Our full, regularly-updated drills collection can be found on Podia.

BASE by Pros on Podia

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Remember, a coach’s greatest indicator of success is instilling a love of the game in their players that results in them returning to play the following year. At the core of this decision is the ability to have fun and “Just Play!”

AGES% OF TIME YOU SHOULD “JUST PLAY!”
4-6 Years Old90
7-9 Years Old70
10-12 Years Old30
13+10

CATCHING

THREE KEYS TO CATCHING

1) Receiving

  1. Fingers to the sky and thumb parallel to the ground.
  2. Target at catcher’s knee height, low.
  3. For primary stance: Feet just outside of hip width and full foot on the ground with toes pointed up the first and third baselines, slight weight shift forward onto balls of feet while keeping heels on ground (some kids tend to sit on their toes = no balance and weak base).

Barehand (Two Ball) Drill

Grip another ball between pinky, ring finger, and palm. Emphasis on three-finger only. Use tennis balls for smaller-handed players.

Wall Ball Drill

Focus on relaxing and trusting reactions, soft hands even as we speed up. Use tennis ball for younger players.

GAMEPLAY

Live Defense Drill

Eight players take the field with coach on the mound. Remaining players bat with coach throwing BP. This is played as a real game but with coach throwing.

JUST PLAY!
OPTION 1) A second coach tracks fastest time to 1B. OPTION 2) With 12 players, rotate 3 teams of 4 and count runs like a normal game.

Mini Bases Drill

Set up a mini field with bases about 30 feet apart. Have players work on running through 1B, turns from home to 2B. Turns from 2B to home plate. Tagging from 3rd.

JUST PLAY!
Once players get through a couple times. Have them run all the way around the bases and time it. Fastest time wins.

HITTING

Tee Work Drills

Flamingo Drill

Trip Drill

Soft Toss Audible Decisions Drills

Yes/No Drill
Thrower delivers announcing, “Yes!” If it’s a strike, player swings.

JUST PLAY!
Pitch 10 strikes that should be swung at (so approximately 20 pitches included non-swinging pitches). Pitcher decides if it’s a legit hit. Keep track of hits and compare against your previous day’s attempt.

INFIELD

Approaching a Ground Ball Drills

The Approach (Four Step) Drill

Bad Hops Drill

Bad Hops Drill
Have your player set up about ten feet away from you. Place three PVC pipes or net poles in parallel lines between you. Roll ground balls, encouraging them to not panic and simply trust their skills as they react to bad hops as the ball ricochets off the poles. Consider tennis balls at first.

JUST PLAY!
Have players take turns and count how many they can get in a row.

Daily Glovework Progression Drills

Standing with Footwork

JUST PLAY!
Challenge yourself to get 10 catches without an error.

Weaving Through the Cones Drills

Falling Leaf Drill

OUTFIELD

Banana Drills

Dropstep Left

Banana Drill - Dropstep Left

Break Drills

Left to Forehand Spin

Break Drill - Left to Forehand

THROWING

Ages 4-9

THREE KEYS TO THROWING

1) Direction

Teach Lateral Movement First

  • • Shuffle
  • • Cross Behind
  • • Cross in Front

JUST PLAY!
Tight Rope Race

PITCHING

1) Balance Point

BALANCE DRILLS: Balance, Hip Hinge, Repeated Separation

Ages 10+

4 KEYS TO PITCHING

1) Balance

Most important part of pitching. Good balance promotes consistency and arm health.

  • • Shoulders still at leg lift
  • • Upright posture
  • • Knee at hip height
  • • Maintain throughout delivery

Pitching Mechanics (Individual Drills)

If a mirror or video is available, use it to help show the athlete how they are moving. We learn through visuals.

Weight Transfer Drill

Weight Transfer Drill
Pushing through front foot. Feeling connection between leg drive and separation.

Backpedal Turn and Burn

Backpedal Turn and Burn Drill
Throw the ball hard while working on a strong front side and forward momentum and finish.