Baseball Drill Library
Browse 100+ proven baseball drills designed to make practices faster, smarter, and more fun for youth coaches. From hitting and fielding drills to pitching and catching fundamentals, find age-appropriate exercises for every skill level.
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Expand any category to see all available drills. Click any drill to view full details.
Master batting mechanics, tee work, and swing development with proven hitting drills
1-2-3 Drill
Fundamental tee drill that breaks down the swing into three components: load, stride, and swing, teaching proper sequence and timing. Teaches players to compartmentalize different parts of the swing and maintain balance throughout.
1-2-3 Rhythm Tee
Intermediate to advanced tee drill using footwork to develop rhythm and timing to coordinate the entire body for powerful and balanced swings. Players hit off a tee with a short walk up or step instead of hitting from a stationary stance.
3 Plate Hitting Drill
Vary the distance between the pitcher and home plate to simulate timing for offspeed pitches and encourage athleticism in the swing. Use three preset distances and alternate between them each swing.
4 Corners Bunting
Station-based bunting drill where players practice bunting to different locations: first base, third base, and drag bunts. Utilizes the entire infield so that 4 players get the chance to bunt at once.
7 Ball Front Toss
Front toss drill using numbered zones (1-7) to develop plate coverage and understanding of pitch locations, building strike zone awareness.
90/45/Even Progression Tee
Progressive tee drill that helps hitters stop pulling off the ball by gradually working from extreme open stance to normal stance.
Angled Force Plate Tee - Back Foot
Biomechanical drill using an angled force plate to prevent back leg drift and teach proper weight distribution during the load phase.
Angle Flips
Front toss variation where the tosser is positioned at an angle, helping hitters work on inside-out swing path and staying inside the ball.
Back Foot Cone Tee
Tee drill using a cone constraint behind back foot to prevent spinning and teach direct energy transfer through the ball.
Back Hip Load Tee Drill
Advanced tee drill using a second tee as a constraint to teach proper back hip loading without over-rotation or rounding.
Back Net Constraint Tee
Advanced drill using a net behind the hitter to prevent early barrel dump and teach proper bat path and weight transfer.
Backside Angle Toss
Advanced front toss drill with tosser positioned behind and to the side, forcing hitter to stay back and use proper swing path.
Balance Beam Tee Drill
Tee drill using a balance beam to develop stability, weight distribution, and controlled mechanics throughout the swing.
Ball-Hit Front Toss
Front toss drill incorporating verbal cues ("ball"/"hit") to improve pitch tracking, timing, and visual focus.
Bat Behind Hips
Tee drill where bat is placed behind the back to isolate and develop proper hip rotation in the swing.
Beginner Bunting Fundamentals
Introduction to bunting mechanics for beginners. Focus on stance, grip, and catching the ball with the bat rather than swinging.
Behind the Hitter Toss 1-2-3
Advanced reaction drill where tosser throws from behind the hitter, developing quick hands, bat speed, and reaction time.
Belly Button Tee
Simple tee drill with focus on rotating the belly button (core rotation) to activate lower half and generate power.
Bunt Defense Drill
Full team drill practicing bunt coverage and defensive assignments. Cover sacrifice bunts, squeeze plays, and different bunt locations.
Bunting Fundamentals
Essential bunting technique focusing on proper foot pivot, bat angle, and ball placement. Learn to bunt away from the pitcher using cone targets.
Change-Up Front Toss
Front toss drill mixing regular speed and change-up speeds to develop timing, patience, and the ability to adjust to off-speed pitches.
Change-Up Tee
Advanced tee drill with ball positioned deeper than normal to simulate change-up contact point, teaching how to stay back and let ball travel.
Color Soft Toss
Advanced pitch recognition drill using colored balls to develop visual tracking and decision-making mid pitch. Coach tosses two colored balls and tells the player which one to hit.
Dry Swings (No Ball)
Practice swing mechanics without a ball. Great for warm-ups, working on specific issues, or when space and equipment are limited.
Easy Warmup Routine to Get Ready for Batting Practice
Hitter-specific warmup focusing on hip mobility, shoulder rotation, and progressively faster swings. Feel explosive and ready to hit.
Hips Fire First Tee Drill
Hip-separation hitting drill that teaches athletes to fire the hips before the hands while a coach provides light hand resistance.
Hitting Power & Strength Workout
Targeted strength and power workout designed specifically to increase hitting power. Focus on rotational strength and explosive hip drive.
Homerun Derby
Fun competitive hitting game rewarding line drives and hard contact. Pop-ups and high fly balls are outs even if they go far.
Knockout Hitting
Progressive elimination hitting drill where players must complete specific hitting tasks based on skill level or they are "knocked out". Perfect for building competitiveness and improving hitting skills under pressure.
