1. How to put a glove on
2. How to properly wear a helmet
3. How to hold a bat
- Left- & right-handed
4. How to stand in the batters box
- Left- & right-handed
5. How to play catch with your teammates
- Encourage catching the ball with two hands
6. Positions on the field
7. How to put on catchers gear
8. How to run the bases
9. When to run to the next base
10. Tee and basic instruction on how to hit ball off tee
11. Introduce coach pitch
12. Teach athletes to throw the ball to first base right after they receive it in the field.
1. Understanding each position (name and location)
2. Encourage athletes to catch the ball with two hands
3. Learn how to hold the ball correctly
- Three fingers on top
4. Learn basic batting stance
- Knees bent
- Knuckles aligned
- Elbows down
5. Learn basic fielding position
- Knees bent
- Bottom down
- Glove down
- "Down and ready"
6. Introduce triangle drill
- Feet should width apart
- Glove and hands point directly in front of belly button and on the ground
7. Proper throwing mechanics
- Elbows up
- "C" faces away
- Glove: Turn and tuck into chest
8. Introduce sliding
- Cardboard or sliding mat
9. Always practice off tee
- Squish the bug
- Encourage kids to use their legs for strength
10. Introduce coach pitch from 25-30 feet away
11. Introduce league rules (could vary)
- 4 balls = Tee
- 4 balls = Walk
- 4 balls = Coach pitch
1. Continuation of proper throwing
- Proper grip
- Good wrist snap
- Tuck the glove
2. Athletes throwing should aim for partners chest
3. Proper set up on bases
4. How to take your leads/steal bases
5. How to round the bases
6. Introduction to sliding
7. Teaching outfield to back up every play
8. Throws to first base
9. Ground balls to infield
10. Encourage athletes to charge the ball
11. Introduce bunting
12. Routine ground ball/Pop fly skills should begin to develop
13. Introduce plays at second base
14. Pitchers will be learning control of their pitches
15. Catchers will focus on blocking the ball and making throws to second base
*Encourage athletes to continuously take ground balls and fly balls
1. Continuation of proper throwing
- Proper grip
- Good wrist snap
- Tuck the glove
2. Infielders will learn to back hand ground balls
3. Outfielders will learn angles to the ball
4. All athletes will learn how to drop step
5. Hitters will begin to learn consistent hitting drills
6. Focused footwork/agility drills
7. Catchers will focus on receiving the ball/framing
8. Defense will learn double plays.
9. Offense will learn how to tag up on fly balls
10. Pitchers will develop control of their pitches and begin to pick up speed
11. Outfield learn multiple ways of fielding a ground ball
12. Relays to the plate and positional movement
1. Continuation of proper throwing
- Proper grip
- Good wrist snap
- Tuck the glove
2. Infielders learn how to throw on the run
3. Infielders learn cut off positioning
4. Infield will learn how to defend first and third plays
5. Pitchers and Catchers will learn cut off positioning
6. Outfield will understand situations and prevent runner from advancing to the next base
7. Offense will focus on advancing runners. (hit and run, squeeze plays, delayed steals, steals, pressure on the defense)
8. Offense will continue to develop strength and swing mechanics
9. Runners will learn first and third plays
10. Pitchers will continue to strengthen and command each pitch
11. Catchers will learn to take control in relays, first/third plays, delayed steals, and all plays to the plate
12. Athletes will get comfortable diving and sliding on offense and defense
13. Endurance/Conditioning exercises should be added to practice plan
1. Throwing mechanics are important at all ages
2. Pitchers will show consistency in their pitches
3. Catchers will understand pitches and hitter tendencies to begin calling their own game
4. Outfield will focus on tracking down the ball, taking proper angles, and making accurate/strong throws
5. Outfield will understand pitch location and hitter tendencies to get a better jump on the ball
6. Outfield will practice routine plays, communication plays, relays, balls off the wall/fence, drop steps, and proper angles
7. Infield will take charge of the field with good communication on every play
8. Infield will practice routine plays, double plays, communication plays, first and third plays, and bunt coverage
9. Offense will learn to identify pitches and understand their count to assist in pitch expectancy
10. Offense will continue drill work and play execution
11. Base running becomes more aggressive
12. Endurance/Conditioning exercises should be added to practice plan to prepare the athlete for college
1. Throwing mechanics are important at all ages
2. Pitchers will be able to execute every pitch with strength and acccuracy
3. Catchers will block, frame, have quick feet, quick transfer, accurate release, and control the game
4. Infield will continue to progress in every aspect of their game. (routine, slow rollers, double plays, bunt coverage, etc.)
5. Outfield will continue to progress in every aspect of their game. (communication, ground balls, fly balls, throws to bases, ground coverage, etc.)
6. Offense will continuously work on and develop their swing
7. Offense will continue to execute plays to move runners and score runs
8. Practices should be quick pace and full of repetition
9. Endurance/Conditioning exercises should remain in the practice plan to prepare the athlete for college
10. Game-like situations and repetition is key