Mastering Coach Pitch Baseball: Essential Drills for Young Players. This guide provides simple, effective practice drills designed to build fundamental skills in coach pitch baseball, from hitting and catching to fielding and throwing. Learn how to make practice fun and productive for every young slugger.
Getting your young slugger started in baseball can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to practice. You see them swinging a bat, maybe chasing a ball, but are they really learning? Coach pitch is designed to be a stepping stone, but without the right focus, it can become a frustrating experience for everyone. The good news? Building a strong foundation is easier than you think. This article will walk you through essential practice drills that simplify skill development, making practices more engaging and rewarding for young players.
Why Practice Drills Matter in Coach Pitch Baseball
Coach pitch baseball is all about introducing the game and its core mechanics in a controlled and supportive environment. Unlike kid pitch, where the focus can shift to the pitcher, coach pitch allows young players to concentrate on hitting, fielding, and running the bases. Effective practice drills are the backbone of this learning process. They break down complex actions into manageable steps, helping kids build muscle memory and confidence.
When practices are filled with structured drills, players aren’t just swinging at the air or waiting for their turn. They’re actively participating, receiving immediate feedback, and seeing tangible progress. This keeps them engaged and excited about the game. For parents and coaches, well-designed drills mean more productive training sessions and, ultimately, happier, more skilled young athletes.
Essential Skills for Coach Pitch Baseball Players
At this stage, players are developing fundamental skills that will serve them throughout their baseball journey. These include:
- Hitting: Learning to make contact, understand the strike zone, and develop a basic swing.
- Fielding: Tracking the ball, getting into a good position, and making a clean catch.
- Throwing: Developing a proper grip, arm motion, and accuracy.
- Base Running: Understanding when to run and how to advance safely.
- Catching (for players rotating through this position): Basic glove positioning and securing the ball.
Our drills will focus on reinforcing these key areas, making learning fun and effective.
Drills for Hitting Progression
Hitting is often the most exciting part of baseball for young players. The goal in coach pitch is to get them comfortable with the bat, the ball, and making contact. These drills focus on building a solid swing and good eye-hand coordination.
Tee Work: The Foundation of a Great Swing
Batting tees are invaluable tools for coach pitch. They allow players to focus solely on their swing mechanics without the added pressure of tracking a moving ball. This drill is crucial for building proper form.
How to do it:
- Proper Stance: Start with the player standing comfortably at the tee. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, with the front foot slightly ahead of the back foot.
- Grip: Ensure a relaxed grip, with the hands close together on the bat. Knuckles should look like they’re lined up.
- Balance: Players should feel balanced, with knees slightly bent and weight distributed evenly.
- Swing Path: Encourage a level swing. The goal is to hit the ball squarely. Start by having them focus on seeing the ball make contact with the “sweet spot” of the bat.
- Follow-Through: A good follow-through is essential for power and momentum. Ensure they swing completely through the ball.
FriskMode Tip: Use different tee heights. Start with the ball at waist height, then move it lower for ground balls and slightly higher for fly balls. This simulates different pitch locations.
Soft Toss: Introducing Movement
Once players are comfortable with tee work, soft toss introduces some movement and hand-eye coordination. It’s the next logical step before live pitching.
How to do it:
- Partner Up: One person kneels or sits in front of the hitter, to the side.
- Placement: The tosser gently tosses the ball underhand from a short distance (about 5-7 feet away) towards home plate, so it lands in the hitting zone.
- Hitter’s Focus: The hitter should watch the ball from the tosser’s hand all the way to the bat.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Aim for consistent contact and a good swing. Vary the height and location of the toss slightly.
Equipment Note: A good, lightweight youth bat is crucial for developing proper swing mechanics. Avoid heavy bats that encourage improper form. For tee work and soft toss, consider investing in a quality batting tee made of durable materials.
Wiffle Ball or Foam Ball Hitting
Using lighter, softer balls can make hitting less intimidating and safer. These balls are more forgiving, encouraging players to swing freely.
How to do it:
- Coach or Parent Pitching: Stand at a safe distance (about 20-30 feet) and gently pitch Wiffle balls or foam balls.
- Focus on Contact: Encourage players to simply make contact. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage.
- Situational Hitting: Practice hitting the ball to different parts of the “field”—e.g., “hit it to right field.”
Why it works: The lighter weight of these balls reduces the impact if a player is hit, and their flight path can be easier for young eyes to track, improving bat-on-ball skills.
Fielding Drills: Securing the Ball
Great fielding can save runs and build a strong defense. In coach pitch, the emphasis is on fundamental catching and a smooth transition to throwing.
Ground Ball Fundamentals: The “Alligator” Method
This simple drill teaches players how to get in front of the ball and secure it.
How to do it:
- Ready Position: Players get into an athletic stance with knees bent and glove out in front.
- “Alligator Mouth”: Teach players to pretend their glove is the bottom jaw and their throwing hand is the top jaw. When the ball enters the glove, they should “chomp down” by bringing their throwing hand over the ball to secure it.
- Coach Rolls/Hits: The coach gently rolls or hits ground balls directly at the player.
- Focus on Body Positioning: Emphasize getting their body in front of the ball.
FriskMode Tip: Use a fungo bat or a rolling device to ensure consistent, controlled ground balls. This allows players to focus on technique.
Fly Ball Tracking: “Eyes on the Prize”
Catching fly balls requires tracking the ball and getting under it. This drill simplifies that process.
How to do it:
- Start Close: The coach stands about 10-15 feet away and tosses fly balls softly up in the air.
- Tracking: Players focus on watching the ball leave the coach’s hand and tracking its trajectory.
- Positioning: Encourage players to get under the ball, with their glove extended upwards.
