Baseball is a Game of Movement
Practice Plans (ages 8-10)
Day 1 - Practice Plan
Pre-practice: Whiffle Ball Batting
0:00-0:10 Introductions
0:10-0:20 Teach: (a) Glove Fold (b) The Pocket (c) No ‘Tacos’
Receiving Throws:
1. Ready Position
2. Move Feet
3. Reach Forward
Drill: Move Feet to Catch
0:20-0:35 Movement Instruction
The Base
Catcher = ‘Fourth Baseman’
BBB (‘Baseball/Softball is a Game of Movement’)
Drill: Infield Base Coverage (Ball or Base)
0:35-0:45 Playing Catch Practice
Teach: Throwing - Arm action
‘No Ball’ Drills
1. Turn & Pull x7 (Anchor awareness)
2. Drive & Pull x7 (Anchor awareness)
3. Wrist Action 6-7 seconds x2
0:45-0:55 Play Catch @ 30’-35’ (set up in Power Position)
- Emphasis on Wrist Snap - first 5 min
- Emphasize Leg Drive - final 5 min
Teach: Replaying the Ball
0:55-1:00
1:00-1:10 Drill: Underhand Toss
1:10-1:15 Team Drills
Teach: Gb Fielding Technique
1:15-1:25 Drill: 20’ Ground Balls
1:25-1:40 Whiffle Ball Batting - Timing: “Pitch” - “Hit”
(no concern or talk re: mechanics; just timing today
1:40-2:00 Scrimmage
(focus: INF Base Coverage ...every base is covered each play)
Day 2 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. ‘No Ball’ Drills (a few throws from 30’-35’, if time. Have extra balls; no chasing missed throws)
2. Inf Base Coverage
3. 20’ Ground Balls
0:15-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
1. Teach: Throwing - Arm action
- Review Turn & Pull Drill (Explain the importance of elbows at shoulder height)
- Upper part of throwing arm, and torso, move as one piece, until throwing-arm elbow passes the body
- Drive & Snap Emphasize pushing hard off back foot and snapping the wrist (Power & Accuracy)
Play Catch from 30’-35’ (emphasis on ‘Drive & Snap’)
2. No Ball Drills’ (Move Feet to Throw)
- Shuffle
- Shuffle, Shuffle, Pull-Snap
Play Catch from 50’-60’ (emphasis on ‘Feet & Wrist’; gain ground on shuffles; create momentum)
0:35-0:55 Team Drills
Teach: Receiving a Throw at a Base (Force Out)
‘Cover Base With Your Eyes’
Drill:
- Group 1: First Baseman (rec. throw from Shortstop)
- Group 2: SS (rec. throw at second base, from Pitcher)
Teach: Turn Glove Side / Review: BBB
Drill: Three Groups
1. 6-1 (Underhand Toss) 3b Backing-up
2. 1-6 (Turn Glove Side)
3. 4-3 (Ball to Their Right … OH Throw: ’Feet & Wrist’)
- 2 players @ 2b; 2 players @ 1b
- ‘Cover Base w/Eyes’
0:55-1:00
1:00-1:20 Team Drills (con’t)
Drill: Infield Base Coverage (Ball or Base)
Drill: Backing-up (Outfielders)
1:40-2:00 Whiffle Ball Batting - Timing: “Pitch”-“Hit”
(no concern or talk re: mechanics; just timing today)
Day 3 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Backing up Bases (Outfielders)
2. 1-6 Play (Turn Glove Side)
3. Receiving a throw at a base (force)
[Catchers Work – need a 4th Adult/Coach]
0:15-0:40 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction:
- Batting: No Bat Drills
- Pitching & Throwing: No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching (extended time each practice all season)
2. Position Player Throwing (35’ | 60’: Move Feet)
3. 1-6 Footwork (& Throw: 40’)…no chasing missed throws
0:40-0:55 Team Drills
Mass Ground Balls & Fly Balls - rotate every 5 mins.
