Coach Pitch “Outfield” 10 Game Program
Key Points to Remember:
Keep the atmosphere fun and positive.
Always provide positive reinforcement and praise effort.
Make sure to keep activities short to maintain their attention.
Use games that incorporate baseball skills to enhance their learning experience.
Game 1: Introduction to Baseball & Basic Rules
Objective: Introduce baseball and basic rules.
Drill 1: "Catch the Ball!" – Toss the ball gently to kids, teaching them to watch the ball and catch it with both hands.
Drill 2: "Rules of Baseball" – Explain simple rules: how the game works (three outs per team, running the bases, etc.), basic positions, and why teamwork is important. End with a simple demonstration or mini-game to show the rules in action.
Game 2: Throwing Mechanics
Objective: Teach basic throwing mechanics (grip, step, throw).
Drill 1: "Wind-up Toss" – Show how to grip the ball and step with the opposite foot while throwing. Have kids practice with soft balls.
Drill 2: "Target Toss" – Set up targets (cones, hula hoops) and have kids aim to throw the ball toward them.
Game 3: Catching the Ball
Objective: Improve catching with both hands and tracking the ball.
Drill 1: "Hands Up" Drill – Teach kids to put their hands up in a “W” shape (Thumbs together to lead into closing glove with off hand) for catching. Practice with soft tosses.
Drill 2: "Catch the Ball in the Air" – Gently toss balls to kids and encourage them to catch in the air with both hands.
Game 4: Fielding (Ground Balls)
Objective: Teach proper fielding techniques (bend knees, use two hands).
Drill 1: "Ground Ball Scoop" – Roll the ball toward kids, and they practice scooping it up with both hands, bending their knees.
Drill 2: "Roll and Field" – Roll balls to kids from different angles and distances to practice scooping them up.
Game 5: Throwing Accuracy
Objective: Improve throwing accuracy and understanding target aiming.
Drill 1: "Throw to a Partner" – Practice throwing the ball directly to a partner at different distances.
Drill 2: "Throw to the Bucket" – Set up a bucket or bin and have kids aim to throw the ball into it.
Game 6: Batting Basics (Intro to the Bat) *Make sure they are wearing HELMETS for this*
Objective: Teach how to hold and swing a bat properly.
Drill 1: "Bat Grip" – Show how to hold the bat with hands close together, using the correct grip.
Drill 2: "Swing Practice" – Have kids practice swinging without hitting the ball to focus on body posture.
Game 7: Batting (Hitting from the Tee) *Make sure they are wearing HELMETS for this*
Objective: Improve batting by hitting the ball from a tee.
Drill 1: "Tee Batting" – Kids take turns hitting the ball off the tee, focusing on hitting it cleanly.
Drill 2: "Hit the Target" – Set up targets (such as cones or hula hoops) in the field and encourage kids to aim at them with their hits.
Game 8: Batting Focus *Make sure they are wearing HELMETS for this*
Objective: Reinforce batting skills and give kids more opportunities to practice hitting.
Drill 1: "Tee Batting" – Set up a tee with a ball for each child to practice hitting. Focus on proper stance, grip, and follow-through. Give kids multiple attempts to hit the ball cleanly and reinforce good mechanics.
Drill 2: "Soft Toss" – Gently toss the ball underhand to each child from a short distance, allowing them to practice timing their swing and making contact with the ball.
Game 9: Base Running
Objective: Teach the basics of running the bases.
Drill 1: "Run the Bases" – Set up a small field with bases and teach kids to run the bases in order (first base, second base, etc.).
Drill 2: "Sprint to First" – Focus on a quick sprint to first base after hitting the ball.
Game 10: Rules of the Game (Review & Application) *an intro to machine pitch rules*
Objective: Review and reinforce the basic rules of baseball (3 strikes, 3 outs, running the bases).
Drill 1: "Strikeout Drill" – Simulate a scenario where kids must hit after 3 strikes, understanding the concept of strikes and outs.
- Drill 2: "Mini-Game" – Play a simplified version of baseball, explaining the basic rules (three outs, running the bases, etc.).