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Handcuffs
The Wheel
The Net
Description
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:
A. Military walk
I. Backpedal run
E. Football sprint
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:
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:
D. On one knee (throwing’s arm knee)
E. 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
Variation and Progression:
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
Exercise "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
THROWING
Exercise "The Net"
Description: Divide the players into 2 equal groups on each side of the net.
Using all soft balls and wiffle balls, ask players to pick a ball off the ground and to throw it over the net. Both teams are throwing and receiving balls over the net for one minute before taking a break and then repeating the exercise.
A little competition can be created where the goal is to send all balls to the other side.
Equipment:
A minimum of 6 soft balls or wiffle balls
Screen or net
Variations and progressions:
Players are located farther from the net.
Key points:
Make sure the grip is appropriate
Glove side foot forward when throwing
RECEIVING
Exercise "Big Foot"
Description: Partners start in lines, facing each other, approximately 10 feet apart. One adult per pair. Players throw to each other (or adult throws if skill level is too low for accurate throws). Each time a catch is made the partners move back one giant step.
The pair that ends up the farthest apart while still able to catch the ball is given the BIG FOOT award.
Equipment: 1 ball for every 2 players
Variations and progression:
Use different types of balls (tennis, incredible, baseball, wiffle) depending on ability.
GAME & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Exercise "Out"
Goal: Teach and explain to players how to make an out.
Description: Play a game and instruct players to touch the runners to make an out.
Variations and progression:
-Make a couple of teams and play mini-games using only one base.
-Play mini-game using 4 bases.
-Rotate the teams to change match-ups.
Key points:
Touch the runner with the ball before the runner touches the base.