43Drills

This drill works well with younger players, 8 to 12 year-olds especially.

Personnel:

Two coaches, Coach A at the plate and Coach B in the 3^rd base coaches box.

Equipment:

• Hit-a-Way hitting stick
• Two gloves or other suitable objects to place on the baseline.
• A bat for each player.
• A least 3 batting helmets
• Standard bases.

Place a glove or other object such as an orange cone centered between 1^st and 2^nd base and 4 feet back from the line running directly between the two bags.

Place a glove or other object such as an orange cone centered between 2nd and 3rd base and 4 feet back from the line running directly between the two bags.

Line each player up along the fence by the 3^rd base dugout. Each player should have his or her bat. Bats should remain with the head on the ground and the players should act like they are leaning on a cane. (This is to keep them from swinging the bats and possibly hurting someone.)

First player in line goes to the plate and takes a stance.

Coach A takes the hitting stick and stands on the opposite side of the plate as the batter and holds the hitting stick out over the plate.

The batter takes 3 to 5 cuts at the stick; Coach A watches the stance, swing, etc., instructing the batter to improve their technique. On one of the swings, Coach A moves the hitting stick completely around and steps forward, out of the way of a right-handed batter heading to 1^st. This motion signifies a “hit.”

The batter takes the bat and carries it for 2 steps toward 1^st and then drops it in foul territory.

Batter continues around the bases at a full run, working hard to stay inside the gloves or cones between the bases.

Coach B watches the runner round each bag and come into 3^rd either in a slide (if the player has sliding shorts on) or standing up. Coach B then can debrief the runner at 3^rd.

After the batter has taken off for 1^st, Coach A brings the next player to the plate and begins working on that player’s swing.

Repeat this for each player at least once, more if time allows.

Techniques being taught:

• Hitting fundamentals
• Maintaining control of the bat after a hit to avoid “throwing” the bat.
• Running on the inside line around the bases.
• Sliding technique or how to hold up at a base.

Get 5 to 6 players spread out in front of you, each of which will take their stance and get ready for the pitch. Coach will simulate a stretch followed by the delivery of an imaginary pitch. Each player will work on the proper timing of getting in position to bunt.

Place a bat behind the waist and horizontal to the ground. Hold the ends of the bat in the hands and assume a normal batting stance then watch an imaginary pitch being delivered. Execute a stride and quick turn using the bat to help turn the hips faster. Finish in the proper contact position. This drill will result in a quicker hip and thus the entire swing.

The hitter will position himself in regular batting stance and the coach will be checking placement of the hitter’s knees,feet,hips,shoulders,head and eyes. This drill will help the hitter improve his batting stance.

In this baseball hitting drill, the coach will stand 1 or 1 and a half feet away from the hitter, while the hitter will be standing in its normal position, facing a fence or a screen which is 6-8 feet away. The coach will drop the ball from a height of his head and the hitter will quickly hit the ball, the coach will then slowly start dropping the ball from lower heights. This will increase the bat speed of the hitter.

Heres a drill to increase the strength and quickness of batsman for some quick hits:

Tosser will kneel on one knee, to the side of the hitter and 12 feet in front. The hitter should stand 12 to 15 feet from a screen with his bat in a ready position, and the ball gets tossed underhanded with a fast speed within the strike zone of the hitter. The hitter swings hard at the ball, and after every hit the bat should immediately be returned back to the ready position.