1
Learning the basic rules—the right direction to run when the ball is hit; runners must touch the bases; how to record outs (catch the ball in the air, throw to first, or tag the runners); running past first base; scoring a run; three outs constitute an inning.
Throwing mechanics—turn the body so that the front shoulder points toward the target; keep the elbow above the shoulder; step toward the target with the non throwing foot and release the ball.
Tracking—follow the ball with the eyes into the glove, whether on the ground or in the air (use softer balls); use two hands to catch and field; try to catch the ball out in front of the body.
Hitting—how to hold and swing the bat; batting safety (when not to swing bats, wearing batting helmets); hitting off a tee; hitting softly tossed pitches.
Learning positional play—if the ball is hit to your buddy, let him or her field it (note to coach: try not to put more than 10 players on a field at a time).
2
TBall Players mainly need to learn the basic rules like that you run to first after you hit the ball, and basic skills like throwing and catching. Give this age group practice:
1. Catching grounders and flies
2. Throwing
3. Run through first
4. Run to second and third
5. Run through home 6. Sliding
7. Batting 8. Fielding assignment when ball not hit to you (cover a base or back up) 9. Forceout 10. Tagout 11. Run out all hits
Some example notes for each bulletpoint follow: ● Catching grounders and flies
Ready position with weight on balls of feet
Butt down, field ball out in front (think triangle two knees and glove out in front create a triangle)
● Throwing "Thumb by your side, hand up high, wave goodbye"
● Run through first
Full speed through the bag
● Run to second and third
DO NOT over run or you can be tagged out ● Run through home
First and home are the two bases to run through
When as a base runner at 2nd and the ball is hit to the outfield think "score!" 3
● Sliding
Sliding has two benefits: 1) helps you go into a base at full speed; and 2) avoids a tag
● Batting
If hitting line drives, leave 'em alone. If not, check the following: Good grip "door knocking knuckles" this improves extension and follow through and is very easy to learn Relax the elbows, (elbow up discourages proper grip the only benefit of elbows up is that it gets hands up)
Get hands up by ears "Answer the phone" and back "person's yelling move phone back a bit" "Belly button should face pitcher after swing" (that means the hips are driving that's where power comes from)
● Fielding assignment when ball not hit to you (cover a base or back up)
Who covers second base when the ball is hit to third base or shortstop? (2nd basemen)
Who covers second base when the ball is hit to second or first? (Shortstop)
● Caught fly is out whether fair or foul
Be aggressive and go get it!
● Force out
If there's a runner on first