- Baseball is a Game of Movement -
PRACTICE PLANS
Step-by-step, building block approach for drill implementation and skill building over an entire season. Practice Plans include links to drill diagrams and explanations.
Table of Contents
Mini Diamond – Super Tool
One of the most valuable tools a coach can use is the Mini Diamond. Any drill in which the focus of the teaching is something other than working on full on overhand throwing technique can be run on a Mini Diamond. Use of the Mini Diamond is referenced throughout the Coaching Guide.
A Mini Diamond is 20’-25' square, but can be modified larger or smaller depending on the activity. It is constructed using cones, throw down bases, ball caps, extra shirts that are laying around, a leaf, anything. Anytime we compact the teaching/learning environment we reduce distractions, improve communication and the players get many more repetitions during a drill.
Examples of drills that can be run using a Mini Diamond include relays, backing-up and base coverage responsibilities, and first and third defense. Keep in mind that for most activities the throwing and catching aspect is the last skill that needs to be mastered (and we take care of that during 'Playing Catch Practice'). Proper movement, positioning and communication need to be understood and mastered to some extent before be add the throwing aspect to cement the execution of the activity.
Practice Structure
Descriptions of Practice Segments
The practice templates in the Coaching Guide are based on the standard structure of a college baseball practice template; modified for the 12U environment.
At the college level teams have limits to how much time they can spend on the field each week. Their practices are designed to maximize each minute the players are ‘on the clock’.
The primary concern in the 12U environment is keeping the kids active and engaged throughout each practice. If we leave them standing and lose their attention and it is a challenge to re-engage them.
We always hear of making practices ‘Fun’ for the kids. My belief is the best definition of fun is ‘keeping active’.
I. Wiffle Ball Batting (Pre-Practice)
It is strongly recommended that kids who are early arrivals not play catch on their own. Don’t put balls out prior to the start of practice.
The skills of throwing and receiving throw are the foundation of the game. The kids should always be supervised when executing these critical skills. Instead of allowing our kids to play catch when they arrive, set up a whiffle ball batting practice (the best type of ball to use is a ‘pickle ball’)
One coach can throw to two kids at once; two coaches can throw to four kids, and so on. A coach who has gained proficiency at pitching in this environment can pitch to three kids at once. (additional info, and a diagram, for Wiffle Ball Batting can be found on the COACHING GUIDE page under ‘Teaching Points’)
Have half the kids batting and half chasing balls (they love this!). Give each player 8 swings then switch. Note: No ‘“one mores”. This can turn into 4 or 5 more, and eat up a lot of valuable time. If a player swings and misses on their eighth swing we tell them, “Good Swing!! …now switch to chasing balls”. Suggestion: tell the batter when they have two or three swings left, so they understand they soon will be done batting.
Safety:
Make it crystal clear to the kids that running through the space between the pitchers (coaches) and batters. I call this space ‘Interstate/Hwy (fill in the blank). There is no way they would run across a major highway filled with cars and trucks. …and there is no way we will allow them to run through this space; it is absolutely prohibited. They have to go around the outside. When a player runs through this space, they potentially will run next to another player in the middle of swinging a bat; we do not want this to happen
Making this rule stick is not as simple as telling them one time; even though we point out the safety hazzard. It will take some time, and discipline (on our part as coaches), to train them that there are no exceptions to this rule.
Make it a rule that there is to be no swinging of a bat except when at the ‘plate’ and when a coach is pitching. Kids will want to pick up balls and try to hit them back to the coaches when picking up balls during or at the end of the drill. Be ready to squash this activity the moment it starts. Make it clear this will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
The origination of Whiffle Ball Batting was to give the players something to do between their arrival at the ballpark and the official start of practice, so to not play catch unsupervised. However, since this is such a fun activity and is only available prior to the start of practice, it becomes an incentive for kids to arrive early. Ultimately this leads to practices starting on time with all or most kids ready to go.
II. Skill Building Warm-up
‘Warm-up’ is different concept with pre-pubesent bodies than it is with teens and adults. The muscles in the kids, the age we are working with, are not powerfull or developed to the extent they are on older people. The liklihood of them suffering a severe muscle injury is extremely low. Therefore stretching and other activities we see teen and pro players doing before a workout are not really necessary. These activities do, however, eat up valuable practice time.
Instead of stretching, calisthenics, or running the kids across the park and back at the start of practice, we warm our kids up by doing simple activities that build Baseball/Softball Skills. Each day at the start of practice we runn our kids through a three station ‘Skill Building Warm-up’.
If a coach chooses to make stretching and calisthenics, that is perfectly fine; the kids are moving and doing; that is good! My philosophy, however, is to get them right into doing Skill Building drills.
Many of the suggested activities for this part of practice don’t make it into a practice routine for many teams. Many of the more common skill building activities that make the core of many practices, once learned by the players (and coaches), can be inserted into the Skill Building Warm-up portion of practice. This frees up more time to work on Team Play activities in the core part of a practice.
III. Playing Catch Practice
The most important part of a practice is the Playing Catch Practice segment, traditionally referred to as ’Warming Up’. Unfortunately this has evolved into a lazy and sloppy activity. The ten minutes our kids spend playing catch should be the most focused, most intense and most disciplined part of the practice.
This is the time when we as coaches have to be at our best, making sure each player is using proper catching and throwing technique. When the team is playing catch there needs to be an adult or two (coaches and/or parent helpers) standing behind each group of kids with extra balls in hand ready to resupply kids when balls get past them.
One of the biggest time wasters in baseball practices is kids chasing after balls. We want every possible moment of practice to involve skill building activities. When thrown balls are missed by the receiving player an adult standing behind the row of players flips a new ball to the player that missed, so that player gets right back in to working on their skills
Playing Catch Practice has three parts:
The first few minutes of this routine the kids throw from approximately 35’ and work on pitching mechanics.
The next few minutes throw from approximately 60’ emphasizing the proper stance prior to receiving a throw, footwork in preparation to receive a throw and proper receiving position.
Skill activity
IV. Team Skills & Drills
Examples of activities include, Skill Station Rotation (which could include a group getting swings off a Tee), Cuts-Relays, Fly Ball Communication, Rundowns, Positional Responsibility Drills, Base Running, Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls, etc.
V. Batting Practice - 'A 12 Player Drill'
This activity is often characterized by one kid batting and eleven kids standing out in the field shagging. Those eleven other kids are often board and losing interest in the sport minute by minute. Batting Practice is a ‘12 Player Drill’ that is structured so that the entire team is engaged, active and developing skills throughout the activity. An entire section of the Coaching Guide is dedicated to describing how to set up and run an efficient and dynamic Batting Practice.