Live Batting Practice
Standard batting practice allowing players to hit freely. Save coaching for drill work - BP should be fun and build confidence.
Lob Toss
Advanced patience drill using high-arc tosses like slow-pitch softball. Teaches hitters to stay back and let the ball travel deep before driving it.
Pepper
Classic bat control game with one batter and 2-4 fielders. Hit controlled ground balls, rotate on misses or fly balls. Great for hand-eye coordination.
Single Arm Hitting
Advanced drill that develops a quick, direct swing path by taking the top hand off the bat. Forces the barrel to take a short path to the ball.
Situational Hitting
Batting practice with game situations. Coach calls out scenarios and batters try to execute the appropriate approach.
Soft Toss
Fundamental hitting drill for all ages to work on swing mechanics. Coach or player tosses ball up to player in the strike zone from just a few feet away. Good warm up for older players that is a little more advanced than hitting off a tee.
Tee Work
Foundation hitting drill on a batting tee. Focus on weight shift, keeping eyes on the ball, and driving through to a target.
The Grass Game
Elimination hitting game where players must hit the ball into fair territory grass on one swing. Miss or foul and you are out.
Top Hand Bottom Hand Tee Work
One-handed tee drill using only bottom hand to develop proper hand path, extension, and bottom-hand strength.
Wiffle Ball Circle
A great fun drill that keeps a bunch of kids engaged. A great game for before practice or during off hours for hitters.
Zombies and Survivors
Fun hitting game where players must hit line drives to survive. Those who fail become zombies playing defense.
Throwing progressions, long toss, arm care, accuracy drills, and proper throwing mechanics
21-Point Throwing Accuracy
Competitive accuracy game played during catch. Chest-level catches score 1 point, head-level scores 2. First to 21 wins.
2-Line Relay
Competitive relay race between two lines of players. First team to get the ball from back to front wins. Teaches quick transfers.
3-Man Relay
Relay drill teaching quick transfers, accurate throws, and communication essential for cut-off and relay situations.
3rd Base Knee
Kneeling throw drill from third to first that shows players how much the legs contribute to throwing distance and accuracy.
Arm Speed
Fundamental pitching drill focusing on developing quick arm action and proper arm speed through the release point.
Backhand Follow Through Throwing Drill
Teaches infielders to stop their momentum after backhanding a ball and redirect back toward first base for a strong, accurate throw.
Bat Knockdown Throwing Game
Competitive throwing accuracy game where players try to knock down a bat standing on home plate. Great for developing aim while keeping practice fun.
Beat the Ball
Race between a runner circling the bases and fielders throwing the ball around the horn. Can the ball beat the runner home?
Block and Recover
Catching drill combining blocking with quick recovery and throwing motion, simulating game situations with runners.
Block, Recover, Throw
Advanced catching drill adding actual throws after blocking, developing complete skill sequence for handling wild pitches with runners on.
Bullseye
Accuracy competition throwing at hula hoop targets on a fence. Teams compete for points while developing throwing precision.
Clean Up Crew
High-energy team game where players throw balls out of their zone into the opposing teams area. Low-pressure way to practice overhand throwing.
Crow Hop Throwing
Teaches outfielders the crow hop footwork that generates momentum and power for strong, accurate throws to the infield.
Cutoff and Relay Circuit
Station-based relay drill practicing throws from outfield to home through cutoff men. Develops arm strength and proper relay mechanics.
Cutoff Relay Race
Relay race where groups compete making throws from the outfield to home. Teaches quick transfers, proper footwork, and turning toward the glove side.
Extreme Catch
Partner throwing game to build arm strength and accuracy. Players throw back and forth, moving to progressively farther cones with each successful catch.
Four Corners
Classic around the horn drill throwing between bases. Practice accuracy, footwork, and smooth transfers in a game-like situation.
Infield Outfield Routine
A comprehensive pre-game infield/outfield routine that covers relays, round the horn throws, double plays, and various fielding scenarios. Quick, game-like, and promotes energy and communication. Should be used as your pre-game warmup and time should be reserved during practice to work on it.
Knock It Off
Accuracy game throwing at a ball balanced on a tee. Simple setup creates fun competition while reinforcing proper throwing mechanics.
Long Toss
Arm strength drill for pitchers and all players. Warm up, then progressively move back until reaching your partner is a challenge. Throw with slight arc.
Long-Toss Golf
Fun accuracy game where players throw at targets in the outfield like golf holes. Builds arm strength through long tossing while developing accuracy.
One-Knee Throwing
Fundamental drill isolating arm action by removing the legs. Focus on taking the ball down, out, and up with the elbow above the shoulder.
