Bethel Bombers Practice Schedule Outline
In order to best teach the children the basics of baseball, we created 4 skills stations. Each coach will stay with his respective team at all stations and all teams will visit each station for ~7 minutes. The Commissioner will blow a whistle to let everyone know when it is time to move to the next station. After rotating through the four stations, we will have 2 one-inning games per session.
Parents are encouraged to help the coaches with safety and encouragement. Please do not distract your child from the coaches.
Station 1: “Batting”
There will be 2 tees at this station. Coaches will split the teams in half and have players hit into the fence on the 1st and 3rd baseline sides. While two players are hitting, all other players should be seated on the benches behind the fence. Each child will get ~5 swings then the next batters will come up. Children playing t-ball should stand one bat length away from the back tip of the tee and the tee should be waist high. Be sure to HOLD the bat of the hitter while you are putting the ball on the tee time to prevent the hitter from swinging and hitting you.
Station 2: “Grounders”
At this station, we will teach the kids the concept of fielding a ground ball, encouraging them to get their glove all the way on the ground and use their non-glove hand to secure the ball in the glove. After fielding the ball, we will have them throw it back encouraging good throwing technique. We will form multiple groups, line the kids up, and roll the ball to them one at a time.
Station 3: “Catching”
This station works best with adult volunteers. One adult will pair with one or two kids and have a catch. Start out throwing underhand and as the kids improve their catching skills, you can throw the ball a little further and higher. Have the kids throw the ball back encouraging good throwing technique. Tennis balls will be used for safety.
Station 4: “Running the Bases”
At this station, coaches will have the kids run around the bases and say the base # out loud. Coaches can choose to change this up to a game. For example, “Home to 2nd/2nd to Home” relays where half the team will be at Home plate and half on 2nd. Coach will yell “Go” and the first players from each side will run the 2 bases and tag the opposing group, prompting the next child to take off. This develops base running speed.
Games
When the games begin, the coaches will be on the field and at the plate for instruction and guidance. We will NOT be keeping score. Each child will bat one time. After they hit the ball, they advance one base. They continue to advance one base after each hit until they cross home plate. The last batter for each team runs all the way around the bases. This will be a 1 inning game. Please help coaches ensure that players stay seated on the bench when waiting to bat.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Diana Haver at [email protected]