One of my favorite drills/games for players to play. It’s always funny to hear the groans and comments from newbies. It’s interesting to hear kids say “tees are for little kids!” Ha ha! But when we explained how the game works, their eyes lit up!!
I know some out there have their own version, but here’s how we do it:
• Depending on the number of players, divide them into 2, 3 or even 4 teams.
• Every inning or team rotation, players must move to different positions.
• Each game starts with the pitcher. The pitcher makes sure everyone is ready, makes the delivery by throwing an imaginary pitch (the ball is on the tee at home plate) and the batter tracks it and swings to hit the ball. **It is very important not to let the hitter hit until this happens. Ever seen kids hit the ball when the defense isn’t ready. Safety comes first!
• Play directly from there.
• Play the situation straight up or force it.
• We do not steal unless it is a hit and run with the hitter trying to hit the ball to the right side.
• Hitters practice proper tee placement based on where they want to hit it (have the coach at home plate ask what the goal is).
• Baserunners are always looking to get good primary and secondary leads, aggressive spin, thinking outside the box when it comes to outfield possession, going first, third, or second to home.
• Pitcher works on PFP and reserves.
• For older players, have the pitcher do a pick off motion (without the baseball of course) which will give the runner practice in reading the pitcher.
• Etc. Etc.
Kids love it! It’s fast-paced and you can cover a lot of ground in an hour. Have fun out there!
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and a wonderful wife. Baseball is my life, next to my family, and I love sharing what I’ve learned from it. Thank you for taking the time to check out what we have to offer here at Baseball Dudes.
