Day 1 - Practice Plan

Wiffle Ball Batting

Catching a Ball - The Glove

Receiving a Throw

receiving a throw at third base

infield base coverage DRILL

Throwing the ball in the infield (and for shorter throws up to 60’-70’ for kids) is more of a ‘Slinging’ action than a throw. (Video of MLB Shortstops throwing: 0:00-1:30 Full Speed; 1:30-3:15 Slo-Mo). The throwing elbow moves ‘sideways’, at shoulder level. It moves forward, as one piece, with the torso. Then the arm is propelled forward as a result of the Wrist-snap action. This is an ‘accelerated’ action; the elbow moves forward at ‘Medium’ speed, then the Wrist snaps at ‘Full Speed’.

Watch this Table Tennis player use the same technique (upper arm and torso move forward as one piece). Video (0:02 - player in red returning the serve; 0:05-0:08 - player in red returning the serve; then the next time he hits the ball.) This is a fundamental action of biomechanics: The arm and torso move forward together, as one piece. The arm Does Not work independently.

‘No Ball’ Drills

(to Train the Basic Throwing Motion)

Ground Ball Fielding Instruction

Movement Instruction

Receiving a Throw at First Base

First Baseman Footwork

VIDEO (Watch 0:20-0:26)

  1. Sprints to the Base

  2. Cover The Base With Your Eyes

  3. THEN turns to face the throw

  4. Ready Position

  5. Moves to ‘Stretch’ Position AFTER the ball is in the air (to confirm the throw is accurate, Before committing feet)

Throwing Instruction

Ground Ball DRILLS

Underhand Toss