Rookie Division - Westfield Little League
What is the “Rookie Division” The Rookie Division was created to provide new players and players transitioning from T-ball to baseball It is made up of all 6 year olds and any 7-8 year olds not drafted by an Instructional team. Games are played on modified Little League diamonds. Bases are moved in to 40 feet and the pitching rubber is moved into 35 feet from the plate. As the season progresses and players develop, the bases and the pitching rubber are moved back so that by the end of the season players are playing on instructional sized diamonds. Both players and coaches pitch in games torwards mid season All participants attend weekly clinics run in collaboration with The Batter's Box. During the clinics, players cycle through stations in a fast-paced environment. A heavy emphasis is placed on fundamentals and FUN!
Modified Baseball Diamond Size Modifications—Start of Season—weeks 1 –3
50`
50`
35` 50`
50`
Modified Baseball Diamond Size Modifications—Mid season—week 4—until Memorial Day
55`
55`
35` 55`
55`
Baseball Diamond Size Modifications—Memorial Day onward Full size base paths Pitching rubber remains at 35 feet for player accuracy
60`
60`
35` 60`
60`
Specific Local Regulations—Rookie Division The following rules and regulations are exceptions to the Little League Baseball and Softball Rule Book. These local rules apply to regular season play and do not apply to postseason All-Star Tournaments. 1. Games are limited to 75 minutes or 6 complete innings (whichever comes first). 2. Pitching Rules Batters are allowed to use the batting tee - Many players in the rookie division are new to baseball and will struggle with coaches pitch or live pitching. To keep the game moving, if after 4 pitches the player hasn’t hit a live pitched ball, a batting tee may be used. This is a recommendation Game weeks 1– 3—Batting tees should be used by all players to keep the game moving and to encourage proper swing mechanics and repetition Game weeks 4+ until Memorial Day – Coaches will pitch in all games. Coaches may choose to use a player as a catcher but put a coach behind them to keep the game progressing After Memorial Day – Players will be allowed to pitch a max of 3 innings per game. If the game goes more than 3 innings, coaches will pitch the remaining innings. The catcher position will be filled by players, with coaches serving as back-up to keep the game moving. Each player is limited to 3 innings pitched per week (Sunday to Saturday).
No player may pitch more than 2 innings in one game. One inning equals three outs. Pitchers must be kept around 40 pitches. The pitching rubber will be a distance of 35 feet from home plate. A coach must be positioned next to the pitcher for safety and to intercept balls hit hard back to the pitcher that the pitcher may not handle. The coach next to the pitcher will have a bucket of balls with him/her. If the ball goes past the catcher a new ball should be taken from the bucket and handed to the pitcher to keep the game moving at a good pace 3. All players must play one defensive inning in the outfield and one defensive inning in the infield each game. (2/15)
Specific Local Regulations—Rookie Division Continued 4. All Players MUST be moved into different positions inning to inning. This rule is established to provide every player the opportunity to experience every position. 5. There is no infield fly rule.
6. There is a 3 run limit per inning for each team. (2/15) 7. Baserunners may not advance on wild pitches, passed balls, stolen bases or overthrows. 8. Baserunners are limited to one base per hit. The goal is to get through the line-up as many times as possible 9. Batters must wear helmets with cages. 10. Teams may have 2 adult coaches on the bases during games, provided there is also a coach in the dugout. (6/92)
11. Teams may have 3 adult coaches in the field to assist with defensive positioning, provided there is also a coach in the dugout. 12. Parents are allowed to assist in the field. 13. No standings will be kept. Also, no trophies will be awarded for any team. (approximately 2/99)
Additional teaching tools that help with learning the game 1. Batting Tees— There is one batting tee in the containers at the fields. Instructions are available on how to make your own batting tees for around $25 each if your interested. 2. Balls of all sorts — Have players learn to catch/field using wiffle balls, mushballs, incredibals, tennis balls and progress up to soft baseballs. This will reduce fear of getting hit with a ball and getting hurt. HARD BASEBALLS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR ANYTHING! 1. Rubber bases for “open field” practices 2. Hula-hoops—Great for target throwing games 3. 2 or three bungie cords for hanging up buckets, pieces of old carpet, etc from the backstop for target throwing games, etc.
Coaching Sequence for skills The following coaching sequence is designed to help you teach the skills in the proper order. The sequence for each of the major skills is planned out to match the development, the age and the skill of each player from 5 to 8 years old.
