PRACTICE 12

Now that you've found the next Crystal Bustos, it's time to see how far and hard they can hit the ball. Have them face live pitching, from you, and to continue to work situations. Remember, repetition is the key to teaching them to think the game.


First 15-20 Minutes (Warm-up)

The warm-up routine is standard: stretching, moderate jog to a finishing sprint. Then, catching, throwing and ground-ball lines. Always stress mechanics. At this point, the girls should be proficient enough at throwing and catching to do it on their own. Have them pair off into two lines, facing each other, and let them throw to themselves. Make sure you leave plenty of room between each girl. If they struggle with this, you can go back to the two or three lines with coaches tossing them the ball.


Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)

Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back on the field.


Next 20-25 Minutes (Hitting)

For this practice, the usual review becomes the main practice as you move to live hitting with fielders. Place you coaches in the field to instruct as you pitch. Bring three girls in at a time. Each girl gets 10 swings, running out the last one. The girls in the field are to make the plays on every hit ball. The bulk of the plays will be made to first, unless you set up a different situation. Explain clearly and use the batters waiting to hit as runners, if you want to set up a specific situation. Rotate the fielders to different positions for each hitter. As the pitcher, you need to try and throw it where struggling kids are swinging. Always  focus on mechanics.

Coaching Point
  • Throw it where they're swinging.  

Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)

Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back on the field.


Remaining Time

Play home run derby. Pick two teams and set a plate close enough to an outfield fence so if they hit it well enough it will go out. You can soft toss or pitch, depending on how close to the fence you are and the level of your players. Each girl gets three to five swings, depending on how much time you have. Alternate the players as you go. If you have time, go multiple rounds or let the kids who hit them out show off their home run trots. 

Congratulate the kids for another great practice. Tell them the next practice time (or game time) and follow up with an e-mail to the parents.