Over Under
Partner drill practicing both overhand and underhand throws. Infielders learn to handle different throw types they may encounter in a game.
Quick Toss
Hand-eye coordination drill developing quick hands, soft hands, and throwing accuracy at game speed.
Selfies
Solo catching drill for hand-eye coordination. Players throw the ball to themselves in three progressively challenging ways.
Simple Youth Throwing Routine
Safe throwing progression for youth players. Start close, back up gradually, and never rush to longer distances. Arm care matters more than velocity.
Superstar
Circle drill for quick transfers and fielding. Groups throw to non-adjacent teammates for fast-paced action and game-like reactions.
Throwing Progression for Youth Players
Seven-stage throwing progression appropriate for youth players. Total throwing time should not exceed 15-20 minutes.
Throwing Seeds
Outfield drill practicing long throws to home plate. Players field batted balls and throw to a target, simulating cutting down runners.
Towel Throwing Drill
Use a weighted towel to work on throwing mechanics without a ball. The weighted end should fly straight toward the target.
Ultimate Throwing Progression
Seven-drill throwing progression from knees to long toss. Build proper mechanics before adding distance and velocity.
Up Top Down Low
Partner drill developing hand-eye coordination catching high and low throws. Learn proper glove positioning for different ball heights.
Perfect ground balls, footwork, double plays, and position-specific infield techniques
1st Base Flip to Pitcher
Essential first base and pitcher's fielding drill teaching the 3-6-1 play where the first baseman fields a ground ball and flips to the pitcher covering first base.
1st Base Inside Receiving
Teach first basemen proper footwork and positioning for receiving inside throws (coming from close to the first baseline) during bunt plays or infield plays from the pitcher or catcher.
1st Base Off Bag
Develop first baseman's ability to field ground balls after breaking from holding a runner, using proper shuffle footwork. More advanced drill for first baseman in leagues where leading off is allowed.
1st Base Receiving
Fundamental drill for teaching first basemen proper receiving technique, footwork, and stretching mechanics for all types of throws.
1st Base Receiving Short Hops
Advanced first base drill teaching how to pick short hop throws, an essential skill for turning errant throws into outs.
2nd Baseman Backhand Flip
Teach second basemen the backhand flip feed to shortstop for double plays, emphasizing ball control and accuracy.
2nd Baseman Drop Step Throw
Develop second baseman's ability to quickly pivot and make short, accurate dart throws to second base on double play balls.
2nd Baseman Forehand Spin
Advanced double play feed where second baseman uses a forehand spin move to deliver the ball to the shortstop covering second.
2nd Baseman Underhand Flip
Classic underhand flip feed from second baseman to shortstop, the most common and reliable double play feed from second base.
4.3 Drill
Competitive timing drill where each infield position tries to field a grounder and complete the throw to first base in 4.3 seconds or less (adjust time based on skill level)
Alligator Hands Grounders
Foundational ground-ball drill teaching two-hand “alligator” secure and centered funnel.
Alligator Traps
Ground ball drill teaching proper two-hand fielding technique. Players receive rollers and must catch with both hands like an alligator eating its dinner.
Alternating Shorthop Ladder
Progressive short hop drill where fielders move through a ladder of stations, fielding alternating hops while moving laterally.
Backhand Cross Toss
Advanced backhand drill teaching crossover step technique for balls hit further to glove side, developing range and agility.
Backhand Follow Through Throwing Drill
Teaches infielders to stop their momentum after backhanding a ball and redirect back toward first base for a strong, accurate throw.
Backhand Pick & Stick Fungo
Catcher blocking drill focusing on backhand technique for balls in the dirt. Learn to redirect the ball down and recover quickly.
Backhand Rake Fungo
Fungo drill teaching backhand fielding technique where players 'rake' through the ball rather than stabbing at it.
Backhand Toss
Partner drill developing backhand fielding technique with focus on staying low, proper glove position, and tracking the ball.
Belly Up
Reaction drill where players start lying on their backs and must quickly get up to field ground balls. Builds explosiveness and focus.
Box Drill- 2nd Baseman Double Play Feeds
Box drill teaching second baseman feeds for double plays. Use bare hands to increase concentration. Key: keep ball in front of body, dont turn.
Box Drill- Shortstop Double Play Feeds
Box drill teaching shortstop feeds for double plays. Opposite of second baseman version - face right, flip left. Stress stiff wrist and following the flip.
Comebacker Drill
Teaches pitchers to follow through in fielding position and make the play on balls hit back through the box. Also practice 1-6-3 double plays.
Crossover Step Drill
Develops the crossover step - the most efficient way for outfielders to move laterally to fly balls. Pivot, cross over, and run to the spot. This encourages first step quickness and speed to the ball.
