Run Around Drill

The object is to run around the bases starting at 1st before the infield can throw around the bases. There is a catcher, 1b, 2b, ss, and 3b. Runner starts on 1st. Coach hits a grounder to 2b and the runner starts running. 2b throws to 3b, 3b throws to 1b, 1b throws to ss and ss throws to c trying to get the runner. Then another runner can start again.

Rotate fielders clockwise occasionally and incorporate runners into fielding positions.

Coach's Point:

Good overall drill for throwing and baserunning.

Baserunning Relay Race

Young players rarely practice this drill.  Divide the teams in two groups.  Place Team One at home plate and those from Team Two at second base.  Before the race begins, demonstrate the correct path to run around the bases.  Use cones if necessary to outline the correct path.  The first runner carries a ball.  As soon as he reaches his last base around, he hands off the ball to the second player and so on until all players have completed running the bases.

Coach's Point:

Competition and children are one in the same!  Children love these drills.  The drill simulates the pace that they will likely run in games.  Practice proper turns, correct running form and cutting angles.  Wide truns will increase running times.

A Sprint Conditioning Routine "Baserunning"

Players form 2 equal lines, facing first base.


Line ‘A’ beginning in the right batters box, and Line ‘B’ about 15′ up and to the right of the first base line.

On my ‘Go’ command, the first runner in each line runs, ‘A’ to first, and ‘B’ through first and on to second. Once the first two runners are on base, my commands become, “Go” or “Back”. On “Go”, the runner on second scores, the runner on first ends up at third, B ends up on second and A on first.

As a runner scores, they go to the rear of the opposite line from where they started that lap. I run this baseball drill for about 15 minutes or more, until I’m satisfied that they’re giving maximum effort. Players caught dogging it are given extra laps around the outfield.

Things to focus on in doing this baseball drill:

1. Proper rounding of bases, especially first to second;
2. Reaction time returning to base or breaking for the next;
3. Speed and endurance.

A Sprint Conditioning Routine "Brackets"

Our Sprint Conditioning will consist of the following Routines:


Brackets every practice (will help build speed):

• Your rest periods will be 1 minute between each sprint.

• You will only be sprinting to either a 15, 30 or 60 yard marked distance.

• When sprinting 15 yards you will start from a push-up position lying flat on your

stomach.

• When sprinting 30 yards you will start from a lateral position (similar to stealing

a base.)

• When sprinting 60 yards you will start from a normal two point athletic stance.

• You will complete all of the 15 yard sprints before moving onto the 30’s and so

on.


Bracket 1.

15 yard sprint = 5x (times)

30 yard sprint = 3x

60 yard sprint = 1x


Bracket 2.

15 yard sprint = 1x

30 yard sprint = 5x

60 yard sprint = 3x


Bracket 3.

15 yard sprint = 3x

30 yard sprint = 1x

60 yard sprint = 5x