Drill library

For kids

How to explain it: From the batter’s box, take your swing, drop the bat in the box, and SPRINT through first base. We time both runs.

What good looks like: Run THROUGH the bag — don’t slow down at first. Try to beat your own time on the second rep.

Why it matters: In a real game, beating out a ground ball is the difference between an out and a hit. The fastest 30 feet of your life happens after contact.

For kids

How to explain it: Catch the pitch, no extra steps, fire it to second base. We time from when it hits your mitt to when it hits the middle infielder’s glove.

What good looks like: Catch-to-throw in one smooth motion. Stop a runner stealing — that’s the test.

Why it matters: Pop time is how scouts measure catchers. Every tenth of a second you save is a runner you can throw out.

For kids

How to explain it: Sprint hard to the cone, walk all the way back, then go again. Every rep is full effort — no jogging, no half-speed.

What good looks like: Your last sprint should feel as fast as your first. If you’re fading, take more rest.

Why it matters: Stealing a base, beating out a hit, chasing down a fly ball — every one is a short sprint from a dead start. This IS baseball speed.

For kids

How to explain it: Three stations on the bases. At each one I’ll give you a cue — pitcher’s first move, fly ball depth, pickoff — and you make the right read.

What good looks like: Right read, right reaction, every time. Not the fastest runner — the smartest.

Why it matters: You don’t need to be the fastest to take an extra base. Great baserunners SEE one thing earlier than everyone else. That’s what we’re training.

For kids

How to explain it: Three ground balls per round — one to your right, one straight, one to your left. Field it clean, then make an accurate throw to first.

What good looks like: Glove down early, work THROUGH the ball, and put the throw chest-high to first.

Why it matters: This is the most-repeated play in baseball. A clean ground ball plus a catchable throw equals an out — every single time.

For kids

How to explain it: Short bullpen — 15 pitches. Catcher sets a glove, you hit it. Don’t worry about how hard, worry about where.

What good looks like: Land 9 of 15 in or on the target. Finish each pitch with your chest over your front knee.

Why it matters: Pitchers who throw strikes get to keep pitching. Velo gets you noticed; command keeps you on the mound.

For kids

How to explain it: Ball gets hit to the right side — your job is to beat the hitter to first base. Take a curved path so you don’t crash into the first baseman.

What good looks like: Catch the toss before you touch the bag, then run through the inside corner.

Why it matters: Every season a few games end because a pitcher didn’t cover first. Quiet play, big difference.

For kids

How to explain it: Coach points left or right. Your first move is to turn that hip back and sprint — no backpedal, no false step.

What good looks like: First foot moves in the right direction on at least 12 of 16 reps.

Why it matters: Routes in the outfield are decided in the first step. Wrong step = the ball drops; right step = you’re under it.

For kids

How to explain it: Coach hits a line drive. The second the bat touches the ball, you yell 'in,' 'out,' or 'over' before you take a step.

What good looks like: Get the right call out loud on at least 7 of 10 balls.

Why it matters: Outfielders who guess wrong on the first read can’t recover. Train your eyes to read off the bat, not the flight.

For kids

How to explain it: Take the grounder, one out at second, then fire to first. You and your partner work together — the feed has to be on the chest so the SS can catch and throw in one move.

What good looks like: Turn 5 of 8 cleanly. No bobbles, no off-balance throws.

Why it matters: A double play is the fastest way out of a rally. Practiced teams turn them; teams that don’t practice it boot the ball.

For kids

How to explain it: Ball in the gap. Outfielder throws to the cutoff’s chest. Cutoff spins glove-side and fires to the base. Three throws, one chain.

What good looks like: 4 of 6 chains hit the cutoff’s chest cleanly.

Why it matters: Big throws from the outfield are slower and less accurate than a perfect relay. Teams that relay well keep doubles from becoming triples.

For kids

How to explain it: 20 low pitches. You receive quietly with your thumb up. Don’t pull the ball up — present it, hold it, give the ump a beat.

What good looks like: 14 of 20 caught quiet, no glove pull.

Why it matters: Umpires reward catchers who don’t move. Steal a few low strikes a game and you save your pitcher’s arm.

For kids

How to explain it: Three short-hops in a row — left, right, middle. Knees down, chin tucked, ball stays in front of you.

What good looks like: Keep 9 of 12 balls within 3 feet of you.

Why it matters: Catchers who block keep runners from stealing free bases. Pitchers throw braver when they trust you back there.

