I got the inspiration for these [tag]coaching[/tag] tips from Steve. They include some fresh ideas for [tag]little league baseball tips and drills[/tag]. Try them out and let me know what you think!
From Steve”¦
Here are a couple of [tag]baseball[/tag] [tag]drills[/tag] I use:
1. For Pitchers — “Handkerchief Reach” —
Have the [tag]pitchers[/tag] do their normal [tag]pitching[/tag] motion, without any baseballs. — While watching their mechanics, have a [tag]coach[/tag] see where their front foot (delivery) lands and where their delivery hand lands. Mark that spot. — Now take out a handkerchief (towel will do) and have the coach stand directly in front of the pitcher. Tell the pitcher to do his pitching motion again, but this time to “hit” the handkerchief with his “pitching hand”. Repeat this activity, but each time, the coach moves a distance farther from the pitcher. After about 2 -4 times, the pitcher has increased his “delivery distance” and “stretched further down/over” — I have had pitchers add between 2 & 4 feet to their delivery motion and “end-up” distance.
This has increased velocity, improved mechanics, etc.
2. For Fielding Pop Flies —
I use a small plastic round measuring cup, large enough to “catch” a baseball. I start this [tag]drill[/tag] with whiffle balls, until I am sure the players can [tag]catch[/tag] the ball, then I use regular youth baseballs– Object of the drill is to get them “see” the ball go into the cup and have their secondary hand nearby to both “secure’ the catch and get ready to [tag]throw[/tag] the ball. — It doesn’t have to be too high or too far — depends on the ages of the group. — I give one point for a good catch — first one to “3” wins.
A variation is have 3-man teams and have the players throw the balls to each other up and down a relay line