The Wheel

Light Toss

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 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.

C. On both knees.

F. Execute 3 circles before throwing:

- small circle

- medium circle

- large circle

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

 

HITTING

 

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:

B. Regular toss at 45 degrees with colored balls

 

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 "The Challenge"

 

Description: All players are at home plate. At their turn (after player in front has reached 1st base), players round the bases. Between each base, there is a challenge to perform.

 

Equipment: Set of bases (minimum of 4), various items for challenges

 

Challenge examples:

A. Backpedal

B. Rounding cones

C. Roll

D. Jump between sticks

E. Pass under a stick on 2 cones

F. Jump over a partner

G. Shuffle steps or other running drills

H. T-ball

I. Field a ball, throw to the coach

J. Etc ... (be creative)

 

Key points:

More than one ability can be incorporated.

BE CREATIVE !!!!!!!

 

Exercise "Gotcha"

 

Description: Place 2-4 groups of players at each base or at home plate and 2nd base depending on number of players. Set up bases in diamond formation 20–30 feet apart.

 

On the signal “Go,” one player from each group starts running around the bases. The objective is to run past the person ahead of you.

 

Score 1 point for your team for every player passed.

 

Run for a set period of time (15-30 seconds).

 

Equipment: 4 bases

 

Variation and progression:

A. Use parents so players can try to pass them

B. Backpedal

 

Key points:

At all time, players must touch all bases

 

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