Fielding Ground Ball Progression for Players 5-8 Years
Ground Ball – “Ready Position”
Have the players stand side by side on the edge of the infield grass arms distance apart and introduce the basic infield stance. Legs wide, bum sticking out, hands out front and low, head up, eyes on the ball. We call this ready position “alligator” because we want players to take a low stance with two hands out front in an alligator type position.
Ground Ball Practice – Fun Repetitions
Organize your team into four lines of three players. Mark a spot on the infield dirt at each of the four infield positions. Have a coach or parent helper stand five-six steps out in front of each line. Have the first player in each line to get ready to field the ground ball by calling out “Ready” or “Alligator.”
Initially have the players take off their gloves and set them aside. Then softly roll an oversized ball to the player at the front of each line. Each player fields the ball with two hands, tosses it back to the coach and then circles around to the back of their line. This is a great way to safely introduce fielding with two hands. Keep them going for minutes so each player gets several chances to be successful.
Then, have the players put on their gloves and repeat the drill using a regular sized baseball. If you have soft baseballs in your equipment bag, start with them. Then introduce the ball that you will use in games. Make sure the four coaches are only a short distance away and are rolling the ball underhand softly. The goal at this point in the progression is to get as many repetitions as possible reinforcing the basic technique and help players develop confidence.
As the players gain more confidence during the year, organize the drill with the coaches at each station back at a position closer to game distance.
As a coach, your goal should be to provide each player with 40-50 ground ball chances in the 10-15 minutes that you have set aside in each practice. Using this approach it is easy to accomplish this objective & over 10 practices you have provided each player 400-500 repetitions on this very important and challenging skill.
Of course you will need to mix in hitting some ground balls during your practice but we recommend you give all players 40-50 repetitions using the above approach first
For youngsters under 13, it is very important to keep up with your pitcher's total pitch count. Although the rules for Dizzy Dean specify "innings pitched", it is still very easy to "over pitch" a kid while keeping his innings low. Pitch count and days rested are more accurate when it comes to a barometer for how much a pitcher is working on the mound than "how many innings" he has pitched.
With our team, the rules are simple. The first week of the season, or the pitcher's first outing, we limit him to 30-35 pitches. As the season rolls on, and as he gets good solid bullpens and his arm strength improves, we limit our pitchers to no more than 75 pitches. At this rate, our pitcher will be able to pitch twice in a week, with proper days rest. If he makes a short relief appearance (example: a 10 pitch outing to close an inning), then his rest time is not as long.
We also "develop" pitchers on our team. We will need them, as we will have 2-3 ballgames a week, and tournaments a couple times a year. Our pitcher's numbers are recorded, and those outings and pitch counts to some extent dictates to us who pitches and when.
Simply put... high pitch count gets longer rest, and rotate pitchers.
The way we keep up with our pitch count is with the use of a Palm Pilot and a program designed for keeping score (instead of a score book). The program gives you real-time statistics as you play, for hitting as well as pitching. The program runs about $65.00, and will operate on most Palm Pilot units and is very user-friendly. We use this in conjunction with a stats program at Hernando High School, and we use it as well with our boys down here at the Civic Center. I would be more than happy to help any coaches in the area to get set up with this very helpful technology, so please feel free to contact me or catch me at the civic center fields and I will be glad to show the program to you. If I can help any of our players/coaches in any way, don't hesitate to let me know!
This will no doubt, at times, make things rough on the "win and loss" record. However, with these young bodies and arms still developing, using these pitch count guidelines are worth it. Health and safety of the players is more important than a "win" in an 11-12 year old ballgame, (as well as sportsmanship, teaching the game, and other things).
How To Buy A Baseball/Softball Bat
Nothing has changed more in the game of Baseball & Softball than bats. New technology has delivered
bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual player's strengths. It is
essential that you select a bat that fits your skill level, height, weight, and hitting strength. It is also
important to check with your league for any specifications or restrictions they may have in place.
Determining Your Bat Size
There are some standard rules of thumb in selecting the appropriate bat length.
The charts below offer
some guidelines based on age and weight and height.
• Using your age as a guide, use the chart below to determine the bat length that fits your body.
Age |
Bat length |
| 5-7 |
24"-26" |
| 8-9 |
26"-28" |
| 10 |
28"-29" |
| 11-12 |
30"-31" |
| 13-14 |
31"-32" |
| 15-16 |
32"-33" |
| 17 and older |
34" |
Other Bat Fitting Tips
Bats are also weighted in ounces and are fitted with a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as –8, -9, etc.
(This basically means a 34-inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces).
Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors--your strength and hitting style.
For young players there is an easy test to see if a bat is the right weight. Have them grip the bat with
one hand and hold it straight out away from there body (the arm should be straight as well). They
should easily be able to hold the bat in this position. If not, the bat is most likely to heavy and you
should try a lighter bat.
