Every sportsperson knows the importance of drills in sport. They are learning activities that teach important aspects of the sport and help the players internalize tactics. Players looking to improve their swing could research into the use of a swing path trainer or other training gear available. The situation is not any different with baseball. For the kids’ baseball, drills are not only an important part of practice, but are a fun way for kids to stay in shape and have fun while at it. It is important to teach the kids the importance of exercise and dietary discipline, including the value of following the Kosher Foods List.
When it comes to the actual field, though, drills go a step further and simplify baseball concepts. Furthermore, they can be done anywhere, the park or at home, even when the kids are not in an official practice session. It is, however, difficult to design drill exercises which keep the kids interested and learning, while at the same time having fun. Safety is important though, so make sure the kids have the right protective gear such as batting helmets and catcher gear even for the drills. Here are some fun drill ideas that will definitely lighten up those warm up sessions.
The Fly Ball Drill
In the field, communication with each other is just as important as the ball handling skills; the fly ball drill teaches both of these important elements. The fly ball drill involves one or two players and the coach. The player will typically stand around 30 feet from the coach, with their pack turned away. The player then throws a pop-up and waits for the coach’s command. When signaled, the player will then turn around, find the ball and try to make the catch. This drill teaches awareness and reactions, as well as ball handling and patience. The drill can also be done with two players.
The Relay Style Running Base Drill
As the name suggests, this drill is a little more elaborate. Unlike the first one that most of the time involves two people, this drill requires the team to be divided into two. One of the groups will line up at the home base, while the other group starts at the second base. One ball will then be given to the player at the front of the line for each team. At the sound of the whistle, the player with the ball will run around the bases, and after they round the last base, they will toss the ball to the player next in line from their team, who then takes off and repeats the same process, until every player in line has gone through the same process. It is a competition, so the team that wins will be the first one to have all its players make it around the bases. This is a somewhat competitive drill and the coach must be careful with all the throwing and shouting that will likely ensue. The aim is to have the kids compete and have fun while learning the principles of teamwork and accuracy. All that is needed for this drill is a ball, ensuring the field is outlined with the baseball diamond chalkers, so they have a clear path for their drill, and making sure that the players are having fun!
The Hot Potato Drill
This is one of the best drills for teaching hand and glove control and their proper positioning on the field. The drill involves two infielders standing a few feet from each other with the ball in their catching hand. Both players will simultaneously throw the ball at the other player’s forehand, continuing until one player drops the ball. The focus on careful catching and not dropping is why the drill is so aptly named the hot potato.
When teaching baseball to kids, fun activities are generally considered more effective. Baseball drills must therefore be both educative and fun. Even though the use of, say adjustable dumbbells might improve the strength of the kids, they might appreciate a more fun and competitive activity outdoors. Kids at this age are also very deliberate about their thinking, and will typically be eager to please other people like their coaches, parents, teachers and peers.
It is at this stage that their values and attitudes form and grow. Drills should focus on keeping the fun alive in practice, so remember to switch things up every few minutes. Make sure every kid participates and that they receive more positive feedback than they might corrective. Some kids will likely be afraid of failure or of being left out of groups. Ultimately, with the drills detailed above, you will be set for a fun and educative training session.
