Handcuffs

The Wheel

Field 3

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

 

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:

C. Players are seated, pick the ball off the ground and throw it to partner (or parent)

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:

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

 

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 "Field 3"

 

Description: Form 2 teams of 6  - 1 batter, 1 catcher, the rest are fielders.  Set up 2 separate activity areas at a safe distance apart. There will be 1 adult pitcher in each area for each group of 6. Set up bases on diamond.

 

Equipment: 2 bats, 2 balls, 2 sets of catcher’s equipment, 2 helmets, 2 sets of bases

 

One batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with one player in catching equipment.

 

When a fielder has successfully fielded 3 groundballs or has caught 1 fly ball, they become the batter.

 

- Players rotate positions.

- Make sure all players get an opportunity to bat and catch

 

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

 

Exercise "Single/Double/Triple/Home Run"

 

A hit that gets a batter to 1st base is called a “single.” If the batter makes it to 2nd base safely on a hit it is called a “double.” And, if he makes it to 3rd base safely it is called a “triple.”

 

Doubles and triples usually make it past the outfielders, allowing the batter to advance around the bases more easily.

 

Sometimes, a batter makes it around all 3 bases and back to home plate in one attempt. Getting around all the bases with one hit is called a “home run.”