Fundamentals vs How To Coach
Differentiate between the actions of a baseball skill… and the plan to follow for coaching it.
Drills
Fundamentals: Leadoffs
Teach the fundamental steps of a proper leadoff: Left, Right, Connect/Step, Connect/Step.
Fundamentals: Pitching
Pitching 101 – The three basic fundamentals to the pitching motion. Taught out of the stretch position, to a group or individual, THIS is the precursor to working with pitchers 1-on-1.
Fundamentals: Rundowns
Fundamental Segment/Drill to teach and train Rundown execution: 1). Create a throwing lane; 2). Show baseball; 3). Force commit; and, 4). Peel off armside.
Fundamentals: Ground Balls
Fundamentals segment breaking down the complete action involved with fielding a ground ball. Use to establish a collective understanding what happens during a ground ball, and speak to it during all infield drills the rest of the season.
Fundamentals: Hitting
Essential for a good team
Fundamentals: Cuts and Relays
Fundamental Drill to establish proper execution of Cut & Relay action: 1) Position; 2). Big X; 3). Be vocal; and, 4) Turn glove-side.
Fundamentals: Dynamic Warm Up
Get a sweat. Kids move freely from foul line to outfield (and back), working through various warm up movements. Emphasize quality of movement, quantity of repetitions, and keep movements varied.
Fundamentals: Fly Balls
Fly ball fundamental drill with emphasis on footwork: Dropstep, Crossover, Go! Raise ball in either direction, wait for dropstep and crossover… then toss fly ball and let athlete go get it!
Fundamentals: Bunting
Drill to teach bunting fundamentals. Teach, then practice bunting, by first discussing as a group and then rotating through a small bunting circle.