Fielding Ground Balls ——————————————————————— 1. Learn the ground ball fielding technique
3. Move to field a ground ball
2. Receive the ball with 2 hands
5. Move to field the ball and throw
* do the alligator
4. Receive the ball and throw
Throwing ————— ———————————————————————
Hitting ————— ———————————————————————
Catching ————— ———————————————————————
Catching Fly Balls — ———————————————————————
Sample Coaches Practice Plans — —————————————————— It is best practice with this age group to keep the practices very short and organized. We find that the attention span is very short and therefore practices that run longer than an hour often lose the player. Keep your practices to about an hour long.
Build a lot of repetitions into your practices. Grab parents to help roll balls, play catch, etc. Even though your practices are short you can get a lot of reps in by encouraging the parents to help. They don’t need to be an official coach to assist in practices.
Practice Schedule - #1 1:00 - 1:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead
Arm Circles
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
1:10 – 1:20 One Knee Drill One Knee Drill with/without a tee 1:20 - 1:30 Scarecrow Throwing Drill 1:40 – 1:50 Step and Throw 1:50 – 2:00 Bonk the Bucket Using a batting tee, place a bucket on top of the tee upside down. Each player gets 3 balls Using the “step and throw” motion ( above ) have each player try to “BONK” the bucket. Keep score and maybe have the top 3 or 4 players go against each other
Practice Schedule - #2 1:00 - 1:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead
Arm Circles
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
1:10 – 1:20 One Knee Drill One Knee Drill with/without a tee 1:20 - 1:30 Scarecrow Throwing Drill with Step and Throw 1:40 – 1:50 Bare hand ball fielding—ALLIGATOR 1:50 – 2:00 Bonk the Bucket or some other game
Practice Schedule - #1 6:00 - 6:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead Team Jog
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
Arm Circles
6:10 – 6:20 Short / Long Toss 5 minutes of short toss at 20 feet 5 minutes of Long toss at 50 feet 6:20 - 6:30 Ground Ball Drill – Rapid Fire Line up ½ the team at Shortstop and the other ½ at Second base Coach #1 and Coach #2 stand to right and left of home plate Coach #3 hits ground balls to both lines up the middle. Line at Short throws to coach on the first base side and the line at second throws to the coach on the third base side. Players should follow the throw towards the respective coach and switch lines. King of the Diamond - Can be turned into a game.. if the player misses, fumbles the ball, makes a bad throw, etc.. the player is out. Last player standing is “King of the Diamond” 6:30 – 6:35 Water Break 6:35 – 7:15 Stations – Break players into groups Coach # 1
Coach #2
Coach #3
Coach #4 and #5
Bunting “Bocce” All Players should do this station
Tee Work / Soft Toss 10 to 20 swings All Players should do this station
Catcher Drills Jared Mason Aiden Troy
3 Hula-hoop’s
Focus on swing form and rapid repeat and muscle memorization
Shin pads and glove
Pitching Start with “core” pitchers – If time evaluate different players Troy, Kareem, Adam, Riley, Cooper Mason, Daniel, Nicolas, Jared, Darin Alex, Anthony, Jacob 20 Strikes 2 set of intentional walk 1 - right hand batter 1 - left hand batter
6 balls
Bare hand catch – 15
Bunt the 6 balls with the goal getting it into the center of the hoop Players should bunt at each hoop
Blocking balls – 15
7:15 – 7:20 Signals Key – Touch of the Belt Buckle
50/50 Coach randomly throws in dirt and to the glove -20
Practice Schedule - #2 6:00 - 6:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead Team Job
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
Arm Circles
6:10 – 6:20 Short / Long Toss 5 minutes of short toss at 20 feet 5 minutes of Long toss at 50 feet 6:20 - 6:30 Ground Ball Drill – Rapid Fire Line up ½ the team at Shortstop and the other ½ at Second base Coach #1 and Coach #2 stand to right and left of home plate Coach #3 hits ground balls to both lines up the middle. Line at Short throws to coach on the first base side and the line at second throws to the coach on the third base side. Players should follow the throw towards the respective coach and switch lines. King of the Diamond - Can be turned into a game.. if the player misses, fumbles the ball, makes a bad throw, etc.. the player is out. Last player standing is “King of the Diamond” 6:30 – 6:35 Water Break 6:35 – 7:15 Stations – Break players into groups Coach # 1
Coach #2
Coach #3
Coach #4 and #5
Fly Ball Drill
Ground Ball Range Game Set up four cones in a line. The middle two cones should be about 10 feet apart and the other cones 5 feet out from those. The player stands in the middle of the middle cones. Coach throws ground balls to the player. Inside the middle cones the player should squer up to the ball. Outside the middle the player should work on back hand, etc.
