The Wheel

Light Toss

The Guardian

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:

A. Military walk

C. Shuffle steps

H. Sprint, baseball start

I. Backpedal run

 

Warm-up:

 

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

 

Throwing and receiving:

 

Exercise "The Wheel"

 

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

 

Equipment: 1 “Incrediball” for each player

 

Variations and progression:

A. Players simulate the mechanics without a ball.

B. Players sit with leg crossed.

D. On one knee (throwing’s arm knee)

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:     

E. 3 swing and hit

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

Exercise "Light Toss"

 

Description: Players can do this in pairs or in groups of three (each group needs 6-10 baseballs). With a partner or a coach located at 45 degrees beside the batter, simply ask the player to hit the ball tossed underhand.

 

Get one player to kneel in front and to the side of the hitter and toss a ball with little or no arc in front of them.

 

After the hitter has had 10-15 quality swings, get the players to switch. The pitcher should keep the delivery consistent so that hitters can find their timing.

 

Equipment: Various bats and balls

 

Variations and Progressions:

A. Regular toss at 45 degrees

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

Excercise "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:

B. Baseball bats, small balls.

C. Baseball bats, wiffle balls.

 

Key points:

Feet must be wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on bat

 

RECEIVING

 

Exercise "The Guardian"

 

Goal: Teach players a safe way to field a ground ball

 

Description: In pairs or with an adult, players, players practice fielding the ball (one knee down).

 

Equipment: Various balls

 

Variations and progression:

- Same with a stationary ball

- The coach rolls a ball and the players field the ball

- The coach rolls the ball, the players field and throw the ball

 

Key Points:

Put one knee on the ground

Upper body must be behind the ball

Always face the ball

 

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