If you’re looking for [tag]baseball practice drills[/tag] to vary your practices try this one.   This [tag]baseball drill[/tag] focuses players to field the ball and make an accurate throw to first under pressure. We call if King of the Diamond.

All players start at second base and field a fungo from their [tag]baseball coach[/tag] and throw to first (usually another coach).

If the field and throw are clean that player will advance to shortstop, then third base. If the player misses the grounder or misfires to first, the player will return to the previous position (or stay at second if an error was made at the start). The first player(s) to complete a clean field and throw from third is “King of the Diamond”.

Once everyone has had a chance to field a [tag]baseball[/tag], the coach will start at second again for any kids remaining in that position and work your way to third. That way, the kids who need the work will get more reps, while the stronger players stay motivated to “win”.

Depending on the skill of the team, I vary what is considered a clean field and throw but keep it consistent for the entire team for that day. As the players get more comfortable with the game, I will increase the difficulty throughout the season – e.g. throws to first that require the first baseman to stretch significantly may count at the beginning of the season, but not later in the season.