Moreland Little League Drills and Instruction for Coaching Youth Baseball

Clinic Outline Goal Philosophy Communication Coaching Techniques Teach Kids to Have Fun Playing Baseball Philosophy Communication Coaching Techniques The Five Baseball Skills Practice Planning Game Coaching and Planning

Coaching Philosophy We believe a successful coach can teach players how to play the game, and develop a players self-esteem and confidence by helping them succeed at their sport. Whether you are new to coaching or have been coaching for several years, we believe learning how to instruct will enhance your abilities. Everyone’s level of baseball knowledge is different, but what we have in common is a desire to help our player’s and gaining knowledge can only help. When coaching youths who are still developing mentally and physically, focus on getting them into sound body positions to perform each skill. If coaches can get players to repeat these fundamentals, believe in them, give positive reinforcement, then let their athletic ability take over, players will have more success at the game.

Communication and Coaching Explain the Proper Fundamentals of the Area You Are Teaching Physically Demonstrate the Proper Fundamentals of the Area You Are Teaching Put Players Into Non-Reactionary Drills – Dry Drills Put Players Into Controlled Drills Performing Skills Correctly with Many Repetitions is the Quickest Way to Improve

Coaching Techniques Positive Reinforcement Motivates and Builds Confidence Knowing What to Look For Do Not Speak Generally: Give Players Specifics to Correct Their Flaws Be Aware of When and How to Correct a Player’s Mistakes Be Creative, and Make Drills and Practice Enjoyable Mix Game-Speed Practices with Drills Don’t Over-Coach During Games

Explaining the Proper Fundamentals Don’t assume players know the correct way to throw, catch, hit, field or run. Take some time to explain the key fundamentals. But keep your words precise, direct, and to a minimum. More importantly, physically demonstrate the fundamental positions.

Throwing Throwing is one of baseballs most important skills to develop. If a player cannot throw the ball effectively, the positions he can play can be very limited as he gets older. Learning to throw correctly should be an important part of any practice routine. It should not just be an activity to get ready for practice.

Throwing – The Grip Grip Grip Fundamentals Hand size determines whether a player uses a two or three finger grip on the baseball Controlling the ball is more important than a small hand trying to use a two-finger grip. Grip Fundamentals Two-fingered cross-seam grip is when the finger pads of the index and middle finger are across the horseshoe seam on the ball The fingers are roughly one finger width apart The thumb is directly underneath the ball There should be a gap between the palm and the ball, if hand is large enough The grip is firm but not tight

Grip Drills Check Grip Cross-seam Grip Line up players. Physically check hand size to determine how many fingers each player should use to throw Cross-seam Grip Toss the ball three feet into the air. Catch it with the throwing hand, rotate the ball to transfer the fingers to the proper seams for the grip to throw as quickly as possible. Encourage players to do this drill at home during idle time or while watching TV.

Grip Drills - Continued Cross-seam Grip Using Glove Drill as above with glove on. After tossing the ball into the air, bring the throwing hand into a thumb-near-thumb alignment using the glove as a backstop. As the ball comes down, transfer the ball off the glove and into the throwing hand. Rotate the ball to the cross-seam grip as quickly as possible. This technique should be used all the time while playing catch. Wrist Extension Pair up players10 feet apart. Place them on one knee with throwing arm in L-shape formation. Place a glove under the throwing arm elbow for support. Players grip the ball in a cross-seam grip. Players flip the ball to on another with their wrist, emphasizing the proper wrist action. The arm action should be the same as shooting a basketball.

Throwing Fundamentals The Throwing Basics Throwing Position Find the Grip Starter Step aka Block Break – Thumb to Thigh, Knuckles High Launch Position Acceleration Release and Throw

Throwing Fundamentals Find the Grip Grip the ball and hold it in the glove centered near the chest with the body in an athletic position. This is the throwing position. Block Square to the target after the ball is received to achieve proper alignment. The back foot steps toward the target for momentum and alignment as it is placed almost perpendicular to target (right foot for right-handed throwers, left foot for left-handed throwers). This foot placement will help bring the hips and shoulders square when the glove hand foot steps directly towards the target. When the glove hand foot steps toward the target, player needs to point lead shoulder at the target. The player should remain in a balanced athletic position as the legs take the player into the throw.

