This is one of my favorites for youth baseball coaching and I don’t see other teams doing in our league. It is a simple base running drill that I call “Running 1 through 4”.
Running 1 through 4
Two lines down at home plate.
First line in the right-hand batters box.
Second line about 10 feet or so toward 1st base and off the foul line.
When prompted, a runner from each line takes off.
The line in the batters box runs through 1st and breaks down.
The other line rounds 1st and heads into 2nd.
When prompted, now 4 runners take off.
Runner at 1st goes to 3rd (picking up coach).
Runner at 2nd goes home (switching lines after getting home).
2 lines at home still the same.
Now bases are full and we’ll have 5 running with the next two at home.
Ensure the runners switch lines after reaching home, so they will now have different routes/situations to run.
This is also a great conditioning and teamwork drill. Give it a try.
Next step… check out our complete collection of youth baseball drills, designed for building fundamental skills in kids 13 and under.