Recommended Drills by Skill Level

These drills are suggestions to help coaches plan effective practices and to give parents and players ideas for skill development at home. Focus should always remain on learning, effort, and enjoyment of the game.

 T-Ball (Ages 4–5)

Focus: Introduction to baseball, coordination, fun, and confidence

Hitting

• Tee Swings – Focus on stance, grip, and making contact

• Hit the Cone – Place cones in fair territory to encourage direction

• Freeze Finish – Players hold their finish to build balance

Throwing & Catching

• Partner Toss (Short Distance) – Emphasize stepping toward the target

• Rolling Ground Balls – Roll balls instead of throwing

• Bucket Toss – Toss balls into a bucket or hoop

Fielding

• Alligator Hands Drill – Teach proper ground ball technique

• Ready Position Freeze – Practice athletic stance

Base Running

• Run Through First Base – Emphasize running straight through

• Base Path Races – Teach where to run after hitting

 A-Ball / Coach Pitch (Ages 5–7)

Focus: Fundamentals, repetition, and basic game awareness

Hitting

• Soft Toss – Improve hand-eye coordination

• Coach Pitch Contact Drill – Short pitches to encourage swings

• Hit and Drop the Bat – Reinforce proper bat drop after contact

Throwing & Catching

• Step & Throw Drill – Focus on proper throwing mechanics

• Partner Catch (Increasing Distance)

• Quick Hands Catch – Catch and throw in one motion

Fielding

• Ground Ball Funnel Drill

• Two-Knee Fly Ball Drill – Builds confidence with pop-ups

• Field and Freeze – Field ball and pause to find the target

Base Running

• Base Recognition Drill – Identify bases while running

• Coach’s Signal Drill – Learn to listen to base coaches

 AA / AAA (Ages 7–11)

Focus: Skill development, game situations, teamwork

Hitting

• Tee Progressions – Inside, middle, and outside pitches

• Front Toss – Game-like timing practice

• Situational Hitting – Ground balls, line drives, moving runners

Throwing & Catching

• Long Toss (Age-Appropriate)

• Quick Release Drill

• Throw on the Run

Fielding

• Infield Ground Ball Series – Forehand, backhand, slow rollers

• Outfield Drop Step Drill

• Cutoff & Relay Practice

Base Running

• Leads & Breaks (AAA)

• First-to-Third Drill

• Tag-Up Drill

 Majors (Ages 9–12)

Focus: Advanced fundamentals, decision-making, consistency

Hitting

• Live Pitching / Machine Hitting

• Two-Strike Approach Drill

• Bunting Fundamentals

Throwing & Catching

• Position-Specific Throws

• Double Play Feeds

• Throw Accuracy Challenges

Fielding

• Game-Speed Infield Drills

• Outfield Gap Coverage

• Communication Drills

Base Running

• Steal Reads & Jumps

• Sliding Practice (Proper Technique)

• Base Awareness Situations

 Intermediate / Juniors / Seniors (Ages 11–16)

Focus: Baseball IQ, mechanics, conditioning, leadership

Hitting

• Velocity & Breaking Ball Recognition

• Situational At-Bats

• Pitch Selection Drills

Throwing & Fielding

• Advanced Long Toss Programs

• Reaction Drills

• Position-Specific Defensive Work

Base Running

• Delayed Steals

• Aggressive Secondary Leads

• Game Awareness Drills

Team & Mental Skills

• Communication & Leadership Drills

• Game Scenario Walk-Throughs

• Pre-Pitch Preparation

Coaching Tip

Practices should be age-appropriate, fast-paced, and positive. Short stations and frequent water breaks help keep players engaged and learning.