Catcher Drills 10 -Throw downs to second – Focus on low throws through the pitchers head 10 – Throws to third and first with cross step batter in box. For the batter use a bucket
Pitching Start with “core” pitchers – If time evaluate different players Troy, Adam, Riley, Cooper Mason, Daniel, Nicolas, Jared, Darin Alex, Anthony, Jacob 20 Strikes 2 set of intentional walk 1 - right hand batter 1 - left hand batter
7:15 – 7:25 Base Running Relay Drill – Watch for base tags with the correct foot and touching the inside of the bag To perform the drill players should be split into two groups. The first group should line up at the home plate and the second group should line up at second base. A ball should also be given to the first player from each of the lines. Then on the coaches signal the first player from each of the lines must run around all of the bases and when they return back to their original base they must give the ball to the next player in line who then proceeds to also run around all of the bases. This process then continues on until all of the players from one of the teams has run around all of the bases and that team is then declared the winning team. 7:30 -7:35 Closing Comments Gear Pack up
Pratice Drills and Games —————————————————————— Bonk the Bucket Put an empty bucket in front of the backstop or upright on a tee (take out neck insert first) at home plate. Line up players between 1st & 3rd base across pitcher position Players throw at bucket simultaneously. Roll balls out to all players to work on fielding, have them find grip, then wait for coach; On coach’s words, players: TURN, POINT, STEP, and THROW at the bucket. As players get stronger and more accurate, increase the speed. Move the players back as they develop arm strength and accuracy. Assistant coaches help correct kids who need 1‐1 help with mechanics, body position, and so on during this drill. Turn it into a game by giving points for every “Bonk” of the bucket This drill teaches: Throwing accuracy (essential to baseball at any level) Throwing mechanics & ‘muscle memory’ of correct throws. Listening to coach & instructions Ball Relay Divide players evenly into groups (say, 4 each). Position the players in parallel lines, with each player about 10‐20’ apart. Place a ball at the foot of two players at one end of the lines. On coaches mark: Players pick up ball, throw to next player in their line, who throws to next player, … to last player in line, who returns the throw to player he/she received it from, who throws back to next player in line in reverse order, and so on back to starting player. Whichever line completes drill first wins. Then switch 2 players between the lines to ‘even’ teams out, and repeat. On overthrows: Closest player gets it, then must throw back to thrower, who must make a good throw to continue relay. Teach kids to pause and aim (point glove arm out) for accuracy before throwing ball Start with kids close (10’ or so), spread out as they get better. This drill teaches: Throwing accuracy Focus and attention Catching / eye‐hand coordination Turn‐around time matters Proper turning technique
Relay Running Relay running is another great little league baseball drill that allows young players to practice running from base to base while also working on their ball handling skills at the same time. To perform the drill players should be split into two groups. The first group should line up at the home plate and the second group should line up at second base. A ball should also be given to the first player from each of the lines. Then on the coaches signal the first player from each of the lines must run around all of the bases and when they return back to their original base they must give the ball to the next player in line who then proceeds to also run around all of the bases. This process then continues on until all of the players from one of the teams has run around all of the bases
Two Ball Triangle 3 players, with their gloves, set up a triangle with one player 10 feet away from the other 2 players while the other 2 players set up 4-6 feet apart. The player furthest away has 2 baseballs and starts the drill by rolling a grounder to one of the players, and rolls a grounder to the other player at the moment the 1st player throws the ball back to him. The ultimate goal is to execute the drill as quickly as possible while keeping both balls in play. You can do this drill barehanded as well. For young players it is a good idea to start with them on their knees and after a few weeks stand up. This drill teaches: Develops better hand eye coordination Transition from glove to throwing hand more efficiently Increases focus on the ball in play Charge It Line up players single file, or in two or more parallel lines if other coaches or parents are available. The more lines you have the more repetitions you can get in. Roll balls to players, have them field it, throw to coach, and return to end of line. When players advance, you can change from rolling to hitting balls. Teach to ‘catch & cover’ ball when fielding grounders, then stand and throw. No diving on ball – field it on two feet! Players should charge short or slow‐moving balls. Mark a ‘start’ line for players or they will creep up to you fast. Use balls, or a bat, to mark where they start. On throws, emphasize correct progression (turn, point, step, throw). This drill teaches: Anticipating a ball’s movement Agility / body movement / balance Where to throw after fielding a ball (1st base!)