VI. Scrimmage
‘Kids sign up to PLAY baseball, not to practice baseball’. Kids do understand that they need to practice to develop their skills, but they also have a strong desire to PLAY.
Our goal as coaches is to create a practice environment that is FUN as well as active, efficient and effective. It is strongly recommended that most every practice conclude with a scrimmage. A scrimmage is not a willy-nilly activity, however. This is a controlled activity where teaching takes place throughout.
While the kids are having FUN PLAYING, the scrimmage serves as a great teaching and learning tool. Following each play, the coaches acknowledge things kids did correctly and instruct as needed. These teaching periods should be brief, 10-20 seconds; keep the game moving!
Practice Templates
90-Minute Practice
(0:10) - 0:00 Whiffle Ball Batting
0:00 – 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
0:10 – 0:15 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:15 - 0:25 Playing Catch Practice
0:25 – 0:30 <Break>
0:30 – 0:45 Team Skills and Drills
0:45 – 1:15 Batting Practice
1:15 – 1:30 Scrimmage
2-Hour Practice
Note: The template is the same; the time frame of the activities is lengthened.
(0:10) - 0:00 Whiffle Ball Batting
0:00 – 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
0:10 – 0:15 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:15 - 0:30 Playing Catch Practice
0:30 – 0:35 <Break>
0:35 – 0:55 Team Skills and Drills
0:55 – 1:00 <Break>
1:00 – 1:35 Batting Practice (‘12-Player Drill’)
1:35 – 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice Plans
NOTE: The plans below are generic; ‘middle of the road’ for all levels of Player Pitch. Modifications in the pace of presenting the content may be needed. Younger teams progress a bit slower; older teams move into new content sooner.
Content of the plans below (#1-#20) follow a building block, step-by-step approach to building skills and coordinated team play over the season. The plans are laid out ‘minute by minute’. We aren’t going to keep exactly to these schedules each practice; hiccups and unexpected events occur. Each individual plan serves as a guide for structuring and running a practice.
Practice #1
(Note: Practice can begin one hour prior to your assigned field time – a diamond is only needed for Scrimmage)
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting - or any activity except kids playing catch on their own
0:00 - 0:10
Introductions
Have each player tell their name, where they go to school, favorite pro player, etc.
0:10 - 0:20
Teach
“Ready Position” prior to every throw and when each pitch is released in scrimmage
Stance at a base to receive a throw
Not ‘allowed’ to touch the base – “The base is for the runner, the ball is for the defense”
Side of the base; the same side the ball is coming from
‘Ball First, Base Second’
First Baseman stands in front of the base, but does not touch the base (VIDEO) - Watch: 0:50-1:20
Do not stretch before the ball has been thrown - “See the ball before committing your feet”
Receiving a Throw at a Base (DEMO) (VIDEO: Receiving a Throw at a Base) - Watch: 0:22-0:42
“Move Feet to Catch”
“Ball first, base second” – ‘The ball is the key to the base’
“Look for other runners” – immediately after making the play at the base
0:20 - 0:25
Underhand Toss
(DIAGRAM: 'Skill Building Warm-up > Fielding > Underhand Toss/Throwing on the Run')
(VIDEO: Underhand Toss) - Watch: 0:00-0:25
0:25 - 0:45
Infield Base Coverage | Outfielders Backing up Bases
(INFO 'Defensive Positional Responsibilities' page)
2 groups of 6 players - 10 minutes at each station (These drill only require 5 min each, after players learn how they are run)
0:45 - 0:50 <Break>
0:50 – 0:55 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:55 - 1:15
Playing Catch Practice – “The Most Important Part of the Day”
Drills
-Receiving Throws
“Ready Position” (‘Athletic Position’:
“Move Feet to Catch”
“Reach Forward to Catch”
-Throwing (arm action)
Turn and Pull (start in ‘Power Position’ — ‘glove side of the body’ facing the target;; elbows at shoulder height)
Snap (allow momentum to carry forward following the Snap)
Play Catch, short distance 25’ – s5’ (throwers start in ‘Power Position’; kids receiving the ball are in a ‘Ready Position’
-Throwing Footwork
Shuffle
Shuffle, Pull, Snap (momentum “Follow your head”)
-Play Catch long distance (50’-60’ – “Move your feet to catch; move your feet to throw”
Notes:
Primary objective when playing catch is players moving their feet
“Your feet take your hands to the ball”
“Your feet (Legs) power your throw”
“If you are not moving your feet you are not doing the DRILL” ……call this activity a Drill…... the phrases, ‘play catch’ or ‘warm up the arms’’ do not establish in kids’ minds the importance of playing catch correctly. The term ‘Drill’ raises the importance of this activity in the minds of the kids.
1:15 – 1:30
-Discipline/Correction Points: --> 1. Infield Base Coverage, 2. Backing up Bases – Outfield
(INFO:'Defensive Positional Responsibilities' page)
Coach pitches from 20’-30’, pitcher plays from rubber. One batter, runners at 1st & 2nd; nine position players
Start with a runner on first base and a batter on deck
Each batter bats one time. After the first three kids bat and run the bases, switch them to defense
Note: if the batter gets out, allow them to remain on a base and be a base runner. This helps them and the defense to get more exposure to learning.
1:30 – 1:35
Wrap-up “Baseball/Softball is a Game of Movement”
Practice #2
(Note: start practice 30 minutes prior to your assigned field time – don’t need the field except for PFP & Scrimmage)
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting - or any activity except kids playing catch on their own
(see ‘Coaching Guide - Info on This Page - Whiffle Ball Batting’)
0:10 - 0:20 Teach:
“Ready Position” prior to every throw and when each pitch is released in scrimmage
Not optional – ‘football helmet’ (review)
Stance at a base prior to receiving a throw (See Practice #1 -review)
Receiving a Throw (See Practice #1 -review)
Three Rules for Individuals on Defense (NEW) see Rules for Defensive:
1. Ball, 2. Base, Back up
0:20 - 0:25
Underhand Toss (see 'Skill Building Warm-up - Fielding - Underhand Toss/throwing on the Run')
0:25 - 0:35
Infield Base Coverage / Outfielders Backing up Bases – “Baseball/Softball is a Game of Movement”
(see 'Defensive Positional Responsibilities' page)
Two groups of six players - 5 minutes at each station
0:35 – 0:50 Receiving a Throw at a Base DRILL
VIDEO - watch 0:25 - 0:42
0:50 - 0:55 <Break> (coaches talk over the second half of practice)
0:55 – 1:00 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
1:00 - 1:15
Playing Catch Practice – “The Most Important Part of the Day”
5 min Receiving Throws - See Practice #1 (review)
15 min
Throwing Drills – Basic Mechanics (Note: head and momentum in straight line)
Throwing Drills – Footwork
1:15 – 1:30
Pitcher’s Fielding Practice (“PFP”) – Teach: “Turn Glove Side” (see Drills page)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills) …the techniques shown are not just for kids, they are used at the highest levels of the game. See the videos below this practice plan^.