- 50/50 mindset
2 Groups:
50’ Gbs
1. Feet Wide to Catch
2. Feet & Wrist (emphasize leg drive and gaining ground)
Toss Drill - Angling In (‘Go For It’ in practice)
0:55-1:00
1:00-1:15 Team Drills
Teach:
(1) I am going to GO GET the ball
(2) 3 Players in the Middle of the Field (SS, 2b & P)
...Always move towards the ball
Drill: MIF/P Movement - Balls Hit to LF/RF
(Three groups; 4 groups of 3 if possible)
1:15-1:20 Teach: Responsibilities on Ball to CF
Drill: MIF/P Movement - Balls Hit to CF
Day 4 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Infield Base coverage
2. MIF & P - Ball to OF
3. 6-1; 3b Back-up (BBB)
[Catchers Work – need a 4th Adult/Coach]
0:15-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction:
- Batting: No Bat Drills
- Pitching & Throwing: No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing (35’ | 60’: Move Feet)
3. Replay the Ball and Throw (50’-60’): ‘Feet & Wrist’
(simulates dealing with a muffed ground ball)
0:35-0:55 Team Drills
- Group 1: Receiving a Throw at Third Base (tag)
- Group 2: Receiving a Throw at First Base (force)
- Group 3: 5-4 Play
0:50-0:55
0:55-1:15 Team Drills (con’t)
Teach, then Drill: Relay to Home Mini Diamond (Turn Glove Side)
1:15-1:40 Batting Practice 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live Wiffle Balls (8 swings)
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:40-2:00 Scrimmage
- Explain Structure
- Each Player Bats 1x
Defensive Responsibility & Movement:
Teach a bit each day.
Reinforce/Acknowledge during Scrimmage.
*** Wiffle Ball Scrimmage ...on Rain/Wet Days***
Day 5 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:20 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Backing up Bases (Outfielders)
2. Relay to Home (Mini Diamond) …Catcher Make Tag, then ‘Look for other runners’
3. Receiving a throw at 3B (tag)
0:20-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing (35’ | 60’: Feet & Wrist)
3. Relay Footwork (Turn Glove Side) …no chasing missed throws
0:35-0:55 Team Drills
Three Groups
- Group 1: 5-4
- Group 2: 1-6 (Turn Glove Side)
- ·Group 3: 4-3
0:55-1:00
1:00-1:40 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live (Full Field - 10 Swings)
- Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:40-2:00 Scrimmage
Review Structure
Each Player Bats 1x (might be able to get 2x at-bats; determine based on how last scrimmage ran)
Defensive Responsibility & Movement:
- Teach a bit each day
- Reinforce/Acknowledge during Scrimmage
*** Wiffle Ball Scrimmage ...on Rain/Wet Days***
Day 6 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
- 6-5 (UH Toss); P Backing-up
- 4-6 (UH Toss - Wrist)
- 4-3 (UH Toss); P Backing-up (go behind bucket)
[Catchers Work – need a 4th Adult/Coach]
0:15-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing (35’ | 60’: Feet & Wrist)
3. Catch, Tag, Power Position (Teach) …no chasing missed throws
0:35-1:00 Team Drills
(brief) Instruction for each prior to breaking into groups:
1. Fly Ball Communication
2. Drop Step, going back - 50/50 mindset
3. OF Ground Balls: Hit the Cut - ‘Box Mentality’
1:00-1:05
1:05-1:40 Batting Practice 12-Player Dril
I. Batting: Live (Full Field - 10 Swings)
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:40-2:00 Scrimmage
Each Player Bats 2x (kids & staff should know the routine; greater efficiency = more at-bats/plays)
Day 7 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Backing-up (OF & P)
2. Drop Step
3. Fly Ball Communication: 2b & 1b
0:20-0:40 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
· Batting
· Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing (‘Feet & Wrist’)
3. Catch, Tag, Power Position …no chasing missed throws
0:40-1:05 Team Drills
Group 1: 5-3
Group 2: Toss Drills
· coming in from CF
· communication w/SS going back
Group 3: 6-3
1:05-1:10
1:05-1:35 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:35-2:00 Scrimmage/Sliding (Pick a day the grass is wet; skip Scrimmage)
Teach: ‘Eat it! Run it In!’ | RULE: No Overhand Throws
Day 8 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:20 Skill Building Warm-up
Full Team Movement on Mini Diamond (4 groups of 3)
- Group 1: C, 1b, RF
- Group 2: 2b, C, SS
- Group 3: P, 3b, LF
- Group 4: 20’ Ground Balls
(working on the Home plate side of the group of 9)
5 min. per rotation; rotate clockwise
0:15-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing (‘Feet & Wrist’)
3. Replaying the Ball and Throw 50’-60’ (simulates dealing with a muffed ground ball)