Ball Relay Divide players evenly into groups (say, 4 each). Position the players in parallel lines, with each player about 10‐20’ apart. Place a ball at the foot of two players at one end of the lines. On coaches mark: Players pick up ball, throw to next player in their line, who throws to next player, … to last player in line, who returns the throw to player he/she received it from, who throws back to next player in line in reverse order, and so on back to starting player. Whichever line completes drill first wins. Then switch 2 players between the lines to ‘even’ teams out, and repeat. On overthrows: Closest player gets it, then must throw back to thrower, who must make a good throw to continue relay. Teach kids to pause and aim (point glove arm out) for accuracy before throwing ball Start with kids close (10’ or so), spread out as they get better. This drill teaches: Throwing accuracy Focus and attention Catching / eye‐hand coordination Turn‐around time matters Proper turning technique
Ducks on the Pond Assemble team around coach at pitcher’s mound. Have team close their eyes. Tell them to remember their position. Tap a child’s head and say a unique position (e.g., 3rd base, center field, catcher, and so on). Continue thru team quick. When everyone has a unique position, say “Break” Kids hustle (run) to their positions and assume ‘ready position’ (hands on knees, or hand in glove at mid‐waist like pros, ready for the ball). See if everyone gets it right. Correct mis‐positions (e.g., teach that 2nd doesn’t play on the bag, but halfway between 1st and 2nd). Call them in, and repeat with new position assignments. Run this game fast, it takes only 5 min to do it 5 times. Kids this age have trouble with right‐versus‐left. Teach: Right is behind first, left behind third. As kids get better (after 3‐4 practices), teach the correct infield fielding positions. Use assistant coaches to help outfielders find right positions when they wander and forget. Enthusiasm for whole team’s success when they all get it right. Kids will forget what you told them the first few times. By later practices, they will pay attention and rarely forget. This drill teaches: Visualization / spatial positioning / memory. Attention to the coach’s instructions. Right versus left. Hustle to‐from assignments.
Pop Rocket This drill is designed to get players prepared to catch pop flies. I recommend using tennis balls or plastic waffle balls for this drill as players at a young age are often afraid of a baseball. You can transition to a baseball when players are less nervous. Line up players single file, or in two or more parallel lines if other coaches or parents are available. The more lines you have the more repetitions you can get in. Each player starts in the ready position. Toss the ball into the air high enough to allow the player to “set-up” under the ball. The player’s glove foot should be forward to receive the ball. Emphasize two handed catches and proper placement. As players get more comfortable, throw the ball slightly behind and to the side to teach the proper technique of “going back” on a fly ball. This drill teaches: Anticipating a ball’s movement Agility / body movement / balance Overall body coordination Works to eliminates the fear factor Block the ball Helps to eliminate the fear of a ball being thrown at you. Toss soft underhand throws to player’s chest from short distance (e.g., 5 feet). Have the player ‘whack’ (or ‘block’) the balls with his/her closed glove before they hit/get past him. Turn it into a game (they usually like this exercise). Repeat often, until the player’s eyes follow the ball every time without turning (averting) eyes or head. When they do this consistently without exhibiting aversion to the incoming ball, then they are ready to catch it with a glove. Then switch to ‘blocking with glove open’ – i.e., catching it—instead of ‘blocking the ball’. You can use a tennis ball or a plastic practice ball and then move to a baseball later This drill teaches: Anticipating a ball’s movement Agility / body movement / balance Works to eliminates the fear factor
What do I expect from my players? To be on time for all practices and games To always do your best, whether in the field or on the bench To be cooperative at all times and share team duties To respect not only others, but themselves as well To be positive with teammates at all times To try not to become upset at your own mistakes or those of others
To listen to the coaches, umpires and teammates To hustle at practices and games To have fun What can you and your child expect from me? To be on time for all practices and games To be as fair as possible in giving equal playing time to all players To do my best to teach the fundamentals of the game To be positive and respect each child as an individual To set reasonable expectations for each child and for the season To teach the players the value of winning and losing To be open to ideas, suggestions and help To always be positive with my team, the opposing team and the umpires To make the season a fun experience for all What do I expect from you as parents and family? To come out and enjoy the game Cheer and be positive with all players Be positive with coaches , players and umpires Please contact me if you have feedback or if you have any concerns Please volunteer for any off field activities that you can To try not to coach from the sidelines during games as this confuses the players Team Contacts Manager