1-3 Play – pitcher fielding; underhand toss to first base
1-6 Play – Pitcher fielding; overhand throw to second base (“Move Feet to Throw”)
(see Drills page, ‘Pitchers Fielding Practice – Three Groups’)
Note: we only run this drill with two groups the first couple of time (instead of three as shown in the drill diagram). There is too much going on with three groups; wait 'til the kids get accustomed to the environment before running the drill w/three groups.
1:30 – 1:55 Scrimmage
Teach: Positioning: 1. Infielders: 15’ from the base, 2. LF/RF: half way between the bases in front of you
Discipline/Correction Points:
Defense Positioning,
Infield and Outfield Movement,
Receiving a Throw at a Base
Structure
Coach pitches from 20’-30’, pitcher plays from rubber.
One batter; runners at 1st & 2nd; nine position players
Each batter bats 2x. After the first three players bat, switch them to defense
Change all players’ defensive position
1:55 – 2:00 Wrap-up: “Baseball/Softball is a Game of Movement”
^ Delivering the Ball in Drills ——————————————————————————————————————————————
Rolling, throwing and tossing balls in drills is more accurate and much more effective than using a bat. Run drills in compact spaces, rather than the coach standing at home plate hitting balls.
Dodgers Outfielders - training drop step and going back (in the background) - Watch 0:30-0:50
Yankees - DP Turn - using a machine (same concept: Accurate delivery, Quick pace, Massive Reps) - Watch 0:15-0:35
Cardinals OF - low liners - Watch 0:00 – 0:20
Rangers - Watch 1:00-1:07 - can’t see coach; based on pace of ball and accuracy, can tell its being rolled
2:58-3:11 - tossing fly balls
3:45-4:00 - batting off a knee from pitchers mound (same concept: Compact Space, Accuracy and Reps)
Twins - Sano footwork for OF - Watch 3:50-4:15; 4:55-5:10
Fielding Clinic …watch the following clips:
2:25 – 2:40 15 seconds
3:50 – 4:10 20 seconds
4:55 – 5:05 10 seconds
5:25 – 5:40 20 seconds
7:10 – 7:25 15 seconds
TOTAL TIME: 1 min, 20 seconds ——————————————————————————————————————————————
Practice #3
(Note: start practice 15-30 minutes prior to your assigned field time – don’t need the field except for Scrimmage)
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (or any activity except kids playing catch on their own)
0:00 - 0:10 Teach: Ground Ball Footwork
0:10 - 0:20 20’ Ground Balls (see Skill Building Warm-up - 'Fielding')
(3 min) Group 1: Balls to their LEFT
(3 min) Group 2: 6-4 Play - shortstop to second baseman (Skill Building Warm-up - "Fielding")
(3 min) Group 3: Balls to their RIGHT
0:20 - 0:30 Toss Drills (fly balls) - angling in
(see Skill Building Warm-up "Fielding")
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills) …the techniques shown are not just for kids, they are used at the highest levels of the game. See the videos below this practice plan^.
0:30 - 0:35 <Break>
0:35 - 0:40
‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting)
Receiving Throws (“Move Feet to Catch) - review teaching and run the kids through the movement
“Ready Position”
“Move Feet to Catch”
“Reach Forward to Catch”
0:40 - 0:55
Pitching - Arm Action Mechanics (review) - Emphasis on glove elbow: glove elbow up (on stride) and pull
(7 min.) Playing Catch @ 30’-35’ - step and throw (see Playing Catch Practice)
Position Player Throwing - Emphasis on Ready Position to Catch
(1 min.) TALK: “Playing Catch Practice – the most important part of the day”
(7 min.) Throwing Drills (review) - “Move Feet to Throw”
Shuffle
Shuffle, Shuffle, Pull, Snap, (Momentum -“Follow your head”)
Play Catch @ 60’ - Position Player Throwing Technique (‘Move Feet to Throw’)
RULE: You ARE NOT allowed to throw the ball if your partner is not in a “Ready Position”
Objectives/Focus: Footwork: “Move feet to catch, Move feet to throw”
Coach Mindset: Good throws and an increased percentage of caught balls, result good footwork (movement)
0:55 - 1:10 Defense Positional Movement (players switch groups after 5 minutes)
Group 1: Infield Base Coverage (see Defensive Positional Responsibilities page)
Group 2: Outfield - Backing up Bases (see Defensive Positional Responsibilities page)
1:10 - 1:30 Scrimmage - each batter bats 1x (see Defensive Positional Responsibilities page)
Teach:
First Priority: “I am going to GO GET the ball” (ground ball in the infield in front of LF/RF)
LF/RF have two bases to back up (some throwing angles to second base go more toward the LF or RF than the CF
Discipline/Correction Points: - same as Practice #2
LF/RF be aware of when backing up second base is the priority
Wrap-up: “Baseball/Softball is a Game of Movement”
^ Delivering the Ball in Drills ——————————————————————————————————————————————
Rolling, throwing and tossing balls in drills is more accurate and much more effective than using a bat. Run drills in compact spaces, rather than the coach standing at home plate hitting balls.
