I find that the traditional [tag]youth baseball practice drills[/tag] can get a bit stale. Here’s an idea from Andy that has livened things up quite a bit in my practices.
From Andy”¦
Four Square
This [tag]baseball[/tag] [tag]drill[/tag] is quick and gives everyone a chance to [tag]field[/tag] and [tag]throw[/tag] many times. It can be used as a competition game between teams. Have your team break into squads of four – [tag]coaches[/tag] can join in to make even teams.
Arrange the players in a small square, about 10 feet apart on a side, with a base in the middle:
One player starts with the ball, and sends the ball across the square.
The player fields the ball and throws/tosses to the player to the left.
The player receiving that throw/toss sends the ball across the square.
The player fields the ball and [tag]throws[/tag]/tosses to the player to the left.
Eventually, the ball comes back to the starting player from a fielder.
So, using [tag]grounders[/tag] and [tag]tosses[/tag] going left, it looks like this:
Player A starts with the ball and rolls a grounder to player D across the square.
Player D fields the ball and underhand tosses to the left to player C (like a toss from SS to 2nd).
Player C takes the toss and rolls a grounder across the square to player B.
Player B fields the ball and underhand tosses to the left to player D.
Player D takes the toss and rolls a grounder across the square to player A.
Player A fields the ball and underhand tosses to the left to player B.
Player B takes the toss and rolls a grounder across the square to player C.
Player C fields the ball and underhand tosses to the left to player A.
The throw going across the square can be:
* a rolled grounder
* a short hop
* a pop up
* a normal throw
The throw going around the square can also be any type of throw.
The direction of the throw around the square can be to the left or to the right.
I try to use this combination, four times around each:
Across Around Direction
—— —— ———
Grounder Toss Left
Grounder Toss Right
(Back up 4 steps away from the base)
Short hop Throw Left
Short hop Throw Right
(Back up 4 steps away from the base)
Popup Throw Left
Popup Throw Right
Every time around, each player starts a play, fields a play, makes a throw, and takes a throw. Once players get quick with the drill, they can go around each square pretty quickly.
In less than 10 minutes, the each player has performed 96 actions! (4 actions * 4 squares * 6 drills)
This drill can accommodate up to 16 players (four at each base) at one time, and all are involved.
This quick drill can be used prior to games, keeps everyone alert and involved, and gets a lot of reps [tag]fielding[/tag] and throwing.