Handcuffs

The Wheel

Light Toss

The Relay

Sliding

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:

B. High knees

F. Heel to butt

A. Military walk

C. Shuffle steps

 

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:

G. On two knees, throw the ball to a partner (or parent)

H. Standing up, throw the ball to a 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

 

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 45 degrees with colored balls

C. Regular toss without moving feet (no step)

F. Regular toss using 2 balls

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

THROWING

 

Exercise "The Relay"

 

Description: Split players into 2 groups (depending on the number of players). Each team forms a line. A hoola hoop filled with balls of different kinds is located 30 feet in front of each team, with two cones placed at 15 feet and 30 feet from the hoop.

When given a signal, a player goes to the hoop and from there tries to throw a ball at each cone. Two throws are allowed. The player then returns to the line and the next player attempts the task.

 

Equipment:

Several balls (2 minimum) of all kinds

2 cones per team so between 4 and 6 cones

2-3 hoops

 

Variations and progression:

Distance -  depending on players’ abilities (closer or farther)

A. If player hits 1st cone = 1 point, 2nd cone = 3 points; first team to finish = 2 points

B. You can add challenges... between line and hoop (be creative!).

C. Without cones and hoops, teams are in line. Players throw to a partner. First team to go all the way and back gets the point.

 

BASE RUNNING

 

Exercise "Sliding"

 

Description: Place the mat on an open field. Have players line up in single file approximately 10 to 15 feet away from the mat. Have players run and complete the slide into the mat, one player at a time.

 

For all sliding techniques, the coach can shorten the "run up" distance to slow the players down and focus on the technique of the slide, then slowly increase the speed of the players after they feel more comfortable.

 

Equipment: Mats (optional)

 

Variations and progression:

B. Sliding with legs forming a "4"

 

Key points:

Bent Leg Slide.

Make sure the players have their hands in the air to avoid injury.

Stay low throughout the approach of the slide in order to decrease the amount of impact with the ground.

 

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