Dodgers Outfielders - training drop step and going back (in the background) - Watch 0:30-0:50
Yankees - DP Turn - using a machine (same concept: Accurate delivery, Quick pace, Massive Reps) - Watch 0:15-0:35
Cardinals OF - low liners - Watch 0:00 – 0:20
Rangers - Watch 1:00-1:07 - can’t see coach; based on pace of ball and accuracy, can tell its being rolled
2:58-3:11 - tossing fly balls
3:45-4:00 - batting off a knee from pitchers mound (same concept: Compact Space, Accuracy and Reps)
Twins - Sano footwork for OF - Watch 3:50-4:15; 4:55-5:10
Fielding Clinic …watch the following clips:
2:25 – 2:40 15 seconds
3:50 – 4:10 20 seconds
4:55 – 5:05 10 seconds
5:25 – 5:40 20 seconds
7:10 – 7:25 15 seconds
TOTAL TIME: 1 min, 20 seconds ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Practice #4
(Note: practice can begin 1 hour prior to your assigned field time – don’t need the field except for Scrimmage)
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:05 Underhand Toss (Skill building Warm-up page; found under 'Fielding') VIDEO: Underhand Toss
0:05 - 0:15 20’ Ground Balls
(Skill building Warm-up page; found under 'Fielding') — VIDEO: 20’ Ground Balls
(3 min) Group 1: balls to their LEFT
(3 min) Group 2: balls to their RIGHT
(3 min) Group 3: 4-6 underhand toss (Shortstop to the second baseman)
0:15 - 0:25
Receiving a Throw at a Base - “Cover the base with your eyes” VIDEO: Receiving a Throw at a Base
—> DRILL: Tag Play at Third Base (Skill Building Warm up page, found under 'Receiving Throws at a Base')
(run this drill with 3-4 groups, using throw down bases along the third base line/LF foul line …more players working at once)
0:25 - 0:35
Pitcher Defensive Responsibilities, Balls hit to the infield …work in two groups; one on each side of the diamond
Teach; 1. Ball, 2. Base, 3. Back-up (working in a straight line toward first/third base (L/R)
3-1 play & 5-1 Play (cover the base) …see links below
4-3 play & 6-5 Play (backing up the base) …see links below
(Defensive Positional Responsibilities: Pitchers Responsibilities - balls hit in the infield) VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills
0:35 - 0:40 <Break>
0:40 – 0:45 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:45 - 1:00 Playing Catch Practice*
1:00 - 1:15 Toss Drills (fly balls) - angling back
(Skill building Warm-up page; found under 'Fielding')
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
(players MUST use proper throwing technique throwing back in to the coach – “Move Feet”)
1:15 - 1:20 <Break>
1:20 - 1:55 Scrimmage (each batter bats 2x)
Teach (critical that we get outfielders to understand that they are sprinting 30’-80’ when backing up, each play):
First Priority: “I am going to GO GET the ball” (ground ball in the infield in front of LF/RF)
LF/RF have two bases to back up (some throwing angles to second base go more toward the LF or RF than the CF
Discipline/Correction Points: - same as Practice #2
LF/RF be aware of when backing up second base is the priority
1:55 - 2:00 Wrap-up: “Baseball/Softball is a Game of Movement”
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
*Playing Catch Practice - Teaching Content ……detailed explanation For coaches
(For a few days we need to dedicate some time to teaching the drills to the kids. Once they know the drills, we want to spend 1 minute per day doing a 2-3 batting drills, sets of 5 reps; and 1 minute doing 2-3 throwing/pitching action drills, sets of 5 reps)
5 min - Teaching Batting …& Batting Drills
The Legs (the strongest muscles) start the swing and power the swing; The Legs are “70-80% of the swing”
The action of the Legs is a Turn – a batter turns their Legs as fast as they can - “Turn Fast!”
DRILLS
Twist
Switch Heels
5 min Teaching Throwing/Pitching Mechanics …& Drills
The big muscles in legs and torso (body) start the arm moving, delivering it to a point out in front of your head
Demonstrate the “Turn and Pull” action
DRILLS
Turn & Pull (action of the ‘Leg Turn and Pull of Glove elbow, starts the throwing hand forward)
Wrist Action
Teeter-Totter
Snap
Rocking
10 min - Pitching @ 30’-35’ - starting in Power Position (then end of the stride), using Rocking Action
IMPORTANT: tell the players this will feel weird the first few times they pitch with Rocking action
IMPORTANT: tell the players they are not to throw hard like a game; use natural/playing catch speed
‘Rock, Rock, Turn & Pull’
‘Rock, Rock, Pull and Snap’
5 min - Position Player Throwing and Receiving - “Move feet to catch and throw”
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Practice #5
Teaching and Learning How Batting Practice is Structured
“Batting Practice is a 12 Player Drill” is introduced
Pre-practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
20’ Ground Balls (see 'Skill Building Warm-up - Fielding - 20' Ground Balls") — VIDEO: 20’ Ground Balls
Toss Drills - angling in (Skill Building Warm-up - "Fielding") — VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills
Infield Base Coverage (4 – 1 = 3) (see Defensive Positional Responsibilities)
0:15 – 0:20 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:20 - 0:30 Playing Catch Practice
Pitching: Using the Rocking action (Head & Glove Elbow focus | Turn & Pull focus)
Positional Player catch – “Move feet to catch, move feet to throw”
Skill: Recovering the Ball
0:30 - 0:35 <Break>
0:35 - 1:30 Introduce and teach the kids and coaches how batting practice is run (see 'Batting Practice')
Practice #6
(Note: the first activities of practice do not require access to a diamond - this allows a team to start this practice 45 minutes prior to their assigned field time.)
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10
Teach running through first base and how the drill is run (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Base Running’)
0:10 - 0:20
Base Running - through first base (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Base Running’)
Toss Drills - angling in (Skill Building Warm-up – ‘Fielding’) VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills
4-1 Play (Skill Building Warm-up - Pitchers Fielding) VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills
0:20 – 0:25 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:25 - 0:40
(5 min) Batting & Throwing Drills
(5 min) Pitching w/Rocking action (Turn and Pull focus | Pull and Snap focus) …head straight: Before, During & After throws
(5 min) Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
0:40 - 0:45 Teach: ‘Catch, Tag, Power Position” (see Playing Catch Practice - Part III) “Look for other runners”
0:45 - 0:50 Drill: ‘Catch, Tag, Power Position’ “Look for other runners”
0:50 - 0:55 <Break>
0:55 – 1:15
Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls — VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills
(one group works in INF; one group in OF — switch at 10 min mark)
1:15 – 2:00
Batting Practice – “A 12 Player Drill” (Video)
(second day running the drill …planned time cut from 60 min to 50min, now that players have been through the activity. We are working towards Batting Practice only using up 25-30 minutes of practice time by the 5th day we run this ‘Drill’)
Practice #7
(Note: the first activities of practice do not require access to a diamond - this allows a team to start this practice 30 minutes prior to their assigned field time.)
