To Keep the Kids Engaged and Having Fun Playing Baseball. the Younger

YMCA Baseball Outfield Games and Clinics Purpose: To keep the kids engaged and having fun playing baseball. The younger the kids are, the more they need active learning experiences; so, the more game-like we can make these teaching sessions, the better the kids will learn, as they will be having fun! Sharks and Minnows Tag with Baseball Glove o The kids take turns as the shark, trying to tag the other kids. The kids need to stay in a designated area you set for them. The key teaching point to this game is that the kids should learn to squeeze a ball in their glove, so that it does not fall out when they tag the other kids. 500 o Roll the ball or throw the ball to the kids (if they are able to catch well), calling out a number, ie. 100, 200, etc. The player to successfully catch or stop the ball and throw it back to you receives that amount of points. The first to get 500 points wins and moves to throw or roll the ball to the others. The key teaching points in this session are the correct mechanics of catching/stopping and throwing the ball. The ball should be stopped/caught with an open glove; and, secured with the throwing hand. The ball should be thrown by taking the ball back above the shoulder and stepping into the throw with the opposite foot. Races/Relays Along the Foul Line o Match up the kids in pairs or teams to sprint along the foul line to the foul pole. You can use gloves to mark handoff points, etc. The key teaching points to these races/relays are: teamwork, demonstrating that quick bursts of speed and sprints are vital to base running and defense, and teaching the kids the field. Throwing Relays o Line the kids up apart from each other and practice throwing and catching (letting the ball bounce, if needed) the ball from one end to the other. As they get better at this, see how fast they can complete the relay. The key teaching points to these relays are: teamwork and correct catching and throwing mechanics, demonstrating that the better teamwork, the better the relay. Running the Bases o Have all the kids run the bases one by one, having each kid start running when their teammate reaches 1st base. The key teaching points are: how to run the bases and teamwork. Hitting off the Tee o Have two tees to hit off of, while the other two kids field the hits; switch every three hits. The key teaching point for the batters are learning how to make contact with the ball and where (the tee should be placed in front of the batter, not next to). The key teaching point for the fielders is learning how to catch or stop a ball hit off of the bat, working on the correct mechanics. Pepper o The coach hits grounders to the kids, playing the infield positions. The kids field the ball and toss the ball back to the coach; who, tries to hit the throw back to the kids. The key teaching points for this activity are learning to stay alert and ready in the field and using correct mechanics to field and throw the ball. The kids can receive points for correct fielding and throwing to add a game element to this activity. Batting Stations o Every kid will be performing some sort of batting exercise during the batting stations; and, rotating to the different stations. Have two tee hitting stations, a soft toss station (against a fence with a coach) and a variable station (another tee, a parent pitching to the player, swinging practice without a ball, etc.). The key teaching point is that the kids swing the bat as many times as possible in a short period of time. Rotate the stations so that each kid gets to every station. Catch o Have the kids partner up, with a coach or parent, if needed to play catch. Just throwing the baseball around! . The key teaching points when playing catch are learning teamwork and correct throwing and fielding mechanics. Ring of Fire o Stand in a circle with the kids without baseball gloves and introduce a baseball into the circle. Everyone uses their hands to stop and roll the ball back into the circle, to other teammates. This is an interactive and fun game for everyone, trying to keep the ball in the circle! . The key teaching points in this game are teamwork and eye-hand coordination. Sliding o Introduce the two basic types of slides: hook and head-first. The key teaching points in this activity are safety and fun. Other Options o Pop-flys, TAG, Follow the Leader, Break in Your Glove, Stealing Bases, How to Spit Sunflower Seeds… You get the idea-Make it Fun! And, be sure to share and learn from your fellow coaches. We are all in this for the kids! Thank you and good luck. .

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