Baseball can be a fun and rewarding sport for kids of all ages. For 12 year olds, however, it requires an extra level of skill and technique to move up to the next level of competition. Developing proper fundamentals and mastering the basic baseball drills are essential for young players to hone their skills and improve their game.
This article will provide an introduction to the different drills that 12 year olds should use to help take their baseball game to the next level. From proper throwing and catching techniques to batting and base running drills, these exercises will help young players build a strong foundation for success in this exciting sport.
So if your 12 year old is looking to take their baseball game to the next level, then read on to find out the best baseball drills for them.
Baseball Drills For 12-Year-Olds
Baseball is an enjoyable and exciting sport that is popular with all ages. It is also a great way to stay in shape and hone your skills. For 12 year olds who are interested in playing baseball, there are a variety of drills they can use to improve their game.
These drills can help them improve their batting, throwing, and fielding skills, as well as overall fitness. It is important to make sure that these drills are tailored to their age group, as this will ensure they are able to get the most out of the exercises. In this article, we will explore some of the best baseball drills for 12 year olds.
Warmup Exercises
Before a 12 year old can begin their baseball drills, they should do some warmup exercises to ensure they are ready for the practice session. Warming up is an important part of the game, as it helps to reduce the risk of injury. Here are some easy warmup exercises for 12 year olds:
- Jumping jacks: Start with 10 jumping jacks, and then add 5 more each set, up to 30.
- Arm circles: Stand up straight and swing both arms in circles, 10 times each direction.
- Leg swings: Swing your leg out in front of you, 10 times each side.
- Walking lunges: Step forward with one leg, keeping your back straight, and then switch legs. Do this 10 times.
- High knees: Run in place, lifting your knees up high. Do this for one minute.
These exercises should help to get your body ready for the baseball drills. Do them at the beginning of each practice session, and your 12 year old will be ready to go!
Jogging
Jogging is an important part of any baseball practice. It helps improve the players’ agility, speed and endurance. It also helps to build up strength in the legs, which is important for throwing and batting. Have your 12-year-old players jog slowly around the perimeter of the field, or set up a series of cones and have them jog around them in a zig-zag pattern.
Arm Circles
Arm Circles are a great baseball drill for 12 year olds. They help improve arm strength and coordination. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold your arms out to the sides.
Start by making small, slow circles with your arms. Increase the size and speed of the circles as you go. Do this for 1-2 minutes. Arm Circles can also be done while walking or jogging.
High Knees
High Knees is a great drill for 12 year olds to practice for baseball. It helps to increase agility and leg strength. To do this drill, stand in an athletic stance and raise one knee at a time as high as possible.
Alternate legs and keep your arms at your sides while running in place. Try to do this for 30 seconds and increase the time as you get stronger.
Lunges
Lunges are a great drill for baseball players ages 12 and up. They help improve balance, agility, and leg strength. To do a lunge, stand with feet hip-width apart and take a large step forward. Bend both knees to a 90 degree angle and focus on keeping the torso upright. Hold and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
Hitting Drills
Baseball drills for 12 year olds should focus on developing good hitting techniques. Hitting the ball correctly is a skill that requires practice and repetition to master. There are a variety of drills that can help a 12 year old improve their hitting.
The first drill to focus on is hand-eye coordination. A 12 year old should practice swinging the bat in a rhythm while trying to hit a stationary target like a tennis ball taped to a wall. This drill will help a young player develop their hand-eye coordination and learn how to stay focused on the ball.
The second drill to focus on is the power swing. A 12 year old should practice swinging the bat with a full range of motion and focus on using their entire body to generate power. This drill will help a young player develop the power needed to hit the ball with confidence.
The third drill to focus on is the follow-through. A 12 year old should practice swinging the bat and follow through with their swing. This drill will help a young player learn how to keep the bat in the hitting zone for a longer period of time and increase their chances of making contact with the ball.
These hitting drills will help a 12 year old develop the skills needed to be successful at the plate. With practice and repetition, a young player can improve their hitting and become a better hitter.
| Drill | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand-Eye Coordination | Swinging the bat in rhythm while aiming at a stationary target |
| Power Swing | Swinging the bat with full range of motion and using the entire body to generate power |
| Follow-Through | Swinging the bat and following through with the swing |
Tee Work
Tee work is one of the most important drills when it comes to baseball for 12 year olds. It is a great way to help them learn to hit the ball with consistent contact. Tee work also helps them develop proper mechanics and timing. It is an important part of any 12 year old’s development as a baseball player.
Soft Toss
Soft toss is a great way for 12 year olds to practice their hitting skills. It involves throwing the ball up in the air and swinging the bat at it. This drill can help improve batting accuracy and power.
It also helps players learn to keep their eye on the ball. Soft toss can be done with a partner or alone, and requires minimal equipment.