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
20’ Ground Balls: 6-4 Play (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Fielding’)
1-5 Play
5-1 Play
(for drills #2, #3. above see see Skill Building Warm-up - Pitchers Fielding)
0:10 - 0:15 Teach ‘Catch, Tag, Power Position’ Drill (see Playing Catch Practice - Part III)
0:15 – 0:20 ‘No Bat Drills’ (Batting) | ‘No Ball Drills’ (Pitching)
0:20 - 0:35 Playing Catch Practice
(3 min) Batting & Throwing Drills
(3 min) Pitching using Rocking action – ‘Rock, Turn and Pull’; ‘Rock, Pull and Turn’
(5 min) Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
(4 min) ‘Catch, Tag, Power Position’ Drill (see Playing Catch Practice page – part III)
0:35 - 0:40 <Break>
0:40 - 0:45
Teach: “Step Across” throwing footwork for first baseman throwing to second base
(see Drills page - 'Three Groups Drills', below the first of the three drill diagrams)
0:45 - 1:00 Team Drills - ‘Three Groups Drills' (see Drills page - 'Three Groups Drills')
3-6 Play (first baseman throwing to shortstop)
5-4 Play (third baseman throwing to second baseman)
4-3 Play (second baseman throwing to first w/pitcher backing up the base)
1:00 – 1:10 Teach/Review Defensive Positional Responsibilities
Teach: Catcher’s Three Defensive Responsibilities
Holler to the defense, prior to each new batter: 1. Number of outs, and 2. Location of Base Runners
While the ball is in play, call out where the ball is to be thrown
When base runners stop trying to advance, “Eat it! Run it in!”
Review: Pitcher’s three defensive responsibilities on balls hit in the infield
(Defensive Positional Responsibilities: Pitchers Responsibilities - balls hit in the infield)
1. Ball, 2. Base, 3. Back-up
Teach: Pitcher three defensive responsibilities on balls hit in the outfield
(Defensive Positional Responsibilities: Pitchers Responsibilities – balls hit in the outfield)
“(Always) move towards the ball”
Back up all throws coming in from the outfield
Cut-Relay player on throws to home plate
Review: Outfielders Thee Defensive Responsibilities
(see Defensive Positional Responsibilities)
Chase balls hit to the two infielders in front of you – primarily the LF and RF (“I’m going to GO GET the ball”; we don’t know for sure the infielder will stop the ball from coming to the outfield)
Chase balls hit in the outfield
Back-up a base
1:10 – 1:30 Scrimmage
Practice #8
(Note: the first activities of practice do not require access to a diamond - this allows a team to start this practice 30 minutes prior to their assigned field time.)
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:05 Teach Drop Step Routine (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Fielding’)
0:05 - 0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
(For all three drills below - VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
1. Toss Drills - Drop step, going back
2. Toss Drills - Angling In
3. Toss Drills - Pop flies, fielder coming in (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Fielding’)
0:15 - 0:30 Playing Catch Practice
(5 min) Batting and Pitching Drills
(4 min) Pitching using Rocking action – ‘Rock, Turn and Pull’; ‘Rock, Pull and Snap’
(4 min) Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
(2 min) Catch, Tag, Power Position (see Playing Catch Practice - Part III)
0:30 - 0:35 Review: “Turn Glove Side” (see Coaching Guide page - ‘Teaching Points’)
0:35 - 0:50 Three Groups Drills (see Drills page - 'Three Groups Drills')
(For all three drills below - VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
1. 1-3 Play (bunt)
2. 1-6 Play – “Turn Glove Side”
3. Shortstop going back on a fly ball (“Drop Step”)
0:50 - 0:55 <Break>
0:55 - 1:35 Batting Practice – “A 12 Player Drill” (video)
1:35 - 1:40 Teach:
Middle infielders movement on balls hit to the outfield
(see Defensive Responsibilities page – ‘Middle Infield Movement on Balls Hit to the OF’)
Players in the middle of the field (SS, 2b, P) - “Always move towards the ball”
(see Defensive Positional Responsibilities page – ‘SS, 2b, P – Always move towards the ball’)
1:40 – 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice #9
(Note: the first activities of practice do not require access to a diamond - this allows a team to start this practice one hour prior to their assigned field time.)
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Infield Base Coverage (see Defensive Positional Responsibilities - 'Infield Base Coverage'')
2. Pitchers Backing up Bases (see Defensive Positional Responsibilities - 'Pitchers Backing-up Bases')
3. Catch, Tag and Throw using underhand toss - on mini diamond (see Drills page - 'Catch, Tag and Throw')
0:10 - 0:15 Teach: Cut-Relay Footwork Drill
0:15 - 0:30 Playing Catch Practice
(4 min) Batting & Throwing Drills
(4 min) Pitching using Rocking action – ‘Rock, Turn and Pull’; ‘Rock, Pull and Turn’
(4 min) Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
(3 min) Cut-Relay Player Footwork Drill (see Playing Catch Practice page Part III - 'Cut Relay Footwork')
0:30 - 0:35 <Break>
0:35 - 0:40 Teach: Cut-Relay to Home on Mini Diamond (see Drills page - 'Cut-Relay to Home')
0:40 - 0:55 Drill: Cut-Relay to Home on Mini Diamond
- Two groups of six working on two separate mini diamonds
0:55 - 1:00 Teach:
Three Team Defensive Responsibilities:
1. Stop the ball
2. Stop the runner(s)
RULE: “Not allowed to throw the ball overhand after runners stop trying to advance”
3. “Get the ball to the middle of the infield” (to pitcher)
(see Defensive Responsibilities, RULES - ‘Getting the Ball In To the Pitcher’)
1:00 - 1:30 Scrimmage
Practice #10
(Note: the first activities of practice do not require access to a diamond; base running can be done using throw down bases - this allows a team to start this practice 30 minutes prior to their assigned field time.)
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up - Base Running
Teach: Proper running path to the base and where to touch the base when making a turn
Teach: Batter/Base Runner always is wanting to go 'two bases' on a ball hit to the outfield
…until the defense forces them to stop after only going one base.