0:35-0:55 Team Drills
Movement Instruction:
Pitcher: when breaking to corners on Ground Balls: look to see if ball goes past Infield
Group 1: Relay to Home Full Field (players have extra balls available)
Group 2: 5-4: Wrist snap emphasis (two groups of 3)
0:55-1:00
1:00-1:35 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:35-2:00 Scrimmage/Sliding (Pick a day the grass is wet; skip Scrimmage)
Teach: ‘Eat it! Run it In!’ | RULE: No Overhand Throws
Day 9 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:20 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Fly Ball communication: LF & SS
2. Drop Step
3. 20’ Ground Balls
[Catchers Work – need a 4th Adult/Coach]
0:20-0:40 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing
0:40-0:50 Team Drills
Teach, then Drill, Base Running Turns & Touches
0:50-1:00 Team Drills
Teach*, then Drill: Running Through First
* Arm Swing: 1. Straight lines 2. Shoulder to Hip
…then practice while leaning against a partner
* Base Touch Technique (eyes)
1:00-1:05
1:05-1:40 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:40-2:00 Scrimmage/Sliding (Pick a day the grass is wet)
Day 10 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. 6-1; 3b Backing up
2. Relays to Home (Mini diamond)
3. 4-1; 1b Backing up
0:15-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing
3. 1-6 Footwork …no chasing missed throws
0:35-0:55 Team Drills
Group 1: Relay to Home, Full Field (players have extra balls available)
Group 2: 3-6 Step Across (Wrist snap emphasis)
0:55-1:00
1:05-1:40 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
1:40-2:00 Scrimmage/Sliding (Pick a day the grass is wet)
Day 11 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. Wild Pitch/Passed Ball Communication
2. Turns & Touches @ 2B
(Accelerate off the bag: let’s go first to third a lot
this year!!)
3. Running through First Base
(Run Hard; let’s put a lot of pressure on the infield
ers this year!!)
0:15-0:30 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing
3. Catch, Tag, Power Position …no chasing missed throws
0:30-0:55 Team Drills
Three Groups
Group 1: Three Players, 1 Base (Third Base Side)
Group 2: Fly Balls
· Coming in from CF
· Communication w/SS going back
Group3: Three Players, 1 Base (First Base Side)
0:55-1:00
1:00-1:20 Wiffle Ball Batting (or Mass Ground Balls & Fly Balls)
1:20-2:00 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
Day 12 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. 21 Gb Weave
2. Drop Step - Toss Drill going back
(get out of the way; run the ball in)
3. Wild Pitch/Passed Ball Communication
0:15-0:35 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing
3. Relay Footwork …no chasing missed throws
0:40-1:05 Team Drills
Teach: Rundown (Ambush)
Group 1 (on 3B side of infield)
50’ Ground Balls - 2 sets of 3 players
Group 2 (on 1B side of infield - 2 sets of 3 players)
Rundowns - (Ambush)
1:05-1:10
1:10-1:25 Wiffle Ball Batting (or Mass Ground Balls & Fly Balls)
1:25-2:00 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
Day 13 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:20 Skill Building Warm-up
1. 21 Gb Weave
2. Toss Drill - Angling in
3. Rundown (Ambush)
[Catcher(s): Position specific work on the side]
0:20-0:40 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing
3. 1-6 Footwork …no chasing missed throws
0:40-1:00 Team Drills
Three Groups
Group 1: Toss Drills - Angling Back
Group 2: 5-3
Group 3: 6-3
1:00-1:05
1:05-1:25 Wiffle Ball Batting
1:25-2:00 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice
Day 14 - Practice Plan
0:00-0:15 Skill Building Warm-up
1. 21 Gb Weave
(UH Toss using Mini diamond) coach = 5th player
3. 3-1 play
0:15-0:30 Playing Catch Practice
Instruction
- Batting
- Pitching & Throwing
No Bat Drills / No Ball Drills
PCP Routine
1. Pitching
2. Position Player Throwing
3. Catch, Tag, Power Position
…no chasing missed throws
0:30-0:45 Team Drills (Part 1)
Group 1
Catch, Tag & Throw w/5 players (on Full Size Diamond)
(opportunity for a Catcher to work 1:1 w/coach)
Group 2
Toss Drills - Angling Back (50/50 Mindset)
0:45-1:00 Team Drills (Part 2)
Group 1
Cut-Relay, Ball Past OF - Mini Diamond
Group 2
Fly Balls - Angling Back (50/50 Mindset)
1:00-1:05
1:05-1:25 Wiffle Ball Batting (or Mass Ground Balls & Fly Balls)
1:25-2:00 Batting Practice - 12-Player Drill
I. Batting: Live
Tee Work
II. Defense: Balls off the bat
III. Pitching Practice