- The “C” or “Cup”: Teach them to create a “C” shape with their glove and bring their throwing hand over the ball once it’s caught.
- Increase Distance: Gradually increase the distance the coach is from the player.
Infield Readiness Drill
This drill combines fielding and a quick throw to simulate game action.
How to do it:
- Setup: Players are positioned at infield spots (SS, 2nd base, 3rd base). A coach stands near home plate with a bucket of balls.
- Hit and Field: The coach hits or rolls a ground ball to each player.
- Field and Throw: After fielding the ball cleanly, the player makes a strong, underhand toss to the coach at home plate.
- Focus on Transition: Emphasize a smooth transition from fielding the ball to making the throw.
Equipment Spotlight: A well-fitting glove is paramount. For young players, it’s crucial to find a glove that’s not too stiff, allowing them to close it easily. Brands like Rawlings and Wilson offer excellent youth gloves with features designed for easier break-in.
Throwing Drills: Accuracy and Arm Strength
Accurate and strong throws are vital. These drills focus on proper mechanics and building confidence. At the coach pitch level, we emphasize proper form over raw velocity.
The Partner Toss (Short Distance First)
This is the most basic and effective throwing drill.
How to do it:
- Pair Up: Players stand facing each other, initially about 10-15 feet apart.
- Grip: Teach a proper four-seam grip (fingers across the seams).
- Arm Action: Encourage a fluid, overhand motion. The arm should come up and over, like a slingshot.
- Follow-Through: Players should follow their arm towards their target after release.
- Aim for the Glove: Players should aim to throw the ball to their partner’s glove, not just their body.
- Increase Distance: As they get more comfortable and accurate, gradually increase the distance between partners.
Target Practice
This drill adds a focus on accuracy and can be made competitive.
How to do it:
- Setup: Find a backstop, a fence, or even set up buckets or targets.
- Distance: Players throw from various distances, aiming for the target.
- Scoring: You can assign points for hitting specific targets or for hitting within a designated area.
- Competition: “Can you hit the bucket X times in a row?”
Throwing on the Run
This drill simulates a common game situation where a fielder needs to throw after moving.
How to do it:
- Setup: Players start at a base or in a fielding position.
- Practice Movement: They field a ground ball (or are given a ball) and then take a couple of steps to their throwing side.
- Throw: They make an accurate throw to a designated target (another player, coach, or target bucket).
- Focus on Balance: Crucial to teach them to get their body somewhat balanced before throwing.
Safety First: Always ensure players have proper baseballs for throwing drills. Lighter, softer balls are great for younger players to reduce fatigue and injury risk. For more serious throwing practice, use standard youth baseballs.
Base Running Drills
Understanding how to run the bases efficiently and safely is an often-overlooked but critical part of the game.
“On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!”
This drill focuses on the start of a run.
How to do it:
- Starting Positions: Players start at home plate or on a base.
- Commands: The coach shouts “On your mark!” (player gets ready), “Get set!” (player is in a starting stance), and “GO!” (player sprints).
- Technique: Encourage good sprinting form – arms pumping, knees high.
- Focus: Emphasize a quick, explosive start after the “GO!”
Base Touching Drill
This drill teaches players to properly touch each base.
How to do it:
- Setup: Place bases on the field or use cones.
- Run the Bases: Players run from base to base, focusing on touching the front edge of each bag.
- Rounding Bases: Practice rounding the bases effectively to maintain momentum.
- Situational: Integrate this into running after hitting a ball or as part of a “bases loaded” scenario.
Situational Running
This drill helps players understand when to advance and when to hold.
How to do it:
- Simulate Scenarios: Stage situations like “ground ball to the outfield, runner on first.” The player running the bases decides whether to advance.
- Coaching Cues: “If it’s hit in front of the outfielder, go halfway. If it’s hit behind him, keep running!”
- No Out Situation: For coach pitch, focus on positive advancement and learning the flow.
Catcher’s Gear and Basic Drills
While not every player will be a catcher, understanding the position and its importance is valuable. Basic catcher gear can be introduced even in coach pitch to familiarize players.
Catcher’s Stance and Receiving
This teaches the fundamental position and how to receive pitches.
How to do it:
- The “Racetrack” Stance: Players squat low, with knees inside their legs. Their chest should be over their knees.
- Glove Presentation: The glove should be presented low and in the middle of the strike zone.
- “Target, Catch, and Cover (TCC)”: The coach pitches or tosses the ball. The player’s job is to present a nice, clear target, catch the ball cleanly, and then “cover” it with their throwing hand.
- Minimize Movement: Encourage minimal glove movement once the ball is caught to show the umpire a good strike.
Blocking Basics
This is a crucial skill for any catcher, even in coach pitch.
How to do it:
- Get Big: Teach players to get their full body in front of the ball.
- “Chest Down, Chin Down”: The catcher should angle their chest and chin towards the ground.
- Use Legs and Body: The goal is to stop the ball from getting past them.
- Soft Toss: The coach tosses the ball gently from a short distance, aiming it at the ground in front of the catcher.
Simple Throwing from Catcher’s Position
This combines receiving with a quick throw to second base.
How to do it:
- Receive and Transition: Player receives a pitch, then quickly pivots their body.
- Footwork: Teach them to step towards their target (second base) before throwing.
- Throw: Make an accurate throw to a coach or player waiting at second base.
Essential Catcher’s Gear: If a player is interested in trying catcher, ensure they have a proper catcher’s mitt (larger and more padded than a fielder’s glove), and ideally a helmet/mask and chest protector for safety, especially as the game progresses. Proper fit is key for usability and comfort.
Incorporating Equipment into Drills
The right equipment can make drills more effective and engaging. Here’s how to use common baseball gear: