Baseball Practice Plans

 

Whether you are coaching High Schoolers, Middle Schoolers, or Little Leaguers this guide can help you find the best best baseball practice plans.

The Original Ideal Practice Plan 

The best practices simulate live game scenarios that help your team get better. Especially with High School, Middle School and Little League offensive focused practices are very important. Offense is very important because if you can hit, you will win the game 9 times out of 10: 

  1. Warm-Up and Stretching (10-15 minutes): Begin with a run to the fence, followed by forming a circle for stretching. Perform arm circles, leg stretches, and shoulder stretches to prepare the body for the practice session.

  2. Throwing Warm-Up (15 minutes): Throwing warm-up to improve arm strength and accuracy.

  3. Live Batting Practice (30 minutes) : This helps kids develop confidence at the plate and work on their mechanics
  4. Team Scrimmage (60 minutes) : Scrimmaging is the bet way to allow kids to have fun playing baseball as well as learn the skills necessary to win games. Your job at coaching is not only to win games, it's to help kids develop a love for the game. We are naturally so much better at things we genuinely enjoy doing.

Practice Plan 1:

  1. Warm-Up and Stretching (10-15 minutes): Begin with a run to the fence, followed by forming a circle for stretching. Perform arm circles, leg stretches, and shoulder stretches to prepare the body for the practice session.

  2. Throwing Warm-Up (15 minutes): Throwing warm-up to improve arm strength and accuracy.

  3. Defensive Drills (20 minutes): Coach will simulate various game situations by hitting ground balls, fly balls, gap shots, and bunts. Players will practice their defensive skills and positioning.

  4. Offensive Drills (45 minutes - 15 minutes per station): Players will split into three hitting groups for specialized training:

    • Group 1 - Batting Cage: Focus on refining hitting techniques by taking turns in the batting cage.
    • Group 2 - Power Hitting: Utilize weighted sand balls to enhance hitting power and strength.
    • Group 3 - Tee Work: Practice proper swing mechanics off a tee, with half the group hitting and the other half shagging balls.

  5. Final Team Challenge (Team Building - Duration varies): The team faces a challenging drill where the coach hits practice balls to a live defense. The objective is to achieve 21 consecutive outs. Any errors reset the count to zero, encouraging teamwork, camaraderie, and the development of character through perseverance.

Practice Plan 2:

  1. Warm-Up and Stretching (10-15 minutes): Begin with a run to the fence, followed by forming a circle for stretching. Perform arm circles, leg stretches, and shoulder stretches to prepare the body for the practice session.

  2. Throwing Warm-Up (15 minutes): Throwing warm-up to improve arm strength and accuracy.

  3. Infield Fundamentals (20 minutes): Work on fielding grounders, focusing on proper technique, footwork, and quick releases. Rotate between positions.

  4. Hitting Circuit (45 minutes - 15 minutes per station): Players split into groups for focused hitting practice:

    • Group 1 - Batting Tee: Concentrate on stance, hand placement, and follow-through using batting tees.
    • Group 2 - Soft Toss: Practice timing and contact using soft-toss drills.
    • Group 3 - Live Pitch Simulation: Take swings against pitchers or coaches to simulate real-game scenarios.

  5. Team Challenge - "Pressure Play" (Team Building - Duration varies): Set up simulated pressure situations, such as tie game with runners on base. Each group must execute flawlessly to score runs and win the challenge, emphasizing teamwork and composure under pressure.


Practice Plan 3:

  1. Warm-Up and Stretching (10-15 minutes): Begin with a brisk run to the fence, followed by forming a circle for stretching. Perform arm circles, leg stretches, and shoulder stretches to prepare the body for the practice session.

  2. Throwing Warm-Up (15 minutes): Engage in a throwing warm-up to improve arm strength and accuracy.

  3. Full Game Scrimmage with or without pitching (Rest of Practice):

    1. Full Game Scrimmage with Pitching (30-45 minutes): If conducting a scrimmage with actual pitching:

      • Divide the players into two teams, one for offense and the other for defense.
      • Designate pitchers for each team to pitch to the opposing hitters.
      • Play multiple innings, with each team taking turns on offense and defense.
      • Focus on all aspects of the game, including hitting, fielding, base running, and pitching.