Throwing Fundamentals Break - Thumb to Thigh, Knuckles High From the throwing position, the hands break to start the throw. Throwing hand breaks to start the throw. Throwing hand breaks from glove with the palm and thumb facing down (thumb to thigh) and continuing up at its peak to the “L” position with fingers pointing to the sky (knuckles high). The palm is facing away from the body at this point. The glove hand breaks thumb down with palm pointing open to target. Arm is slightly flexed and relaxed.

Throwing Fundamentals Launch Position As the hands break, the lead leg steps directly toward the target. Lead foot lands slightly closed and on the ball of the foot for balance and control. Weight should remain on the back leg. Once the foot lands and the arm is up at its peak in an “L” formation, with the body balanced and knees flexed, you are in the “Launch Position”.

Throwing Fundamentals Acceleration As the arm continues to accelerate forward, it maintains the “L” position with the elbow at least shoulder height. Back foot rotates from the inside of the big toe to the outside of the shoe. This opens hips to target as weight is transferred to the front side with the arm. Fingers remain on top and behind the ball throughout acceleration forward to release. Glove hand rotates with thumb up and is pulled back the hip as throwing arm comes forward. Head should remain level with eyes focused on the target.

Throwing Fundamentals Release and Throw Finish the throw by following through with the arm finishing across the lead leg. All weight should continue to transfer forward with the arm as the whole body and arm work together for velocity in the throw. The head and eyes remain level and focused on target until release. Note on the arm action. Once the hands initially break to throw, the arm action should be a continuous fluid motion accelerating arm speed to the release of the ball.

Throwing Drills Lower Body Square to Target Put players in one line with arm’s length distance between them facing the coach. Players begin in the “throwing position” (the glove hand and the throwing hand together centered near chest). On coach’s verbal command, “Block,” players step toward coach placing their throwing-hand foot almost perpendicular to the coach, who is their imaginary target. Next, when the coach says “Break,” players simultaneously start hands into throwing motion stopping at the “launch position,” and step with their glove-hand foot at the target. Drill isolates proper footwork that allows proper alignment for efficient throwing.

Throwing Drills Lower Body Shuffle Crow-Hop Pair up players in two lines 30 feet apart. Give balls to one line of players. The players who will throw first are in an athletic position, squared toward partners with hands together centered near chest. On coaches verbal command, “Crow-hop,” players shuffle their feet, exchanging their front foot’s position with their back foot, throwing the ball to their partner. Coach should observe footwork looking for straight direction toward target and balance throughout the throw. This shuffle is used when the player receives the ball and is already lined up to throw. Drill isolates proper footwork and teaches importance of getting momentum when throwing.

Throwing Drills Lower Body Crow-hop Drill Pair up players in two lines as if to play catch. Give balls to one line of players. The players who will throw first start off gripping the ball with two hands centered near chest but are facing their partners as if in the receiving position. On coaches verbal command, “Lift,” all throwing players lift their throwing-leg foot off the ground, shifting weight to their glove-hand leg. The next command is “Crow-hop,” and players push forward off their foot toward the target and land on their throwing foot almost perpendicular to their target with their glove-hand foot, throwing the ball to their partners. This drill teaches players how to transition into an crow-hop when they throw. The drill is exaggerated some but will give players a feel for how to gain momentum and block the front foot properly on a crow-hop.

Throwing Drills Arm Action Drills Arm Action Dry Drill Place players in one line. Coach stands 10 feet in front of players. Players square up and point lead shoulder at coach who is their imaginary target. Players begin in the “throwing position” (athletic position with hands together centered near chest). On verbal command, “Break,” players simulate throwing. Throwing hand breaks down, with palm and thumb pointing down past the thigh and continues up into the ”L” position, where fingers point toward sky and palm is facing away from the body. Players stop arm action at launch position, as coach checks for proper “L” position and palm facing away. Drill isolates the proper arm swing from out of the glove and up into the launch position. The arm action is critical for proper throwing fundamentals.

Throwing Drills Arm Action Drills Hat Drill Start player in the throwing position squared up to the target. Wearing a hat, the coach positions himself behind the player’s throwing arm. The coach’s head should be slightly above the player’s shoulder height. The coach positions himself where the player can perform his arm swing out of the glove and continue up to the “L” position, flipping off the coach’s hat as the hand goes up. Player must use the fingernail side of hand to flip off hat. Have players perform this drill in slow motion so coach does not get hit in the face. This is a fun drill that isolates the proper hand position (palm facing away from the player) at the “L” launch position of throwing.