For kids

How to explain it: Bases loaded. Coach yells the outs, then hits the ball. You all have to know — before the pitch — where you’re throwing if the ball comes to you.

What good looks like: Make the right play on 4 of 6 scenarios.

Why it matters: Most youth runs score on mental mistakes, not great hits. Knowing your job before the pitch is half the game.

For kids

How to explain it: Four stations, 3 minutes each. Hit, field, throw, move. Coach blows the whistle — you rotate fast and don’t stand in line.

What good looks like: Hit all 4 stations. No more than 30 seconds of waiting at any one.

Why it matters: You get better by doing reps, not watching them. We pack 4 skills into 15 minutes so nobody’s bored.

For kids

How to explain it: Start close with your partner, then back up every 5 throws until you’re at your max. Then walk back in throwing line drives.

What good looks like: Hit your partner’s chest at every distance. Walking back in, throws stay flat — no rainbows.

Why it matters: Throwing far the right way builds a healthier, stronger arm. Throwing far the wrong way is how you blow out an elbow.

For kids

How to explain it: Three magic words: Ready, Aim, Throw. We freeze at each one so you feel it, then everybody throws the same way at once.

What good looks like: Hit all three freeze spots — grip checked, glove pointed, strong legs — then let it fly.

Why it matters: Every good throw starts the same way. Learn the three steps now and throwing feels easy forever.

For kids

How to explain it: Imagine a dog standing behind you. Before you throw, take the ball way back so the dog can see it. Then throw to your partner.

What good looks like: Show the dog the ball on every single throw. Big arm circle, step to your partner.

Why it matters: A full arm circle makes the ball go farther and keeps your arm healthy. Short, jerky throws are how arms get sore.

For kids

How to explain it: Your glove is the bottom of an alligator mouth — put it flat on the ground. Your other hand is the top. When the ball comes, CHOMP and pull it to your bellybutton.

What good looks like: Two hands every time, ball pulled to your belly. No one-handed stabs.

Why it matters: Two hands means the ball can’t pop out. This is how every great infielder learned to field clean.

For kids

How to explain it: Hands out, watch the ball all the way, catch it, then cradle it into your body like you’re catching an egg.

What good looks like: Soft hands — the ball doesn’t bounce out. Fingers up for high catches, fingers down for low ones.

Why it matters: Catching soft means the ball stays in your hands. That’s the whole game on defense — catch it, then make the play.

For kids

How to explain it: Three steps before you swing: set your feet, set your hands, bat ready. Then hit the ball off the tee and finish balanced.

What good looks like: Quiet feet, good contact, and you don’t fall over on the finish.

Why it matters: Strong, still feet are where every good swing starts. Learn the setup now and hitting gets easier every year.

For kids

How to explain it: It’s freeze tag! If you get tagged, freeze in your best throwing or hitting position until a friend frees you.

What good looks like: Run hard, have fun, and make your frozen position look perfect.

Why it matters: We warm up and practice good positions at the same time — and it doesn’t even feel like work.

For kids

How to explain it: Two teams, two lines. Race the ball down your line and back. Quick catch, quick throw — fastest team wins.

What good looks like: Clean catches and fast transfers. Win the race without dropping the ball.

Why it matters: Relays win real games — they get the ball home fast. And racing makes practicing catch way more fun.

For kids

How to explain it: Hit the ball, drop the bat (don’t throw it!), and sprint. Run RIGHT THROUGH first base — don’t slow down or jump on it.

What good looks like: Full speed across the bag, then slow down after. Hit the front edge of the base.

Why it matters: Running through first means you beat more throws. Slowing down early is how runners get out by a step.

For kids

How to explain it: On a base hit, swing out in a little banana curve so you can round first hard and hit the inside corner. Then look at the ball — if they bobble it, you go.

What good looks like: Smooth banana route, inside corner, and the right read on every rep.

Why it matters: Rounding first the right way lets you grab an extra base when the defense slips. Smart runners score more runs.

For kids

How to explain it: A ball goes up between you and a teammate. Whoever takes it yells ‘Ball! Ball! Ball!’ until it’s in the glove. The other person gets out of the way.

What good looks like: Loud, early call every time — no bumping, no dropped easy fly balls.

Why it matters: Two players going for the same ball without talking is how outfielders crash and drop easy outs. Talking keeps everybody safe and the ball caught.