Generally, a lighter bat will give you quicker swing speed with greater control.
Determining Glove Size
Age is an important factor in selecting your next glove, however, the position you play is just as
important when choosing a baseball or softball glove.
Youngsters/Beginners
Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control.
Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches.
Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove if playing multiple positions.
Beginners will benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves.
High School/ Adult
Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets.
Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control
and quicker ball transfer.
Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for
fielding and throwing quickly.
Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket to help
field the bigger ball.
- Cal Ripken, Sr: The Ideal Hitter -
The ideal hitter would probably have a combination of these qualities: strength, determination, coordination, confidence, vision, rhythm, style, body control, quick hands, and the will to learn and to take advice. The following is a list of batting tips that can help anyone become a better hitter. * Select a bat you can handle.
* Learn the strike zone - don't swing at bad pitches.
* Keep your front shoulder and chin tucked in, and your hands back. Turn your head so that both eyes are on the pitcher - don't look around your nose. Stay on the balls of your feet - keep off your heels. Keep your head still.
* In order to get the bat started, move your hands back slightly as the pitcher is getting ready to release the ball. If you like the pitch, go ahead and hit it. If you don't like the pitch, then hold up your swing.
* Take a short step and stride - a long stride will only throw you off balance.
* Stay on top of the ball. A slight downward swing allows this and is a good way to keep from upper-cutting. Keeping the front shoulder in and down also allows a hitter to get the bat head out in front and prevents dropping the back shoulder.
* Learn to hit your strength. Every hitter has a strength just as every hitter has a weakness. Hit your pitch. When you get it, don't let it get away. Concentrate on solid, hard contact.
Mike Piazza : Fundamentals of Batting
In 1997, Mike hit .362, the highest batting average for a catcher in more than 50 years, and racked up a slugging percentage of .638. With 40 homers, 124 RBIs, 104 runs, and 201 hits, Piazza had the greatest offensive season of any catcher in the more than 100 years. Here are some of Mike's baseball batting tips:
* Look for a good pitch to hit.
* Have a quick bat.
* Stay inside of the ball so you can hit the ball to all fields.
* Try to spread your feet a little wider than shoulder width for balance.
* Hold your bat at a 45-degree angle to alleviate unnecessary movement in your swing.
* Keep your back elbow close to your body to help your hands and the barrel of the bat swing through the ball.
* Have someone watch you while you swing and check your mechanics.
- Tony Gwynn: Tee for One -
For me the most effective way to practice hitting is to use a batting tee and a bag of wiffle balls. Tee it up and start hacking. The sooner you can hit a wiffle ball cleanly off a tee, the sooner you will become a better hitter. When you hit a wiffle ball off a tee correctly, it acts like a knuckleball. You can hear the air going through the ball. When you don't hit it correctly, you create spin on the ball and it goes all over the place. When the ball spins alot, I make adjustments to correct my swing. Even after 18 years in the big leagues, every winter I go home and break out the tee and wiffle balls. It's not the most exciting thing, so you have to be creative. I put my headphones on and listen to my favorite music while I concentrate on my hitting technique.
- Andre Dawson: Hitting Philosophy -
"I never considered myself a home run hitter," says Andre Dawson. "I had quick hands, a quick bat, and the ball would jump off my bat. But I always liked to focus on hitting for average."
* Be patient and selective.
* Try to avoid the temptation to be overly aggressive and simply focus on putting the ball in play.
* Try to use the entire playing field.
* Do not be afraid to wait on the ball.
* Approach the plate with a plan in mind. Think thoroughly about what you are trying to do, but try not to force anything.
- Approaching the Plate -
Concentration, rhythm, and purpose are some of the most important aspects to hitting, according to legendary Dodgers outfielder Manny Mota. "Hitters should take short strides and use quick hands," he said. "Taking a short stride actually helps your hands be quicker. It keeps your swing compact and under control."
* The most valuable advice that I can give a young hitter is to think about hitting the ball up the middle. If you think about hitting up the middle, you can adjust to hit the ball wherever it is pitched. If you go to the plate hoping to pull the ball and hit a home run, you will have trouble hitting an outside pitch. Your front side will have already opened up and you will not be able to drive an outside pitch.
* Concentration at the plate is critical, and positive thinking helps. You have to walk up to the plate saying to yourself, "I'm going to hit the ball".
* You have to have balance in everything that you do in baseball, especially in hitting. Your body is going to move, but you must keep your head still. The only way to do that is to have good balance.
* A hitter needs rhythm. Try to watch the pitcher's hand and keep your eye on the ball.
* Be aggressive at the plate, but also remain loose and relaxed. If you let your arms get too tight, you will lose the advantage of having good wrist action, as well as your power.