Throwing Drills Arm Action Drills Extension Forward and Backward Pair players in two line 15 feet apart. Facing their partners, each player takes a knee (right knee for right-handed throwers, left knee for left-handed throwers). Position front foot at a 45-degree angle. Starting with both hands together near chest, players square up lead shoulder to target. On coach’s verbal command, “Throw,” players throw the ball to their partner. The arm action on the throw should be a continuous motion. The throwing arm should end up on the opposite side of the front leg for a proper finish and follow-through. Players should concentrate on the proper arm action of both the throwing arm and the glove arm. This drill isolates the activity of both arms as well as the upper body (shoulders squared and level) when throwing. This drill keeps all players active.

Throwing Drills Arm Action Drills High-Elbow Drill Start player in the launch position. Coach stands facing the player and points a newspaper at armpit level of the player’s throwing-arm shoulder. Player simulates his throwing action from the launch position attempting not to hit the newspaper. To do so, the player must maintain proper arm action keeping a high elbow. If the elbow drops during the throw the player will hit the newspaper. This drill is outstanding to give players a feel on how to maintain the arm in the strong L position during the throw.

Throwing Drills Throwing Dry Drills Hip Rotation Dry Drill Put players in one line with coach standing 10 feet in front of the players. Players start in the launch position. (Athletic position, spread feet wider than shoulder width, shoulders squared to target, head level, glove pointing at target with thumb down. Throwing arm in strong “L” position.) On coach’s verbal command, “Rotate,” players simulate throwing from the launch position. Players rotate their back foot from the inside of the big toe to the outside of the shoe as their weight transfers from the back side to the front side. Simultaneously, the arm is accelerating forward, extending out front and finishing on the outside of the front leg. The glove hand is rotating thumb up as the elbow pulls in toward the lead hip. Players should maintain balance throughout this rotation and at finish. This drill isolates the hip action and weight transfer when throwing. Works on the players’ balance skills and allows them to feel the importance of a strong foundation. Drill keeps all players active.

Throwing Drills Throwing Dry Drills Slap Five Drill: Extension and Follow-Through Players start in launch position as in Hip Rotation Drill. Position a coach 4 to 6 feet in front of the player. Coach places his hand palm up about waist level to the player. From launch position, player simulate throwing motion, reaching out on follow-through to slap the coach’s hand. The player can also start from the throwing position and simulate the entire throwing motion. Fun drill that isolates the importance of finishing the throw out in front of the body with a good follow-through.

Throwing Drills Throwing Dry Drills Catch, Block, Break and Throw Position team in three straight lines. Players need to spread out in lines to leave room to move. Coach positions himself in front where all players can see him. Players start off facing coach in the receiving position. Coach calls out commands as players perform the key positions of throwing. There should be 2 seconds between each command. First verbal command is “Catch.” Players punch their throwing-fist into the glove, which is in front of their chest. The next command is “Block,” Players step forward slightly with their throwing-hand foot, placing it almost perpendicular to the coach, who is their target. Next command is, “Break.” Players break their hands to throw while stepping with the glove-hand foot directly toward the coach. Players should stop arm in the launch position and end up in a balanced athletic position. The final command is, “Throw.” Players simulate throwing the ball to the coach from the launch position. They rotate their back foot as they transfer the weight to the front side with the arm coming forward and the glove-hand arm pulling back by the hip. Coach should check to make sure players are performing positions properly. Drill covers all key fundamental positions needed to throw the ball properly. Drill should be performed often, preferably prior to players playing catch.

Throwing Drills Live Drills Block, Break and Throw Drill is similar to the Catch, Block, Break and Throw drill except now a ball is used. Evenly distribute your players according to the numbers at your practice. Players should be lined up in a single file, 30 to 40 feet away from each coach’s verbal command, “Go,” first player runs to a designated spot and assumes the receiving position. Coach throws a ball to the player. After the ball is caught, coach gives verbal command, “Block.” Player steps with the throwing-hand foot almost perpendicular to the coach. Player holds that position until the next command, which is, “Break.” Player breaks hands to throw and steps with the glove hand toward the coach and stops with his arm in the launch position. On the next command, “Throw,” player throws the ball back to the coach from the launch position. Players hustles back to the end of the line. Coach should check for proper foot alignment after “Block.” Once the drill has been performed a few times properly, take the drill a step further to keep the arm in a continuous motion. Do everything the same, but eliminate “Break” as a command. Coach commands “Block” then “Throw.” On “Throw,” players step and throw at the same time.

