PRACTICE 11

GOAL: Continue to work on crucial fundamentals of fielding and hitting.

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)

Add some stretching exercises that you haven't been using previously. This will ensure that the players aren't getting lazy with this necessary routine. Stretch legs for two minutes and stretch arms for two minutes. 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 25 Minutes (Station Drills)

You will be using two stations at the same time.
  • Station 1 (infield players): A coach hits ground balls to the infielders. In the first two rounds, the ball is thrown to home plate. In the second two rounds, the ball is thrown to second base. In the third two rounds, the ball is thrown to first base. The second baseman covers second base when balls are hit to the left side of the infield. Thr shortstop covers second base when balls are hit to the right side of the infield. The shortstop covers second base when balls are hit back to pitcher.
  • Station 2 (soft toss hitting): Those players not fielding will hit balls while a coach throws soft toss.

End of Practice

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.