Drill: Touches & Turns – Three Groups (see SBW, Base running ‘Touches & Turns - Three Groups’)
Group 1 – first base to third base
Group 2 – second base to home
Group 3 – home to second
…players rotate between groups
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
(1 min) Batting & Throwing Drills (2 each; sets of 5)
(3 min) Pitching using Rocking action – ‘Rock, Turn and Pull’; ‘Rock, Pull and Turn’
(4 min) Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
(2 min) Cut-Relay Player Footwork Drill (see Playing Catch Practice page Part III - 'Cut Relay Footwork')
0:25 - 0:30 Review: Cut-Relay Drill on Mini Diamond
0:30 - 0:50 Team Drills
Group 1 (six players): Cut-Relay Drill on Mini Diamond (laid out in center field)
(see Drills page - 'Cut-Relay to Home')
Group 2 (six players): Shortstop overthrow w/RF backing up
(see Drills page - ‘Shortstop Overthrow of First Base w/RF Backing-up’)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
…groups switch after 10 minutes
0:50 - 0:55 <break>
0:55 - 1:30 Batting Practice (video: 'Batting Practice - A 12-Player Drill)
1:30 - 1:35 Teach ‘Getting The Ball In To The Pitcher’ (see Defensive Responsibilities – ‘Rules…’)
1:35 - 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice #11
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
Teach: The three players in the middle of the field (P, SS, 2B)
– “Always move towards the ball"
(see Defensive Positional Responsibilities - "SS, 2b, P -Always Move Towards the Ball")
Teach/Review: Middle Infield Movement on balls to CF (shortstop goes out; second baseman covers the bag)
Drill: Middle Infield Movement on balls hit to the outfield (all three groups do the same drill - no need to rotate)
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
(1 min) Batting & Throwing Drills (2 each; sets of 5)
(3 min) Pitching using Rocking action – ‘Rock, Turn and Pull’; ‘Rock, Pull and Turn’
(4 min) Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
(2 min) Cut-Relay Player Footwork Drill (see Playing Catch Practice page Part III - 'Cut Relay Footwork')
0:20 - 0:35 Team Drills
--- > Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls (see Drills page)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:35 - 0:40 <break>
0:40 - 1:10 Batting Practice (Video)
1:10 - 1:35 Scrimmage
Practice #12
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. SS/2b Movement on Balls to OF – emphasis on CF (see SBW - ‘Defensive Responsibilities’)
2. Base Running -Turns & Touches (see SBW - 'Base Running')
3. 6-5 play with Pitchers backing-up (see SBW - 'Pitchers Fielding')
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting and Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Catch, Tag, Power Position (see Playing Catch Practice page – ‘Catch, Tag, Power Position’)
0:20 - 0:25 Teach: Receiving Throws at a Base - Force Play (see SBW - ‘Receiving Throws at a Base’)
0:25 - 0:40 Team Defense – three groups (this is run on your regular size diamond)
1. Receiving Throws at a Base - Force Play @ First Base
(For both drills below - VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
2. 1-6 Play - "Turn Glove Side” (see SBW - ‘Pitchers Fielding’)
3. 1-5 Play (see SBW - ‘Pitchers Fielding’)
0:40 - 0:45 Teach Sliding (see Drills page - ‘Sliding’)
- Sit in ‘figure four’ position (player determine which leg they slide on)
- ‘Roller Coaster’
0:45 - 0:55 Sliding Practice
0:55 - 1:00 <Break>
1:00 - 1:30 Batting Practice – “A 12 Player Drill” (Video)
1:30 - 1:35 Teach/Review: (see Defensive Responsibilities page - ‘Rules’)
Three Individual Defensive Responsibilities: 1. Ball, 2. Base, 3. Back-up
***Outfielders Responsibilities (RF/LF) (see Defensive Responsibilities page - ‘Full Team Movement’)
1. Chase balls hit to the outfield
2. Back-up ground balls hit to the two players in front of them (Pitcher backs up corner base)
3. Back-up a base
Catchers ‘Position’ is in front of home plate (see Defensive Responsibilities page, “Rules…” ‘Catcher’s Responsibilities’)
1…. Call out number of outs and location of runners before each new batter
2…. Holler to defense where to throw the ball during the play
3…. Communication with pitcher on cut-relay plays to home
1:35 - 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice #13
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Throwing on the Run (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Fielding’)
2. Side Shuffle Playing Catch (Skill Building Warm-up page – ‘Fielding’)
3. Catch, Tag and Throw using underhand toss - on mini diamond
(see Skill Building Warm up - 'Receiving Throws at a Base' section)
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting & Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Cut-Relay Player Footwork Drill (see Playing Catch Practice page Part III - 'Cut Relay Footwork')
0:20 - 0:35 Team Drills
Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls (see Drills page )
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:35 - 0:40 <Break>
0:40 - 1:05 Batting Practice – “A 12 Player Drill” (Video)
1:05 - 1:30 Scrimmage
Practice #14
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
(For the first two drills below - VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
1. 6-1 Play (see SBW, ‘Pitchers Fielding’)
2. 6-5 Play (w/pitcher backing up) (see SBW, ‘Pitchers Fielding’)
3. 20’ ground Balls (see "Skill Building Warm up - Fielding - 20' Ground Balls")
0:10 - 0:25 Playing Catch Practice
Batting and Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Replaying The Ball (Teach this action…this is the reason for extra 5 minutes)
(see Playing Catch Practice Page, Part III – 'Replaying the Ball’)
0:25 - 0:45 Team Drills - part I
Group 1: SS Overthrows, RF Backing up (see Drills page)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
Group 2: Catch, Tag & Throw (limit # of throws to 15-20 each player) (see Drills page)
Toss Drills angling back …if time (if good job w/footwork on C, T, T and we got enough good reps)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:45 - 0:50 <break>
0:50 - 1:10 Team Drills - part II
Two Bases Relay Game - Runner Scoring From Second Base (see Drills page)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
1:10 - 1:35 Batting Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:35 - 1:40 Teach/Review:
Three Team Defensive Responsibilities
1. Stop the ball
2. Stop the runner(s) - RULE: “Not allowed to throw the ball overhand after runners stop trying to advance”
3. “Get the ball to the middle of the infield” (to pitcher)
(see Defensive Responsibilities, RULES - ‘Getting the Ball In To the Pitcher’)
1:40 - 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice #15
Pre-Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (found on ‘Coaching Guide’ page)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Base Running - Through First Base (see SBW, ‘Base Running’)
2. Backing up Bases (see SBW, ‘Defensive Responsibilities’)
3. 6-4 & 4-6 Plays (SBW, 6-4 & 4-6 plays)
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting and Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Replaying the Ball (see Playing Catch Practice page Part III - 'Replaying the Ball')
0:20 - 0:25 <break>
0:25 - 0:40 Team Drills: Mass Ground Balls & Fly Balls (see Drills page)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:40 - 1:05 Batting Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:05 - 1:30 Scrimmage
Practice #16
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (see ‘Coaching Guide - Table of Contents - Info on This Page - Whiffle Ball Batting’)
0:00 - 0:05 Teach: Wild Pitch/Passed Ball Communication (see Skill Building Warm-up - 'Receiving Throws at a Base')
0:05 - 0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
(For the first two drills below - VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
1. 3-1 Play (see SBW – ‘Pitchers Fielding’)
2. 5-1 Play (see SBW – ‘Pitchers Fielding’)