Coach Coach Coach
Modified Baseball Diamond Size Modifications—Start of Season—weeks 1 –3
50`
50`
35` 50`
50`
Modified Baseball Diamond Size Modifications—Mid season—week 4—until Memorial Day
55`
55`
35` 55`
55`
Baseball Diamond Size Modifications—Memorial Day onward Full size base paths Pitching rubber remains at 35 feet for player accuracy
60`
60`
35` 60`
60`
Specific Local Regulations—Rookie Division The following rules and regulations are exceptions to the Little League Baseball and Softball Rule Book. These local rules apply to regular season play and do not apply to postseason All-Star Tournaments. 1. Games are limited to 75 minutes or 6 complete innings (whichever comes first). 2. Pitching Rules Batters are allowed to use the batting tee - Many players in the rookie division are new to baseball and will struggle with coaches pitch or live pitching. To keep the game moving, if after 4 pitches the player hasn’t hit a live pitched ball, a batting tee may be used. This is a recommendation Game weeks 1– 3—Batting tees should be used by all players to keep the game moving and to encourage proper swing mechanics and repetition Game weeks 4+ until Memorial Day – Coaches will pitch in all games. Coaches may choose to use a player as a catcher but put a coach behind them to keep the game progressing After Memorial Day – Players will be allowed to pitch a max of 3 innings per game. If the game goes more than 3 innings, coaches will pitch the remaining innings. The catcher position will be filled by players, with coaches serving as back-up to keep the game moving. Each player is limited to 3 innings pitched per week (Sunday to Saturday).
No player may pitch more than 2 innings in one game. One inning equals three outs. Pitchers must be kept around 40 pitches. The pitching rubber will be a distance of 35 feet from home plate. A coach must be positioned next to the pitcher for safety and to intercept balls hit hard back to the pitcher that the pitcher may not handle. The coach next to the pitcher will have a bucket of balls with him/her. If the ball goes past the catcher a new ball should be taken from the bucket and handed to the pitcher to keep the game moving at a good pace 3. All players must play one defensive inning in the outfield and one defensive inning in the infield each game. (2/15)
Specific Local Regulations—Rookie Division Continued 4. All Players MUST be moved into different positions inning to inning. This rule is established to provide every player the opportunity to experience every position. 5. There is no infield fly rule.
6. There is a 3 run limit per inning for each team. (2/15) 7. Baserunners may not advance on wild pitches, passed balls, stolen bases or overthrows. 8. Baserunners are limited to one base per hit. The goal is to get through the line-up as many times as possible 9. Batters must wear helmets with cages. 10. Teams may have 2 adult coaches on the bases during games, provided there is also a coach in the dugout. (6/92)
11. Teams may have 3 adult coaches in the field to assist with defensive positioning, provided there is also a coach in the dugout. 12. Parents are allowed to assist in the field. 13. No standings will be kept. Also, no trophies will be awarded for any team. (approximately 2/99)
Additional teaching tools that help with learning the game 1. Batting Tees— There is one batting tee in the containers at the fields. Instructions are available on how to make your own batting tees for around $25 each if your interested. 2. Balls of all sorts — Have players learn to catch/field using wiffle balls, mushballs, incredibals, tennis balls and progress up to soft baseballs. This will reduce fear of getting hit with a ball and getting hurt. HARD BASEBALLS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR ANYTHING! 1. Rubber bases for “open field” practices 2. Hula-hoops—Great for target throwing games 3. 2 or three bungie cords for hanging up buckets, pieces of old carpet, etc from the backstop for target throwing games, etc.
Coaching Sequence for skills The following coaching sequence is designed to help you teach the skills in the proper order. The sequence for each of the major skills is planned out to match the development, the age and the skill of each player from 5 to 8 years old.
Fielding Ground Balls ——————————————————————— 1. Learn the ground ball fielding technique
3. Move to field a ground ball
2. Receive the ball with 2 hands
5. Move to field the ball and throw
* do the alligator
4. Receive the ball and throw
Throwing ————— ———————————————————————
Hitting ————— ———————————————————————
Catching ————— ———————————————————————
Catching Fly Balls — ———————————————————————
Sample Coaches Practice Plans — —————————————————— It is best practice with this age group to keep the practices very short and organized. We find that the attention span is very short and therefore practices that run longer than an hour often lose the player. Keep your practices to about an hour long.
