Archive for February, 2011

Workup Game: Playing Catch Drill

Purpose:
Competition to work on all portions of the throwing series with the emphasis on accuracy.
Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs
Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair. Have one group stand stationary on a foul line. Have the other group start about 6 feet away (depending on age and skill level) on one [...]

Shuffle : Playing Catch Drill Part 5

Purpose:
Players learn how to shuffle in order to get their body in position to throw and to gain momentum toward the target.
Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs
Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair. Since you want the players to gain momentum toward the target, make sure they have warmed up their arms and are [...]

Step and Throw : Playing Catch Drill Part 4

Purpose:
Players learn how to catch the baseball and then step and line up to throw in a single movement.
Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs
Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.
Execution:
Both players will get in the proper position to catch the ball. Player with the ball will step forward with his throwing [...]

Stationary : Playing Catch Drill Part 3

Purpose:
Players learn how to line up their body and follow through when throwing the baseball.
Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs
Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.
Execution:
One player will get in the proper position to catch the ball and give the other player a target. Player with the ball will place his [...]

One Knee : Playing Catch Drill Part 2

Purpose:
Develops players upper body throwing mechanics.
Equipment:
Baseballs
Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.
Execution:
Players get on one knee(throwing arm side) about 15 feet from their partner.

Hitting Drill : Plate Discipline Batting Practice

Purpose:
To help players develop plate discipline and execute a strategy when going up to bat. This is a good drill to use after they have completed the Plate Discipline Tee Drill.
Equipment:
Bat, Batting Helmet, Baseballs or Whiffle balls.
Setup:
This can be run as a station during batting practice using whiffle balls or as your main [...]

Wrist/Elbow : Playing Catch Drill Part 1

Purpose:
Develops players use of wrist and elbow along with emphasizing the correct grip on the baseball.
Equipment:
Baseballs
Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.
Execution:
Players get on one knee about 6 feet from their partner. Have each player place their glove on the ground in front of them.
Start by showing the players the [...]

Simple Baseball Hitting Drill : Tee

Purpose:
Helps a player effectively work on hitting pitches in all locations.
Equipment:
Bat and helmet; Batting Tee
Setup:
This drill can be used as a batting practice station.
Execution:
Start by placing the ball in the middle of the plate thigh high. Take a few swings.
Move the tee in and forward to simulate an inside pitch. Take a [...]

Relay Throwing Race: Playing Catch Drill

Purpose:
This is a fun team competition that helps players develop good footwork, a quick transfer of the ball from the glove to the hand, and a quick release.
Equipment:
Baseballs
Setup:
2 or more lines of equal teams. Have the players space themselves equal distances apart, determine spacing based on age and average throwing ability. Start with [...]

Hitting Drill: Inside, Outside

Purpose:
This drill helps a player work on hitting inside and outside pitches while keeping his stride the same.
Equipment:
Bat and helmet; 2 Batting Tees; Baseballs
Setup:
This drill can be used as a batting practice station or as part of a team defensive drill.
Execution:
Set one tee up in front of the plate on the inside to simulate [...]