Handcuffs

The Wheel

The Train

Catch the ball like an egg

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 progressions:

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:

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

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:

A. Players are executing on command:

1)           Throwing arm goes down

2)           Reach back

3)           Lift arm to shoulder height

 

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

 

Bats: Regular, plastic, hockey stick, small, large …

Balls: baseballs, wiffle, tennis, incredible, balls, small, large, softballs

 

Variation and Progression:

A. Standard T-Ball

B. Hit the ball through a hoop

E. 3 swings and hit

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

BASE RUNNING

 

Exercise "The Train"

 

Description: Starting from home plate, players form a line and walk around the bases, saying the name of the base as they touch it. Parents can join in this activity.

 

Equipment: Set of bases (minimum of 4)

 

Variations and progression:

D. Have players start at different bases

E. Individually done by running, player goes around the bases (same as Hit Run and Throw)

 

Key points:

Player must learn to run on the right side

 

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 !!!!!!!

 

RECEIVING

 

Exercise "Catch the ball like an egg"

 

Description: With a partner or a coach located in front of the player at a distance of 6 feet, throw the ball underhand to the player. Look for players who will catch the ball with two hands.

 

Place players opposite each other at a distance of 6 feet. With players on 2 knees, and bare handed, have the players play catch throwing the ball under hand. For younger players, it would be a good idea to match a player with a parent.

 

Variations and progression:

D. Standing up, no glove, use tennis balls or bigger ball, throw with one bounce.

 

Key points:

Reach out for the ball

Bring hands toward the body when catching the ball

 

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

 

Exercise "Around the Horn"

 

Description: Have the players stand in a circle. Use an odd number of players if necessary. The coach gives  a ball to one player. At the start signal, the player throws the ball underhand to the second player to his right. While throwing the ball, he must say the name of the player catching the ball.

 

Equipment: Ball (baseball)

 

Key points:

Once the players become comfortable with 1 ball, the coach can add a second, third and fourth ball. See how many balls the players can handle at the same time.

 

Exercise "Names & Numbers"

 

Description: Name each position and their number. Give each player a position name and instruct them to go to that position.

 

Equipment: Ball (baseball), bag

 

Variations & Progression:

Start them off the pitching mound

Write position numbers on balls, place the balls in a bag; have players draw a ball and take it to the corresponding position

 

1 = pitcher

2 = catcher

3 = first base

4 = second base

5 = third base

6 = shortstop

7 = left-field

8 = center-field

9 = right-field