PRACTICE 10 

GOAL: Fielders catching live balls from hitters; throwing to bases properly; hitters work on swinging and running bases.

First 5 Minutes

Talk to the players and encourage them to work hard and have fun. Concentrate on better technique today and tell the players what will be done during this practice.

Next 5 Minutes (Stretching)

Stretch legs for two minutes and stretch arms for two minutes. Stretching prepares the muscles to prevent injury. The last minute should be used to jog around the field once.

Next 10 Minutes (Infield Drills)

Line up three players in each infield position and have one coach hit ground balls to third base and shortstop and another coach hit ground balls to second base and first base. The players will catch the ball and toss it aside and move to the back of the line.

Coaching Point
  • This will allow more ground balls for defensive play and gives the players time to rest their arms. 

Next 3 Minutes (Water Break)

Give the players time to break for water. It is extremely important for the players to remain hydrated at all times. But have them hustle back to the field.

Next 25 Minutes (Fielding and Hitting)

With players in position, have remaining players hit off the batting tee at home plate and run the bases. Each player should hit twice and then rotate.

End of Practice

For something different, have a throwing contest before the end of practice:

Create two teams and line them up with a good distance between each player. The ball starts at the end of one line. On your command, the players throw to the next person in line, who receives the throw (on his glove-hand side), turns and throws to the next person until they reach the last person in line. Run it again, this time going up and back. Remember to rotate the players to different spots in their line. Run it again – this time as a timed event. The team with the quickest time wins.

End practice with a lap around the bases. Then, while the players are drinking water, huddle them together for a talk. Take this time to recognize the work that was done well, but also discuss what needs improvement. Tell the players the next practice (or game) time and follow up with an email to their parents. Previous lesson