Written by Mark BaileyBaseball practice doesn’t have to be limited to the field; it can be a fun and rewarding experience right at home! Spending time practicing with your child can not only improve their skills but also create lasting memories. Here are seven engaging drills you can do with your little slugger to boost their game and strengthen your bond.
1. Catch and Throw Drill
Catching and throwing are fundamental skills in baseball. A simple and effective drill is to stand a few feet apart and throw the ball back and forth, gradually increasing the distance as your child gets more comfortable.
Try using different types of balls like a tennis ball or a soft baseball to mix things up and add variety. This not only keeps the drill interesting but also helps your child adapt to different ball sizes and weights. Using a tennis ball can be particularly helpful for beginners, as it’s easier to catch and less intimidating.
2. Batting Practice with a Tee
Using a batting tee is a great way to teach young players the basics of hitting. Set up the tee in your backyard or any open space, and adjust it to your child’s height. Make sure they have a proper batting stance, with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
A personal breakthrough moment with my child came during tee practice. After weeks of struggling, he finally connected with the ball and sent it flying. The look of sheer joy on his face was priceless, and it reminded me how rewarding practice can be.
3. Ground Ball Drill
Fielding ground balls efficiently is crucial for any baseball player. To practice this at home, have your child stand in a ready position while you roll ground balls to them from various angles. This helps improve their reaction time and fielding technique.
Teach them to get low and use both hands to field the ball, keeping their glove down and in front. To add a challenge, increase the speed and vary the direction of the rolls. This keeps the drill dynamic and helps your child stay on their toes.
4. Pitching Accuracy Drill
Accuracy is key for any pitcher. Set up a target, such as a bucket or a strike zone net, and have your child aim for it. This drill can be done in a backyard or even a spacious indoor area.
Emphasize proper pitching mechanics, including a good wind-up, a strong follow-through, and maintaining balance. Celebrate their successes and offer constructive feedback to keep them motivated and focused.
5. Agility and Footwork Drill
Agility and quick footwork are essential for both infielders and outfielders. Create a homemade obstacle course using cones, ropes, or any other items you have around the house. Have your child run through the course, focusing on quick movements and staying light on their feet.
One fun moment was watching my child navigate an obstacle course we set up. He was determined to beat his previous time and seeing his determination and improvement was incredibly rewarding.
6. Fly Ball Drill
Catching fly balls is another important skill. Toss the ball high in the air and have your child track it and position themselves under it to make the catch. This drill helps improve their hand-eye coordination and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory.
Start with short, easy tosses and gradually increase the height and distance as your child’s confidence grows. Encouraging them to use both hands to catch the ball will also help instill good habits.
7. Hitting for Distance Drill
Hitting the ball far is thrilling for any young player. Set up a batting tee or use soft toss and have your child hit the ball, then measure the distance it travels. This drill focuses on improving power through proper swing mechanics and follow-through.
Encourage your child to use their legs and hips to generate power, not just their arms. Tracking progress by measuring the distance of each hit can be motivating and fun for your child.
Conclusion
Practicing these drills at home can significantly improve your child’s baseball skills while also creating a fun and engaging environment. Remember, the key is to keep practice enjoyable and positive. Encourage your child, celebrate their progress, and most importantly, have fun together.
Feel free to share your own favorite drills or experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!