Build a lot of repetitions into your practices. Grab parents to help roll balls, play catch, etc. Even though your practices are short you can get a lot of reps in by encouraging the parents to help. They don’t need to be an official coach to assist in practices.
Practice Schedule - #1 1:00 - 1:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead
Arm Circles
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
1:10 – 1:20 One Knee Drill One Knee Drill with/without a tee 1:20 - 1:30 Scarecrow Throwing Drill 1:40 – 1:50 Step and Throw 1:50 – 2:00 Bonk the Bucket Using a batting tee, place a bucket on top of the tee upside down. Each player gets 3 balls Using the “step and throw” motion ( above ) have each player try to “BONK” the bucket. Keep score and maybe have the top 3 or 4 players go against each other
Practice Schedule - #2 1:00 - 1:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead
Arm Circles
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
1:10 – 1:20 One Knee Drill One Knee Drill with/without a tee 1:20 - 1:30 Scarecrow Throwing Drill with Step and Throw 1:40 – 1:50 Bare hand ball fielding—ALLIGATOR 1:50 – 2:00 Bonk the Bucket or some other game
Practice Schedule - #1 6:00 - 6:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead Team Jog
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
Arm Circles
6:10 – 6:20 Short / Long Toss 5 minutes of short toss at 20 feet 5 minutes of Long toss at 50 feet 6:20 - 6:30 Ground Ball Drill – Rapid Fire Line up ½ the team at Shortstop and the other ½ at Second base Coach #1 and Coach #2 stand to right and left of home plate Coach #3 hits ground balls to both lines up the middle. Line at Short throws to coach on the first base side and the line at second throws to the coach on the third base side. Players should follow the throw towards the respective coach and switch lines. King of the Diamond - Can be turned into a game.. if the player misses, fumbles the ball, makes a bad throw, etc.. the player is out. Last player standing is “King of the Diamond” 6:30 – 6:35 Water Break 6:35 – 7:15 Stations – Break players into groups Coach # 1
Coach #2
Coach #3
Coach #4 and #5
Bunting “Bocce” All Players should do this station
Tee Work / Soft Toss 10 to 20 swings All Players should do this station
Catcher Drills Jared Mason Aiden Troy
3 Hula-hoop’s
Focus on swing form and rapid repeat and muscle memorization
Shin pads and glove
Pitching Start with “core” pitchers – If time evaluate different players Troy, Kareem, Adam, Riley, Cooper Mason, Daniel, Nicolas, Jared, Darin Alex, Anthony, Jacob 20 Strikes 2 set of intentional walk 1 - right hand batter 1 - left hand batter
6 balls
Bare hand catch – 15
Bunt the 6 balls with the goal getting it into the center of the hoop Players should bunt at each hoop
Blocking balls – 15
7:15 – 7:20 Signals Key – Touch of the Belt Buckle
50/50 Coach randomly throws in dirt and to the glove -20
Practice Schedule - #2 6:00 - 6:10
Stretching – Pick 5 – Choose one player/coach to lead Team Job
Toe Touches
Elbow Pulls
High Knees
Butt Kicks
Spider Pushups
Mountain Climb
Cork Screw
Elephant Stretch
Jumping Jacks
Arm Circles
6:10 – 6:20 Short / Long Toss 5 minutes of short toss at 20 feet 5 minutes of Long toss at 50 feet 6:20 - 6:30 Ground Ball Drill – Rapid Fire Line up ½ the team at Shortstop and the other ½ at Second base Coach #1 and Coach #2 stand to right and left of home plate Coach #3 hits ground balls to both lines up the middle. Line at Short throws to coach on the first base side and the line at second throws to the coach on the third base side. Players should follow the throw towards the respective coach and switch lines. King of the Diamond - Can be turned into a game.. if the player misses, fumbles the ball, makes a bad throw, etc.. the player is out. Last player standing is “King of the Diamond” 6:30 – 6:35 Water Break 6:35 – 7:15 Stations – Break players into groups Coach # 1
Coach #2
Coach #3
Coach #4 and #5
Fly Ball Drill
Ground Ball Range Game Set up four cones in a line. The middle two cones should be about 10 feet apart and the other cones 5 feet out from those. The player stands in the middle of the middle cones. Coach throws ground balls to the player. Inside the middle cones the player should squer up to the ball. Outside the middle the player should work on back hand, etc.