Live Batting
Live Batting is a crucial skill for any 12-year-old baseball player to master. This drill helps develop hand-eye coordination, bat control, and quick reactions. To practice, set up a batting cage or area for players to hit balls off a tee, or use a pitching machine. Encourage players to focus on keeping their head still and maintaining a level swing.
After each hit, have them assess their technique and make adjustments as needed. With practice, your players will be hitting live pitches with confidence in no time!
Pitch Recognition
Pitch recognition is an important skill for 12 year old baseball players to develop. It can help them identify what type of pitch is being thrown and make the necessary adjustments. To practice pitch recognition, have your child stand in the batter’s box and have someone else pitch to them.
As the pitches are thrown, have your child call out the type of pitch they recognize. This will help them further their knowledge and understanding of the game.
Fielding Drills
Fielding drills are an important part of playing baseball for 12 year olds. Fielding drills help players develop their skills in throwing, catching and fielding ground balls. It is important to practice these drills regularly to improve in these areas. Here are some drills that 12 year olds can use to improve their fielding skills:
| Drill | Description |
|---|---|
| Catch and Throw | Players practice catching a ball and then throwing it back to the person who threw it. |
| Fielding Ground Balls | Players practice fielding ground balls and throwing them to the target. |
| Catching Pop Flies | Players practice catching pop flies and throwing them back to the person who threw them. |
These drills should be done regularly to help players improve their fielding skills. It is important to practice these drills with proper technique and form to ensure that the player’s skills are improving.
Footwork
Footwork is an important part of baseball drills for 12 year olds. It helps players learn to move quickly and accurately, and to stay on their feet. Players can practice footwork drills such as agility drills, hop and jump drills, and side shuffles. These drills help players learn to move their feet quickly and maintain balance while playing.
Tossing
Tossing is one of the fundamental drills for baseball players, especially those who are just starting out. It is important for 12 year olds to practice their throwing accuracy and arm strength. To do this drill, have two players stand about 10 feet apart and toss a ball back and forth.
Start off by tossing the ball in an easy manner and gradually increase the speed and distance between the two players. This drill will help players improve their accuracy, arm strength, and overall throwing ability.
Catching
Catching is an important skill for any baseball player. For 12 year olds, it is important to practice proper body positioning and hand-eye coordination. Have your child practice catching a ball with two hands and then transitioning to using one hand. Also, practice having them catch a ball while moving and making quick decisions. This will help them become a better overall catcher.
Relay Throws
Relay Throws are a great drill for 12 year old baseball players. This vigorous drill helps players practice throwing and catching the ball quickly and accurately, while also improving their hand-eye coordination. Players should line up in two teams, each with their own base.
The first player in each line throws the ball to the other team’s base, and the second player in line catches it and immediately throws it back. This process is repeated until all players have had a turn. The team that finishes first wins.
Conclusion
This article provides an overview of some of the best baseball drills for 12 year olds. These drills focus on developing the fundamentals of the game, such as hitting, throwing, fielding and base running. By practicing these drills, 12 year olds can improve their overall game and have more fun on the diamond.
FAQs
1.What Are The Best Baseball Drills For Year Olds?
Ans: The best drills for year olds are fielding and catching, base running, batting, and throwing. Fielding and catching drills help young players to develop the skills needed to properly field a ball and make accurate throws.
Base running drills help them learn how to properly round the bases, while batting drills help them to work on their swing. Throwing drills help them to develop the proper mechanics for throwing a baseball accurately.
2.What Is The Most Important Skill For Year Old Baseball Players To Practice?
Ans: The most important skill for year old baseball players to practice is the basics of hitting, throwing, and fielding. This will help them develop proper form and technique while also building their confidence.
It is also important for them to practice their agility and speed, as this is essential for being able to react quickly to balls in the field. Finally, they should also practice their mental game, such as visualization and positive self-talk, as this will help them succeed in pressure situations.
3.What Tips Should Year Old Baseball Players Follow To Improve Their Game?
Ans:
- Pay attention to the fundamentals. Make sure you practice the basics like fielding, hitting, and throwing with proper form.
- Work on your speed and agility by doing drills that focus on increasing your quickness.
- Develop a strong mental game. Visualize yourself having success at the plate and in the field.
- Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. This will help you stay focused and energized during games.
4.What Drills Should Year Old Baseball Players Focus On To Develop Their Game?
Ans: Year old baseball players should focus on drills that help develop their skills, such as throwing, catching, and hitting. Drills that help improve batting mechanics, like taking an aggressive stride and using a proper swing, should be incorporated into their practice.
Fielding drills, which focus on footwork, quickness and accuracy, should also be practiced. Finally, players should practice baserunning drills to improve footwork, agility, and speed.
5.What Is The Best Way For Year Old Baseball Players To Practice Their Skills?
Ans: The best way for year old baseball players to practice their skills is to get involved in a youth baseball league or team. This will allow them to get regular practice with experienced coaches and teammates that will help them improve.
They can also practice batting, throwing, and fielding on their own, making sure to practice the proper technique. When possible, they should also watch professional baseball games to help them learn proper form.