Throwing Drills Live Drills Warm-Up Players face each other at short distance. Concentrate on control and practice the correct throwing motion. Coaches: Do not try to focus on both lines at the same time. By standing at the end of one line, it is easy to pick out the errors that occur. One satisfied watching one line, move to the end of the other line. Drill is not just a warm up, the drill sets a tone for quality and consistency.

Throwing Drills Live Drills Long Toss After players arms are warm, (warm up drill) have one line step back ten feet. Players continue to throw to each other for five to six repetitions. Stop and move players ten more feet further apart, continue repetition and distance until throws are received on one hop. Drill works on developing arm strength and extension. Do not over throw the young arm.

Throwing Drills Live Drills Quick Toss Four Corners Standard With Base Runner

Catching or Receiving Catching the Baseball Catching is the second of the three important skills of defensive baseball. Selecting the proper fitting glove is extremely important when teaching a young player the correct catching techniques. Often, the glove is too small or too large and is not broken in properly.

Receiving the Ball Move body so that it is in front of the ball. Legs are shoulder width apart. Both arms should be extended forward and slightly bent at the elbows. Eyes are focused on the ball. Be sure the throwing hand is next to the glove hand, not down at the side.

Receiving the Ball Cushion the Ball Catch with two hands. As the ball is caught, bend your elbows and bring your hands and glove in toward the body. In this way, the force of the throw will be absorbed. Catch the ball in the palm of the glove, not the webbing.

Receiving the Ball Prepare for the Throw Watch the ball into the palm of the glove. The throwing hand immediately covers the ball and finds the grip. Proceed with the throwing motion.

Receiving the Ball Above the Waist Below the waist The hands should be in a “thumbs together” or “palms down” position. Catch with two hands so that the ball can be gripped quickly for the throw. Below the waist The hands should be in a “little fingers together” or “palms up position. This position is very similar to the position used when fielding ground balls.

Fielding Ground Balls Fielding ground balls is the most difficult of the three defensive skills. Errors will always occur when fielding ground balls, but constant practice will reduce the number. It is absolutely necessary that all players wear a cup if they are to have the confidence to stay in front of a ball, especially if it is a hard hit ball.

Fielding Ground Balls Relaxed Position Relax prior to the pitch. Face the batter with the glove leg slightly in front of the power leg. The power foot is slightly turned out, glove leg points to the batter. Weight is on the balls of the feet. The feet are shoulder width apart, knees are bent with the hands in a resting position.

Fielding Ground Balls Ready Position Ready position is assumed when pitcher is in motion. Feet take a wider stance, power leg drops slightly further back. Elbows between knees, butt down, head up. Hands are extended out in front and carried low.

Fielding Ground Balls Receiving the Ground Ball Move quickly to a position behind the ball. Extend both hands out in front with palms up. Extend the glove leg forward. The head is down and the butt is down. Watch the ball into the palm of the glove. Suck the ball up into the stomach area with both hands, bringing the elbows past the waist. Grip the ball and keep it in the glove. Stay low. Move power foot forward, “Block.” Lift the head and locate the target. The ball does not come out of the glove until this point, “Break” or “Crow Hop.” Step with the glove hand toward the target, the arm in the launch position. “Throw and follow through.”

Fielding Fly Balls Forehand Catch When moving toward a ball hit to the glove side, use a cross over step with the power foot. Run quickly to the ball. Keep your arms down and do not run with your hands in the air. Run on the balls of the feet and keep the eyes focused on the ball. When player gets to the ball, reach up with both hands. Keep thumbs together and catch the ball in the palm of the glove.

Fielding Fly Balls Backhand Catch When moving toward a ball hit to the throwing side, use a cross over step with the non-power foot. Run quickly to the ball. Keep your arms down and do not run with your hands in the air. Run on the balls of the feet and keep the eyes focused on the ball. When player gets to the ball, reach up with both hands. Keep thumbs together and catch the ball in the palm of the glove.