3. Wild Pitch / Passed Ball Communication (see Drills page)
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting & Throwing Drills (2 each; sets of 5)
Pitching using Rocking action
Position Player actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Cut-Relay Player Footwork Drill (see Playing Catch Practice page Part III - 'Cut, Relay Player Footwork')
0:20 - 0:30 Team Drills - part I
Fly Ball Communication (see Drills page)
0:30 - 0:50 Team Drills - part II
Two Bases Relay Game – runner scoring from second base (see Drills page)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:50 - 0:55 <break>
0:55 - 1:20 Bating Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:20 - 1:25 Review:
Defensive Rules, Positional Responsibilities, Communication - as needed
1:25 - 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice #17
Pre-Practice Wiffle Ball Batting (see ‘Coaching Guide - Table of Contents - Info on This Page - Whiffle Ball Batting’)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Throwing on the Run - shuttle
2. Receiving Throws at a Base - tag (see SBW - ‘Receiving Throws at a Base’)
(VIDEO: Receiving a Throw at a Base - tag play)
3. 20’ Ground Balls - backhand (see 'SBW - Fielding - 20’ Ground Balls')
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting and Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Catch, Tag, Power Position (see Playing Catch Practice - Part III)
0:20 - 0:25 <break>
0:25 - 0:45 Rundowns - Introduction (see Drills page – ‘Rundown – Ambush’)
0:45 - 1:15 Batting Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:15 - 1:35 Scrimmage
Practice #18
Pre- Practice Whiffle Ball Batting (see ‘Coaching Guide - Table of Contents - Info on This Page - Whiffle Ball Batting’)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. One Hop Drill (see SBW ‘One Hop Drill’)
2. Toss Drills - Angling In (see SBW ‘Toss Drills - Angling In’)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
3. Ranging Laterally for Ground Balls
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting & Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to catch, move feet to throw”
Cut-Relay Footwork
0:20 - 0:25 <break>
0:25 - 0:40 Cut-Relay to Home - Full Field
0:40 - 0:55 Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls (see ‘Drills – Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls’)
(VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
0:55 - 1:00 <break>
1:00 - 1:30 Batting Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:30 - 2:00 Scrimmage
Practice #19
Pre-Practice Wiffle Ball Batting (see ‘Coaching Guide - Table of Contents - Info on This Page - Whiffle Ball Batting’)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
(For all three drills below - VIDEO: Delivering Balls in Drills)
1. 1-2 Play
2. 3-1 Play
3. 5-1 Play
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting and Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Recovering Ground Balls (see ‘Playing Catch Practice - Part III, Recovering Balls’)
0:20 - 0:25 <break>
0:25 - 0:45 Ground Ball Communication (see 'Drills - Ground Ball and Base Coverage Communication’)
- 10 minutes: three drills involving Pitchers
- 10 minutes: three drills involving SS and/or 2b
0:45 - 1:15 Batting Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:15 - 1:35 Scrimmage
Practice #20
Pre-Practice Wiffle Ball Batting (see ‘Coaching Guide - Table of Contents - Info on This Page - Whiffle Ball Batting’)
0:00 - 0:10 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Base Running - Through First Base
2. Base Running - Turns & Touches (First to Third)
3. Toss Drills - Going Back (Drop Step)
0:10 - 0:20 Playing Catch Practice
Batting and Throwing Drills
Pitching Practice
Position Player Actions – “Move feet to throw, move feet to catch”
Recovering Ground Balls (see ‘Playing Catch Practice - Part III, Recovering Balls’)
0:20 - 0:25 <break>
0:25 - 0:45 Three Fly Balls Drill
0:45 - 0:55 Three Ground Balls Drill
0:55 - 1:00 <break>
1:00 - 1:05 Ground Balls Throwing Across
1:05 - 1:35 Batting Practice (Video: ‘Batting Practice – A 12-Player Drill’)
1:35 - 1:40 <break>
1:40 - 2:00 Scrimmage
Rain Wet Day Practice (and when no diamond is available)
Make every effort to avoid cancelling practices unless there are extreme circumstances. Scout out your neighborhood to identify covered areas; this includes 10’ wide covered walkways at buildings such as schools, etc. A productive practice can be run using a covered walkway. Most, if not all, of the activities below and be run on a concrete surface in a school yard. As you go through the list you will notice that few practice activities require good weather, a field or a diamond.
Make it clear to parents that you have a rain day plan and that you have no plans of cancelling practices.
Links to Activities for Rain/Wet Day Practices
Miscellaneous
see Skill Building Warm-up List (30+ drills)
Throwing and Catching
Throwing Mechanics Drills
Catch, Tag & Throw (full diamond or MINI diamond)
Receiving Throws at a Base - tag play
Fielding
20’ Ground Balls
Toss Drills (fly balls)
Catcher’s Stance and Receiving & Drills
Team Defense
Defensive Positional Responsibilities
Getting the Ball in to the Pitcher
Wild Pitch / Past Ball Communication
Rundows (‘Ambush’)
Batting
Batting Mechanics Drills
Tee Work
Base Running
Scrimmage
Wiffle Ball Scrimmage
Practice Efficiency
Always have a Written Plan prepared in advance, with time periods stated for each activity and defined assignments for each adult participating.
Early on this will take some time, however as the season progresses a coach’s skills in preparing a plan will improve a great deal. Using the Practice Plan Template in the Coaching Guide will help cut down on prep time. Most practices vary little from on to the next. Often preparing a new practice plan is as simple as pulling out a couple activities and replacing them with new ones. There are not a lot of different ‘core’ activities. Over time the plans will start to look very much the same with just a few alterations for any given day.
Do not allow players to chase missed throws (only in scrimmages). ;One of the biggest time wasters, if not the number one culprit, is kids chasing missed played balls during drills and while playing catch during practices. When a kid is chasing a misplayed ball, that player is not working on their skills. In many cases, when on player is chasing a ball, the result is many other players’ skill building activity also comes to a halt.
Position adults where missed balls will end up. A key part of any effective 12U practice plan has adults assigned to spots on the field in relation to a given activity where balls are likely to be missed by a player. Those adults carry a handful of balls with them. When a ball gets past a player, an adult immediately flips them a new ball.
Maintain a supply of five gallon buckets
Ideally each coach/adult has their own bucket for balls. A well-structured practice has multiple activities and involves quick transitions by the coaches from one spot on the field to another. When each adult had their own supply of balls, they just need to get their body to the right spot on the field; they have their most important tool with them – their personal supply of balls.
Buckets can be used at the end point of a drill where players need somewhere to place the ball they were handling. Having a bucket of balls at the point in a drill or activity where balls are likely to be missed and players will need a ready supply of replacement balls.
Important rule to establish on Day 1: “Dunks Only; No Jump Shots”. Immediately squash the players desire to see if they can ‘shoot’ balls into a bucket. This is major time waster and turns into chaos very quickly.
Set down your bat and pick up balls using both hands --- no further explanation needed. Either you understand this statement or will figure it out after the first practice or two.