Catcher Drills 10 -Throw downs to second – Focus on low throws through the pitchers head 10 – Throws to third and first with cross step batter in box. For the batter use a bucket
Pitching Start with “core” pitchers – If time evaluate different players Troy, Adam, Riley, Cooper Mason, Daniel, Nicolas, Jared, Darin Alex, Anthony, Jacob 20 Strikes 2 set of intentional walk 1 - right hand batter 1 - left hand batter
7:15 – 7:25 Base Running Relay Drill – Watch for base tags with the correct foot and touching the inside of the bag To perform the drill players should be split into two groups. The first group should line up at the home plate and the second group should line up at second base. A ball should also be given to the first player from each of the lines. Then on the coaches signal the first player from each of the lines must run around all of the bases and when they return back to their original base they must give the ball to the next player in line who then proceeds to also run around all of the bases. This process then continues on until all of the players from one of the teams has run around all of the bases and that team is then declared the winning team. 7:30 -7:35 Closing Comments Gear Pack up
Pratice Drills and Games —————————————————————— Bonk the Bucket Put an empty bucket in front of the backstop or upright on a tee (take out neck insert first) at home plate. Line up players between 1st & 3rd base across pitcher position Players throw at bucket simultaneously. Roll balls out to all players to work on fielding, have them find grip, then wait for coach; On coach’s words, players: TURN, POINT, STEP, and THROW at the bucket. As players get stronger and more accurate, increase the speed. Move the players back as they develop arm strength and accuracy. Assistant coaches help correct kids who need 1‐1 help with mechanics, body position, and so on during this drill. Turn it into a game by giving points for every “Bonk” of the bucket This drill teaches: Throwing accuracy (essential to baseball at any level) Throwing mechanics & ‘muscle memory’ of correct throws. Listening to coach & instructions Ball Relay Divide players evenly into groups (say, 4 each). Position the players in parallel lines, with each player about 10‐20’ apart. Place a ball at the foot of two players at one end of the lines. On coaches mark: Players pick up ball, throw to next player in their line, who throws to next player, … to last player in line, who returns the throw to player he/she received it from, who throws back to next player in line in reverse order, and so on back to starting player. Whichever line completes drill first wins. Then switch 2 players between the lines to ‘even’ teams out, and repeat. On overthrows: Closest player gets it, then must throw back to thrower, who must make a good throw to continue relay. Teach kids to pause and aim (point glove arm out) for accuracy before throwing ball Start with kids close (10’ or so), spread out as they get better. This drill teaches: Throwing accuracy Focus and attention Catching / eye‐hand coordination Turn‐around time matters Proper turning technique
Relay Running Relay running is another great little league baseball drill that allows young players to practice running from base to base while also working on their ball handling skills at the same time. To perform the drill players should be split into two groups. The first group should line up at the home plate and the second group should line up at second base. A ball should also be given to the first player from each of the lines. Then on the coaches signal the first player from each of the lines must run around all of the bases and when they return back to their original base they must give the ball to the next player in line who then proceeds to also run around all of the bases. This process then continues on until all of the players from one of the teams has run around all of the bases
Two Ball Triangle 3 players, with their gloves, set up a triangle with one player 10 feet away from the other 2 players while the other 2 players set up 4-6 feet apart. The player furthest away has 2 baseballs and starts the drill by rolling a grounder to one of the players, and rolls a grounder to the other player at the moment the 1st player throws the ball back to him. The ultimate goal is to execute the drill as quickly as possible while keeping both balls in play. You can do this drill barehanded as well. For young players it is a good idea to start with them on their knees and after a few weeks stand up. This drill teaches: Develops better hand eye coordination Transition from glove to throwing hand more efficiently Increases focus on the ball in play Charge It Line up players single file, or in two or more parallel lines if other coaches or parents are available. The more lines you have the more repetitions you can get in. Roll balls to players, have them field it, throw to coach, and return to end of line. When players advance, you can change from rolling to hitting balls. Teach to ‘catch & cover’ ball when fielding grounders, then stand and throw. No diving on ball – field it on two feet! Players should charge short or slow‐moving balls. Mark a ‘start’ line for players or they will creep up to you fast. Use balls, or a bat, to mark where they start. On throws, emphasize correct progression (turn, point, step, throw). This drill teaches: Anticipating a ball’s movement Agility / body movement / balance Where to throw after fielding a ball (1st base!)
