Outfield Relay Drill to 3B and Home

This is a modified version of the Outfield Drill where the players threw the ball into a barrel. This is great drill work on developing accuracy from the outfield and in hitting the cut-off player for a relay to either 3B or Home.

Separate the group into three groups (right field, 2B/SS and 3B).  Position all outfielders in a single line in right field. Hit fly balls or grounders to the outfielder and have them throw the ball to the relay player at 2B (or SS) and they, in return, throw to 3B. Rotate the players (outfield to 2B, 2B to 3B, 3B to outfield).  You can incorporate throws to Home as well.
Coaches Point:

The main objective for this drill is to work on improved throwing accuracy, direction and hitting the relay player. Arm strengthening is another goal making the players more effective and confident with their throws.

Infielding "Hit the Bucket" Drill

Split the team into to equal groups with one group lined up at SS and the other group at 2B. Stack two buckets one on top of the other on home plate. Coach will start the competition on the left side hitting ground ball to each of the players one at a time. The player then makes a throw home trying to hit the bucket. The player gets 3 points for knocking the top bucket off, 1 point for hitting either bucket on a bounce and subtract 1 point for a fielding error. Go through all of the players at SS and total the points. Follow the same drill for the players at 2B. Players switch positions and continue the drill. As players develop throwing accuracy it actually goes pretty quick. This drill encourages the players to charge the ball (shorter throw to home).
 
Coach's Point:
 
This is a great drill for keeping the competitive juices going and working on fielding and throwing accuracy.

Infielding "Fill the Bucket" Drill

Players take their position at 1B, 2B, SS, and 3B. There are two coaches at home plate, each with a bat and a bucket of balls. There is an empty bucket at each base. The drill consists of three rounds.

Round 1 - Coach #1 hits 1/2 bucket of grounders to 3rd baseman who field and throws to 1st baseman who puts balls in empty bucket. At the same time, Coach #2 hits 1/2 bucket of grounders to shortstop who fields and throws to 2nd baseman covering 2B, who puts balls in empty bucket. Next, coaches turn and Coach #1 hits other 1/2 of bucket to 1st baseman who fields and throws to 3rd baseman who puts balls in empty bucket. At the same time, Coach #2 hits other 1/2 of bucket of ball to 2nd baseman who fields and throws to shortstop covering 2B, who puts balls in empty bucket. Players then bring in buckets and refill coaches' buckets.

Round 2 - Coach #1 hits 1/2 bucket of grounders to 3rd baseman who fields and throws
to 2nd baseman covering 2B. At the same time, Coach #2 hits 1/2 bucket of grounders to shortstop who fields and throws to 1st baseman. Next, Coach #1 hits other 1/2 of bucket to 1st baseman who fields and throw to shortstop covering 2B. At the same time, Coach #2 hits other 1/2 of bucket to 2nd baseman who fields and throws to 3rd baseman. Players refill coaches' buckets. (make sure that corners play up and middle infielders plays back during this round to avoid anyone getting hit with throw).

Round 3 - Coach #1 hits 1/2 bucket of grounders to shortstop who fields and throws to 3rd baseman. At the same time, Coach #2 hits 1/2 bucket of grounders to 2nd baseman who fields and throws to 1st baseman. Next, Coach #1 bunts other 1/2 buckets to 3rd baseman who fields and throws to shortstop covering 3rd base. At the same time, Coach #2 bunts other 1/2 bucket to 1st baseman who fields and throws to 2nd baseman covering 1st base.

Coach's Point:
It's a great drill that takes less than 15 minutes and each of the infielders get about 40 grounders, throws, and catches.

Seven Position Scrimmage

It is important to experience all positions as a young player.  Divide the team into two squads and play a seven inning game.  Pitchers and catchers play their normal posiiton throughout the game but the other players will switch positions each inning.  After the first inning, the first baseman goes to 2nd base, the 2nd baseman goes to shortstop, the shortstop goes to 3rd base, the 3rd baseman goes to left field, the left fielder goes to centerfield, the centerfielder goes to right field and the right fielder goes to 1st base.

Coach's Point:

This drill allows the players to develop as complete players and demonstrate their skills for the game.  Players gain a new appreciation for the challenges at each position.

Infield Drill : Around the Horn

One of the best ways to practice throwing the base from base-to-base i to throw the baseball "around the horn".  This is a game for catchers and infielders.  Divide the the players into teams of four (4) with one fielder at each base and a catcher at home.  Beginning with the catcher, the players must throw the ball clockwise.  After four trips around around the "horn", the direction is reversed so that the ball is going in a counterclockwise fashion.  Teams are awarded one point for each base the ball travels successfully without being overthrown or hitting the ground.

Coach's Point:
The drill is to help players with catching, throwing and quick efficient transfer of the ball from the glove to hand and working as a team.  Adding competitive element increase the children's attention and spirit.

Fielding Drill Using a Catcher's Glove

A great way to develop an infielder in using his hands and having them work together is to have them use a catcher's glove.

Each player should field about 20-30 infield grounders while wearing a catcher' glove.  Work both right and left sides.  Hit slow rollers that he must charge, field and throw to first base.

Coach's Point:

It is much harder to field balls using a catcher's glove.  it is bulky and has a smaller pocket.  This drill will build fundamental skills such as using their throwing hand to gather the ball into the glove.  The player must develop precision to gather the ball into the pocket.

Goalie Drill for Catchers and First Baseman

Here's a drill to make your catchers and first basemen more proficient at handling those balls in the dirt:

Provide a net or backstop.  Make sure that catchers have all their protective gear on and are wearing a protective cup.  Throw balls to the catcher, alternating between pitches in the air and in the dirt.  Test the catcher on both sides as well as between the legs.  I would not recommend performing the drill without protective equipment!  You can turn this drill into a game of hockey goalie.  Try to score on the catcher.

The process for the first basemen is much the same. Work on player technique emphasizing the need to stop the ball from getting past him.

Coach's Point:

Performing this drill correctly will keep opponent's from scoring extra bases and runs.

5-Point Team Grounders

Divide your players into groups of 5.  If you don't have enough players, supplement with coaches.  Position each player such that each player represents the point on a start.  No one player should be closer than 40 feet from another.  Each group gets a ball.  The drill starts when the player with the ball rolls a grounder to the player two positions to his left.  This player then rolls a grounder to the player two positions to the left, and so on.  You can go counterclockwise as well.  You can also make it more challenging by incorporating short hops or rapid throws (such as turning a double play).

Coach's Point:
The drill is ideal for exposing the players to maximum number of ground balls or touches in the shortest period of time.  Fielding ground balls must become routine for all players.