PRACTICE 12
GOAL: Continue defensive practice and improving baserunning technique.
First 5 Minutes (Stretching)
Today we go right into stretching because we have some key work ahead. 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 (Tossing)
Pair off the players and line them up 10 to 12 feet apart. Make sure there is enough room to consider errant throws. Have them toss the ball back and forth. As the arms become loose, the last 10 tosses should be long tosses – as far as can be thrown.
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 20 Minutes (Infield Position Starters With Players Running Bases)
With infield positions determined, all other players will run the bases as the coach hits ground balls to the infielders. This drill allows game-type situations for the defense and the base runners.
Coaching Points
In youth baseball, making routine plays are a must, so stress this point. Also, make sure there is a coach watching only base runners to make sure they are rounding the bases correctly.
Any time you can use game-type situations, your players benefit greatly.
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 20 Minutes (Rundowns)
Keep in mind that rundowns happen a lot at younger ages because both the runners and fielders are prone to mistakes. So work on them.
Usually in a rundown, chaos reigns, in part because many teams neglect to work on them and the players aren't sure what to do.
It's really quite simple. For the fielders: Rule Number 1: Don't panic. Rule Number 2: Always start the rundown by trying to send the runner back from where he came. Rule Number 3: Stay inside of the runner, so you never have to throw over the runner. Rule Number 4: Follow your throw. That way you'll never be caught out of position, possibly obstructing the runner. A key point: The less throws the better.
Here's how it works: The pitcher turns and sees the runner caught off third base. He takes an angle to run him back to third. At the proper time, he flips the ball to the third baseman. He continues to run past third and gets in line behind the shortstop, who has moved over to cover third. Teach the fielders to hold the ball in the throwing hand and pump fake a throw to freeze the runner. Of course, when they go to tag the runner, it's best to place the ball in the glove and tag with both hands. If the third baseman has to toss the ball to the catcher, he does and then continues down to get in line behind the first baseman, who's moved down to back up the catcher, who is now running the runner back to third.
Coaching Points
Follow your throws. Use the pump fake.
End of Practice
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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
Lesson 62:
Practice 12: Rundowns
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
Welcome to the wonderful world of Coaching Youth Baseball! We've designed this plan for coaches, parents and volunteers who want to learn more about baseball while developing their ability to teach youth players. Take pride in the commitment you've made to the youngsters. This plan is specifically intended for use at the beginning of the Kids Pitch levels of youth baseball, or what we've titled...