* If you find yourself in a slump, try to concentrate on defense and possibly save the game with a good play. Slumping hitters should remember that it does not always take a home run to help the team.
* You should have a purpose to each swing in batting practice. In your first round of batting practice you might concentrate on hitting every pitch to the opposite field. In the next round, try to make sure that you are swinging down on the ball. Prepare yourself for game situations, or the practice will not be as helpful as it could be.
- Batting Drills -
The Power Bat Drill -
The purpose of the Power Bat Drill for a baseball player is much the same as a boxer using a heavy bag to train with. Boxers learn how to develop power in their punch by trying to power through the heavy bag. Baseball players learn to develop power in their swing by hitting through a heavier object than a normal baseball. The result is the same for both athletes… increased power through the point of contact!
* What you will need:
o A batting tee
o A plunger
o A flat soccer ball or basketball
o A hitting net (or wall)
o A bat
* How the drill works:
o Slide the plunger handle into the batting tee.
o Place the flat soccer ball or basketball onto the plunger cup top.
o Execute your normal swing repeatedly.
The goal is for the hitter to strike the much heavier ball without having the bat decelerate at the impact point. This takes proper technique and explosion at the point of impact to achieve. What you will see is that with the first few swings, the barrel of the bat will "stutter" through the impact zone, meaning that it will decelerate at the point of impact for a fraction of a second before resuming its speed to the finishing position. Concentrate on the proper mechanics, not with launching the ball. Proper mechanics will accelerate the bat head sufficiently to power through the heavier ball. The flight path of the ball should be level (around chest high) into the hitting net (or wall). Power is all about bat speed at impact, not the size of the player. This drill will increase the power at impact if it is used on a regular basis. Remember to always use a flat ball for this drill.
The Strike Zone Drill
The purpose of this drill is to teach the hitter "strike zone recognition".
Teams get 3 outs per at bat. A coach pitches the ball from about 40 feet in front of the plate. The hitter sets up at the plate with a bat, strides at the proper time, follows the ball with his head into the catcher's glove, and calls "ball" or "strike" as the ball hits the glove.
Baseball Batting Drills The Colored Ball Drill
The purpose of this drill is to improve reaction time and thinking at the plate.
Paint several baseballs with different bright colors, and place them in a bucket behind the mound. Have someone place one of the balls in the pitcher's glove without letting the batter see the color. The pitcher then calls out a color before pitching the ball. The batter can only swing if the ball matches the color the pitcher called out (and if the pitch is in the strike zone).
(coach Mike Cole)
The Pitch Behind Drill
The purpose of this drill is to prevent timid hitters from backing out at the plate.
The timid little league batter always seems to assume that backing out will automatically prevent him from being hit by the pitch. He usually starts his getaway before he has any notion of where the pitch is really headed. I have had some success against this tendency by throwing behind the batter to move him toward the plate
Wall Ball Hitting Drill
This drill is actually a hitting game that allows players to build skills, learn to perform under pressure, identify strikes, and develop a line drive swing.
Teams of 2 or 3 players compete against other teams. The first team to score 11 runs wins. The drill can be used indoors or outdoors. The games requires a wall, curtain, or sections of fence. The rules are outlined before competition begins. The wall or fence should have a "top line" that represents the top of the scoring zone. Any ball that hits the wall, curtain, or fence above that line is an "out". To score, the batter must hit a line drive that hits the scoring zone without touching the ground. The batter that hits a ground ball keeps the inning alive. He does not score, but he also does not make an out. Each player gets only one swing per bat. He is either going to hit a score, hit a ground ball or make an out. Any ball that is caught by the defense before it touches the wall or ground is an out. All pop ups, foul balls, and missed swings are counted as outs. Bats are not allowed to touch the ground. Batters must stay alert and jump in to bat as soon as the other batter swings. Each team gets 3 outs per at bat. Defensive players are allowed to "knock down" balls to prevent scoring. Any ball that hits the "scoring zone" without touching the ground is a score. The defense must learn to react quickly and catch the ball or knock it down.
This drill is best done in a tournament format. Reward the winning team in some way. This is a great drill for indoor hitting. Players get to take a lot of swings. The competition becomes fierce. It will build a competitive fire in your timid players, and teach players to be aggressive. Make sure to use foam or wiffle baseballs.
Throwing behind the timid batter's back. After all, he will get plenty of these pitches at the little league level, and you don't want him backing into them and getting hurt.
Start out using spalding or tennis balls. At first, throw a lot of pitches behind him, then gradually decrease the frequency of these pitches as he starts to break the habit. Soon he will realize that he had better not back up until he sees where the ball is really going.
This will make him safer and more confident at the plate. And while he's watching the ball more closely, he's going to realize that he doesn't have to hide from the good pitches, but can stay put and hit them.
(coach Randy Wert)
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