The offensive team has 1 player to THROW from home plate and the other players awaiting their turn from a safe distance.

 

Activity: Offensive “batter” throws out 2 balls, at one time in quick succession and runs around the bases trying to make it home before the fielding team gets both balls in a pail. If the ball is caught, the “batter” is out. Fielders may NOT run with the ball. It must be thrown Home. Relay the ball if necessary. Remind players to make sure the catcher is looking; An adult may have to help at home.

 

Variation and progression:     

A-          Batter throws 2 balls

B-          Batter hits 2 balls