Ball Relay Divide players evenly into groups (say, 4 each). Position the players in parallel lines, with each player about 10‐20’ apart. Place a ball at the foot of two players at one end of the lines. On coaches mark: Players pick up ball, throw to next player in their line, who throws to next player, … to last player in line, who returns the throw to player he/she received it from, who throws back to next player in line in reverse order, and so on back to starting player. Whichever line completes drill first wins. Then switch 2 players between the lines to ‘even’ teams out, and repeat. On overthrows: Closest player gets it, then must throw back to thrower, who must make a good throw to continue relay. Teach kids to pause and aim (point glove arm out) for accuracy before throwing ball Start with kids close (10’ or so), spread out as they get better. This drill teaches: Throwing accuracy Focus and attention Catching / eye‐hand coordination Turn‐around time matters Proper turning technique
Ducks on the Pond Assemble team around coach at pitcher’s mound. Have team close their eyes. Tell them to remember their position. Tap a child’s head and say a unique position (e.g., 3rd base, center field, catcher, and so on). Continue thru team quick. When everyone has a unique position, say “Break” Kids hustle (run) to their positions and assume ‘ready position’ (hands on knees, or hand in glove at mid‐waist like pros, ready for the ball). See if everyone gets it right. Correct mis‐positions (e.g., teach that 2nd doesn’t play on the bag, but halfway between 1st and 2nd). Call them in, and repeat with new position assignments. Run this game fast, it takes only 5 min to do it 5 times. Kids this age have trouble with right‐versus‐left. Teach: Right is behind first, left behind third. As kids get better (after 3‐4 practices), teach the correct infield fielding positions. Use assistant coaches to help outfielders find right positions when they wander and forget. Enthusiasm for whole team’s success when they all get it right. Kids will forget what you told them the first few times. By later practices, they will pay attention and rarely forget. This drill teaches: Visualization / spatial positioning / memory. Attention to the coach’s instructions. Right versus left. Hustle to‐from assignments.
Pop Rocket This drill is designed to get players prepared to catch pop flies. I recommend using tennis balls or plastic waffle balls for this drill as players at a young age are often afraid of a baseball. You can transition to a baseball when players are less nervous. Line up players single file, or in two or more parallel lines if other coaches or parents are available. The more lines you have the more repetitions you can get in. Each player starts in the ready position. Toss the ball into the air high enough to allow the player to “set-up” under the ball. The player’s glove foot should be forward to receive the ball. Emphasize two handed catches and proper placement. As players get more comfortable, throw the ball slightly behind and to the side to teach the proper technique of “going back” on a fly ball. This drill teaches: Anticipating a ball’s movement Agility / body movement / balance Overall body coordination Works to eliminates the fear factor Block the ball Helps to eliminate the fear of a ball being thrown at you. Toss soft underhand throws to player’s chest from short distance (e.g., 5 feet). Have the player ‘whack’ (or ‘block’) the balls with his/her closed glove before they hit/get past him. Turn it into a game (they usually like this exercise). Repeat often, until the player’s eyes follow the ball every time without turning (averting) eyes or head. When they do this consistently without exhibiting aversion to the incoming ball, then they are ready to catch it with a glove. Then switch to ‘blocking with glove open’ – i.e., catching it—instead of ‘blocking the ball’. You can use a tennis ball or a plastic practice ball and then move to a baseball later This drill teaches: Anticipating a ball’s movement Agility / body movement / balance Works to eliminates the fear factor
What do I expect from my players? To be on time for all practices and games To always do your best, whether in the field or on the bench To be cooperative at all times and share team duties To respect not only others, but themselves as well To be positive with teammates at all times To try not to become upset at your own mistakes or those of others
To listen to the coaches, umpires and teammates To hustle at practices and games To have fun What can you and your child expect from me? To be on time for all practices and games To be as fair as possible in giving equal playing time to all players To do my best to teach the fundamentals of the game To be positive and respect each child as an individual To set reasonable expectations for each child and for the season To teach the players the value of winning and losing To be open to ideas, suggestions and help To always be positive with my team, the opposing team and the umpires To make the season a fun experience for all What do I expect from you as parents and family? To come out and enjoy the game Cheer and be positive with all players Be positive with coaches , players and umpires Please contact me if you have feedback or if you have any concerns Please volunteer for any off field activities that you can To try not to coach from the sidelines during games as this confuses the players Team Contacts Manager
Coach Coach Coach