Give a specific number when asking kids to pick up balls or equipment. When we say, “Ok, pick it all up” each individual sees ALL the balls or ALL the equipment and doesn’t recognize that the volume of items to pick-up is divided by 12. Instead say, “Everybody pick up five balls”, or “Everybody pick up two pieces of equipment”. Not only does clearly illustrate that their portion of the overall task is quite small, but because their portion is so small, their competitive juices often kick in and they will try to get five balls faster than their buddy; or try to get six or seven balls, so they can claim they got more than their buddy.
Keep a supply of cones – the 6” disc style used by soccer coaches.
These clearly indicate where kids are supposed to stand for drills and in other activities. Plan ahead where cones will be located on the field for each activity. This might take 10 minutes when planning your first practices, but this will make everything run so much smoother and eliminates many behavioral issues before they can begin. This is another habit that will take a little extra time early in the season, but as you get more practices under your belt the time to plan and to position cones will drop down to almost nothing. Cones can be used to indicate a base as well. Have cones in at least two colors, so to differentiate between a base and where you want a player to stand for the start of the drill
The Mini-Diamond, which is used often throughout the season, is something that can be set up in seconds using cones.
The younger the kids the more valuable the use of cones. Tee-Ball age kids should have a cone representing every spot on the field they need to stand. I would not hesitate setting them out on the field during Tee Ball games if the other coach would agree; and they would be crazy not to.
Train/Discipline players to always RUN from spot to spot (establish concrete expectations and enforce them). Getting kids to transition quickly during between activities can add 10-15 minutes of skill building work each practice. Early in the season, invest the time to make individuals and the team (when appropriate) to ‘go back’ and transition again at FULL SPEED. Early on some practice time is lost to these disciplinary activities. This time investment up front will gain a team hours of effective work as the season progresses.
Wiffle Balls
Indispensable tool for batting; they make it possible to practice hitting live pitches almost anywhere and anytime. These can be pitched to a batter straight on from a very close distance resulting in a higher percentage of good pitches to hit. They are safe, don’t fly far and can quickly be collected, so to get in more pitches and swings. They allow us to hold a batting practice in most any environment. ...No Field Assignment Required.
NOTE: Pickle Balls are much sturdier, last longer, are easier to throw accurately and have a better feel coming off the bat
Synthetic Balls
Used in wet conditions. Using leather baseballs in a damp climate is costly and a safety risk to kids. When leather balls get wet they become heavier and harder resulting in a ball that no longer plays like a good baseball. Effectively they are then no good for further use and have to be replaced. More importantly, the added weight (even after they have ‘dried’) puts a child’s arm at a much greater risk for injury. Synthetic Balls do not have a cloth component and resist water. They are also less expensive to purchase than leather balls. They play just as well as leather, given the age group we are dealing with. Save the leather balls for clear, sunny and dry days.
Throw Down Bases
Same use as cones, but give a real feel when being used as a ‘base’ in a drill. Ideal to help build a MINI Diamond anywhere, anytime.
Tees
(for all age groups...including Major League Baseball) – These can be used every day during batting practice. Incorporate them into the offensive rotation with the next batter(s) in line to hit live hitting balls of Tees.
Pregame Practice
When games begin, practice days are replaced by games days and practice time is reduced significantly. Many teams drop down to one practice a week; in many cases teams practice less frequently. When the excitement of opening day arrives, or the pre-season jamboree, our players are just starting to grasp what we have been teaching and are beginning to gel as a team, Often what happens unfortunately, as the season progresses, we see skills erode, This is a result of the kids not getting the practice reps that got them to the skill level we saw going into opening day.
Asking the parents and kids to add days to their weekly schedule for additional practice is usually not a realistic solution. The way to get the needed practice reps within the time we have available during the season is to structure our pre-game time into a practice. Below is a 45 minute pre-game schedule (early arrival, wiffle ball batting begins 45 min before game time. We don’t require parents to have their kids there, but they are motivated to get their kids to the park early, so they get a chance to swing the bat.
With older kids and in circumstances that it is realistic to get players to the park more than 30-40 minutes before the start of a game, take the plan below and expand the amount of time for one or more segments.
Pregame Practice Routine
early arrivals Whiffle Ball Batting
0:45 - 0:35 Skill Building Warm up
0:35 - 0:25 Playing Catch Practice (‘Position Player’ throwing only - ‘Move Feet to Catch & Throw’)
0:25 - 0:15 Team Drill (one topic)
fix something that went wrong in the last game
opportunity to continue step-by-step progression of teaching/learning (relays, fly ball communication, etc.)
0:15 - 0:05 Starting Pitcher/Catcher prep | Ground Balls & Fly Balls
0:05 - 0:00 Water, Pee, Last Words
Whiffle Ball Batting
Swing work / Timing Work
Possibly get some swings off Tee(s)
Skill Building Warm-up
A variety of activities to choose from. 20’/40’ Ground Balls, Fly Balls (Toss Drills), Infield Base Coverage drill, Backing-up Bases drill, Base Running drills are activities to keep at the top of the list.
This is a segment to address skills the coach feels the players need most.
Playing Catch Practice
This aspect is shortened a bit for time considerations. The players are familiar with the routine, so can get this important work accomplished quickly. Part 3 may need to be eliminated early in the season. As the kids get accustomed to the routine, and we become more efficient, Part 3 can be included (even if its only 2-3 reps).
Team Drill
Often this is Ground Ball and Fly Ball work (kids need to stay sharp in these most fundamental skills). Other drills to consider during this segment:
Cut-Relay plays (using the Mini Diamond)
Three Players One Base (BBB practice)
Situations (Nine players on the Mini Diamond)
Fly Ball Communication (using the Mini Diamond)
Dugout/Game Management
Head Coach manages line up and on-field activities / communicates with Asst #1 in advance re potential changes at Pitcher
Asst #1 manages pitchers & catchers
Asst #2 manages dugout and players / Coordinates with Parent Liaison
Parent Game Liaison is ‘go-between’ parents in stands and kids in dugout.
Parents do not interact with their kids from the time they drop them off for Pre-Game practice until head coach dismisses players following post-game meeting. All interaction between parent and child during that time is limited to cheering during the game or via the parent liaison. …Exception is injury or illness.
Players are expected to participate the entire ‘Game Day time period’ unless they have something unique going on at school: one-time piano recital, one time science fair, etc. (Each of these types of events are known weeks or months in advance and the coach needs to be notified as soon as these outside activities are known.)
Game Administration Sheet
Starting Line-up / Batting Order
Pre-planned Substitutions
Starting Pitcher
First Relief Pitcher
Additional Players Who Might Pitch