Day 1 - Practice Plan
Fundamental skills introduced (these are often skipped over or not taught thoroughly):
Catching the Ball with the Feet
The Throwing Action
How to cover a base, and receive a throw at a base, effectively
Infield Base Coverage Responsibilities & The Fourth Baseman
Underhand Toss
Fielding Footwork
Drills / Activities
Wiffle Ball Batting
INF Base Coverage
Rec a Throw at Third Base (Tag)
Rec a Throw at First Base (Force)
Underhand Toss
20’ Ground Balls / 50’ Ground Balls
Explanations
The Glove - Catching a Ball
Move Feet to Catch - Receiving throws
The Base
Catcher = ‘Fourth Baseman’
Baseball is a Game of Movement (BBB)
Throwing Instruction
Ground Ball Fielding Instruction
Wiffle Ball Batting
The Glove - Catching a Ball
Receiving a Throw
receiving a throw at third base
Baseball is a Game of Movement (BBB)
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)
Sprints to the Base
Cover The Base With Your Eyes
THEN turns to face the throw
Ready Position
Moves to ‘Stretch’ Position AFTER the ball is in the air (to confirm the throw is accurate, Before committing feet)