    2. Full Game Scrimmage without Pitching (30-45 minutes): If conducting a scrimmage without pitching:

      • Utilize a pitching machine, a coach, or designated players to deliver consistent and controlled pitches to the hitters.
      • Emphasize situational hitting, such as hitting behind runners, advancing runners, and executing hit-and-run plays.
      • Continue to work on defensive skills, including positioning, cutoffs, relays, and communication.
      • Implement base running scenarios, practicing leads, reads, and decision-making.

     

Practice Plan 4:

  1. Warm-Up and Stretching (10-15 minutes): Begin with a brisk run to the fence, followed by forming a circle for stretching. Perform arm circles, leg stretches, and shoulder stretches to prepare the body for the practice session.

  2. Throwing Warm-Up (15 minutes): Engage in a throwing warm-up to improve arm strength and accuracy.

  3. Work up (Rest of Practice): 

    Work Up is a drill that has a continual rotation. Put 9 players in the field at each position and have the coach pitch. You will have the rest of the players be the hitters. 

    Scoring and Duration:
    - There is no score, you go until you want to be done.
    - Conduct the drill for a set duration or until all players have experienced multiple opportunities on both sides of the game.

    Coaching Tips:
    - Encourage batters to focus on making solid contact, and fielders to execute efficient outs. It also helps players learn that if you can hit and not get out, that is the key to winning games. 

Practice Plan 5:

This practice plan aims to develop a wide range of baseball skills, including hitting, fielding, base running, and situational awareness. The plan incorporates drills and activities that challenge players and promote teamwork.

  1. Warm-Up and Stretching (15 minutes):
    - Begin with a light jog and dynamic stretching to warm up the muscles.
    - Perform arm circles, leg swings, hip rotations, and shoulder stretches.
    - Conclude with a group stretch focusing on major muscle groups.

    Hitting Drills (60 minutes):
    1. Tee Work (10 minutes):
    - Players practice proper swing mechanics using a tee.
    - Emphasize balance, hand-eye coordination, and follow-through.

    2. Soft Toss (20 minutes):
    - Coaches or teammates softly toss balls to hitters, simulating game-like situations.
    - Focus on timing, contact points, and driving the ball to various parts of the field.

    3. Live Batting Practice (30 minutes):
    - Divide players into groups, with pitchers throwing live pitches.
    - Hitters work on pitch recognition and making solid contact.

    Defensive Drills (30 minutes):
    1. Ground Ball Drills (10 minutes):
    - Players practice fielding ground balls from various positions.
    - Focus on proper footwork, glove technique, and quick releases.

    2. Fly Ball Drills (10 minutes):
    - Outfielders work on tracking and catching fly balls with proper communication.
    - Infielders practice pop-ups and communication.

    3. Double Play Practice (10 minutes):
    - Infielders work on turning double plays with an emphasis on timing and footwork.

    Base Running and Situational Awareness (20 minutes):
    1. Base Running Fundamentals (10 minutes):
    - Players practice leads, breaks, and slides.
    - Emphasize aggressive yet smart base running.

    2. Situational Drills (10 minutes):
    - Simulate game situations, such as hit-and-runs, bunt coverages, and advancing on fly balls.

    Live Game Simulation (20 minutes):
    1. Intrasquad Scrimmage (20 minutes):
    - Divide the team into two squads for a short scrimmage.
    - Focus on executing what was learned in a game-like environment.

    2. Game Scenarios (10 minutes):
    - Create specific scenarios (e.g., bases loaded, two outs) and have players respond accordingly.

    Cool Down and Debrief (10 minutes):
    - Conclude with a light jog and static stretching to prevent muscle soreness.
    - Gather the team for a debriefing session to discuss key takeaways from the practice.
    - Encourage players to share insights and ask questions.

    Note:
    - Adjust the duration of each drill based on the team's skill level and focus areas.
    - Prioritize safety by ensuring proper equipment and supervision.
    - Emphasize good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive attitude throughout the practice.

 

 

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