I got the inspiration for these [tag]coaching tips[/tag] from two of my readers. They include some fresh ideas on [tag]youth baseball practice drills[/tag]. Try them out and let me know what you think!
From Larry”¦
Toward the end of [tag]baseball[/tag] [tag]practice[/tag] we like to do a [tag]drill[/tag] called 21 outs.
We split the team into two teams and play a mock game going through all of the situations that may or will come up during a game. I have learned over the years the more game situation things you can practice the fewer surprises will come up during the real thing.
Split the team up. To keep things moving play 3 outs and clear the bases. The same team will stay up to bat until all 21 outs have been made. At that time switch. Encourage your players to stretch the limits. Take chances they may not take in a live game. This way they will know what there limits truly are. Good Luck.
From Mark”¦
Popcorn Bunt Drill
One of the hardest things for young players is to learn to “watch” the ball [tag]hit[/tag] the [tag]bat[/tag] rather than swinging or moving the bat to the ball.
We like to start youngsters out with a [tag]soft toss[/tag] involving popcorn seeds. Talk about concentration, it takes considerable effort to watch that kernal in mid-air and follow it to the bat. After a few dozen kernals, the baseballs become huge targets that are much easier to follow to the bat.