Baserunning Ground Ball to the Infield Once the ball is hit, run hard to first base. Touch the front of the base with either foot. After you cross the base, look over your right for a possible overthrow. Do not stop running until you are well down the baseline. Don’t watch the ball. Don’t leap at the base. Don’t slide. Don’t stutter step. Any of these will slow the runner.

Baserunning Base Hit Through the Infield Rounding First Base About 2/3 of the way down the baseline, begin to veer out. This allows for a good turn towards second base. Contact the Base Contact the base on the inside with either foot. (Try not to step on the top of the base). Face the Action Run 4 to 5 steps in as straight a line as possible toward second base. Keep your eyes on the ball, accelerate to second or stop in a ready position and return to first base.

Sliding Bent Leg Slide Run aggressively and slide without hesitation. Begin the slide early Kick one leg up and tuck the other leg under the knee of the extended leg. Throw hands up and back with fists closed. Slide on the seat and back.

Hitting and Bunting Hitting is the most difficult skill to learn in baseball. It is impossible to completely master this skill. The best hitters on any team are only successful three or four out of ten at bats. Bat selection is extremely important for young ball players. The balance, length and weight of the bat should fit the needs of the hitter. Hitting is confidence, if a player believes they can hit, they have a better chance of hitting. Every at bat is a new challenge. Be a smart aggressive hitter. Hit Strikes!!! A batter may only see one hittable pitch per at bat. Be patient and know the strike zone.

Hitting Mechanics Basic Mechanics Grip Stance, Set Up and Bat Position Firm grip not a vise grip (white knuckles), knocking knuckles in line. Stance, Set Up and Bat Position The hitter should be in a good athletic position with body relaxed and comfortable. Head should be level and turned toward the pitcher. Load Raise hands from shoulder to ear level, the bat should lift as a unit, control the barrel. Stride Stride toward pitch, length of stride will vary. The stride foot should be closed or square, not pointed at the pitcher. Pivot The first movement is a combination of the hips firing open as the back foot pivots on the ball of the foot to a position with toes pointed toward the pitcher. Stay back. Contact The bat moves forward and down into the contact zone. The hands should not drop, they should move in a straight line into the hitting zone. The hand path is forward and down not out and forward. Extension and Follow Through Once the ball is struck, the bat head should continue through the ball. The wrists are rolled after full extension as the bat head comes up to the follow through position. Finish as if the barrel is placed in the back pocket, hands over the lead shoulder.

Bunting Stance Square to Bunt Start from a straight away stance. Begin the footwork on the windup. Front foot turn The front foot steps first and turns, pointing toward the pitcher. Back foot turn The back foot steps to replace the front foot. Both feet now point toward the pitcher and are in the batters box even with the front of home plate.

Bunting the Ball Square and Ready Use a loose, relaxed grip, bottom hand uses a regular grip. Top hand slides up the grip to the bottom of the hitting zone, holding the bat by forming a “V” with the thumb and forefinger. Lean slightly toward the plate. The sweet spot of the bat is directly over the plate. Knees are bent and arms are extended toward the pitcher, bat is parallel to the ground and held at the top of the strike zone. Eyes are fixed on the ball. To bunt down either baseline, change the angle by extending or pulling the top hand, the bottom hand is a pivot point. As the ball contacts the bat, pull both hands in toward the body to cushion the blow. A bunt is like catching the ball with the bat.

Practice Planning Where Should the Practice Be? How Many Players? An Open Field, Blacktop or Batting Cages How Many Players? How Many Teaching Coaches? Always Be Prepared to Run Practice Alone. What Needs to Be Covered? Prepare a Practice Plan, (Season Calendar). 60 to 120 Minutes Depending on Age. Utilize Controlled Reactionary Drills. Make Practice Fun, Keep It Moving. Develop a Routine That Incorporates Baseball Skills.

Game Coaching Develop a Pre Game Routine Attempt to Keep Players Focused on the Game Maintain a Positive Enjoyable Atmosphere Know the League’s Substitution Rules Treat Umpires, Players, Opposing Teams and the Game With Respect Your Actions and Comments are Watched and Heard By Players, Parents and Fans.

Closing Notes Allow Every Player a Chance to Compete Confidently. Allow Every Player to Contribute to the Team. Remember, The Game is For the Players, Not the Coach.