Handcuffs

The Wheel

Between the Two

Light Toss

The Crocodile

Sky Ball

The Train

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:

G. Sitting, use only arms

B. High knees

F. Heel to butt

A. Military walk

 

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)

 

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

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

 

HITTING

 

Exercise "Between the Two"

 

Description:     Each player has a bat in their hands.  Copy every different position the coach takes. Every time the coach asks the players how to position themselves, they answer: “Between the two”. In all cases, you want “Between the two” extremes as a better method for your hitters to start from.

 

Equipment: 1 "bat" per player

 

Variations & Progression:

A. Close feet vs. wide feet (wide vs. compact stance)

B. Straight legs vs. bent legs

C. High hands vs. low hands

D. Bat pointing straight up vs. lying on shoulder

E. Complete swings without ball

 

Key Points:

Feet must be wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on bat

 

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:     

A. Standard t-ball

E. 3 swings and hit

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

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:

A. Regular toss at 45 degrees

 

Key points:

Feet wider than shoulders

Hands high and back

Hands together on the bat

 

RECEIVING

 

Exercise "The Crocodile"

 

Description: Coach instructs the players to simulate the proper way to receive a ground ball.

 

Equipment: Several types of balls (minimum 1 per player) and bigger balls.

 

Variations and progression:

A. Simulate receiving the ball

B. Coach rolls a ground ball

C. In pairs, one player rolls the ball and the other receives it

*Do exercise with and without gloves

 

Key points:

Always put hands out like a crocodile's mouth

"Pet" the ball when receiving it

Feet and hands form a triangle

 

Exercise "Sky Ball"

 

Description: 1 adult for every 2 players. Players will practice using high tosses from an adult. Self-competition can be included by:

              1) Catching a higher ball each time

              2) Number of consecutive catches

 

Equipment: 1 ball and glove for each player

 

Variation and progression:

D. Coach throws the ball.

F. With or without a glove.

 

Key points:

Hands together slightly above forehead

 

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:

B. Individually, done while jogging

C. Individually, done while backpedaling

D. Have players start at different bases

 

Key points:

Player must learn to run on the right side

 

Exercise "Tag Baseball"

 

Description: Install hoops behind 1st base and home plate. Install hoops on 2nd and 3rd base. One or some players have the tag. Players have to reach the next base while following the base paths. Player with the tag must leave the mound to touch players.

 

Equipment: Set of bases (4) and hoops (4)

 

Variation and progression:

A. Ask parents to participate

 

Key points:

Possibility to pass 1st base and home plate

Make sure to avoid too many players at each base