Crow Hops
Fundamental drill teaching proper footwork for fielding ground balls on the move and getting into throwing position.
First Base Receiving Drill
Develops proper footwork and timing for first basemen receiving throws. Glove and foot go to the ball together - never stretch early.
Force Out, Tag Out
Teaches the difference between force outs and tag outs. Fielders practice tagging runners or racing to bases on coach commands.
Glove-Side Foot Backhand
Extended backhand technique for balls hit far to the glove side. Cross over, drop to a lunge, and catch the ball out in front off your front foot.
Goalie Drill Game
Fun fielding game where hitters protect a goal behind them with their glove and any means necessary.
Grab Bag
Players alternate catching bare-handed grounders and pop-ups, switching lines after each rep. Keeps players on their toes with random ball types.
Groundball Competition
Team competition where groups compete fielding ground balls and making accurate throws. Develops fundamentals under pressure.
Groundball Quick Catch
Fast-paced drill emphasizing clean catches over flashy plays. Partner rolls ground balls at varying speeds and angles.
Ground Ball Shuffle
Partner drill teaching proper lateral movement to field ground balls. Players must shuffle without crossing their feet to get in front of the ball.
Grounders
Basic partner drill for developing soft hands and proper glove position on routine ground balls.
High Toss Short Hop Drill
Develops timing and footwork for fielding short hops. Players must read the ball trajectory off a high toss and position themselves to field immediately after the bounce.
Infield Knockout
High-energy competition where players are eliminated for errors. Great for any skill and keeps kids engaged. Miss a play and you are out!
Infield Outfield Routine
A comprehensive pre-game infield/outfield routine that covers relays, round the horn throws, double plays, and various fielding scenarios. Quick, game-like, and promotes energy and communication. Should be used as your pre-game warmup and time should be reserved during practice to work on it.
Lazy Grounders
Players learn to read and field grounders while on their knees. Develops proper glove positioning and backhand technique without using legs.
Middle Infield Double Play Drills
Practice the middle infield feeds for turning double plays. Work on both shortstop-to-second (6-4) and second baseman-to-short (4-6) feeds using underhand flips.
Pitcher Fielding Practice (PFP's)
Essential pitcher fielding practice covering bunts, comebackers, and covering first base. Every pitcher must be a capable fielder.
Rolled Ground Ball Fundamentals
Controlled ground ball drill for all ages. Roll balls directly into gloves while players hold proper fielding position - builds fundamentals and leg strength.
Short Fungos
Standard infield practice hitting ground balls to all positions. Adapt difficulty to player skill level and field conditions.
Shorthop Gauntlet
Intensive short hop drill where fielders move through multiple stations, building quick hands and confidence on difficult hops.
Short Hops
Essential drill for learning to pick short hops, teaching proper glove work and hand position for bad bounce grounders.
Short Hop Showdown
Partner drill where players practice digging balls out of the dirt. Pairs compete to reach 10 successful short hop catches first.
Shuffle Step Around
Agility drill using cones to teach proper shuffle steps and body positioning for infielders. Develops lateral movement without crossing feet.
Tag and Flip
Practice the complete tag play sequence: receive throw, apply tag, immediately flip to the next base. Develops quick hands and transitions.
Master fly balls, routes, communication, and outfield throwing mechanics
8 Ball Softball Outfield Drill
Outfield agility drill where players field balls hit to 8 different spots around them. Great for building range and reaction time.
Break Down and Come Through
Fundamental fielding drill teaching players to attack the ball, get their body in proper position, and field the ball on the move.
Bucket Catch
Fun catching drill using a bucket instead of a glove. Builds hand-eye coordination and tracking skills for beginners who find gloves intimidating.
Crossover Step Drill
Develops the crossover step - the most efficient way for outfielders to move laterally to fly balls. Pivot, cross over, and run to the spot. This encourages first step quickness and speed to the ball.
Crow Hops
Fundamental drill teaching proper footwork for fielding ground balls on the move and getting into throwing position.
Crow Hop Throwing
Teaches outfielders the crow hop footwork that generates momentum and power for strong, accurate throws to the infield.
Cutoff and Relay Circuit
Station-based relay drill practicing throws from outfield to home through cutoff men. Develops arm strength and proper relay mechanics.
Drop Step Drill
Advanced outfield footwork for balls hit over your head. Drop one foot back, turn your body, and crossover to run to the spot.
Fence Drill
Teaches outfielders to track fly balls near the fence while using their throwing hand to feel for the wall. Builds field awareness and confidence.
Fly Ball Communication Drill
Teaches outfielders to call for fly balls loudly and clearly to prevent collisions. Communication is the key to safety in the gaps.
Fungo to Outfielders
Game-like fly ball and ground ball reps for outfielders. Adjust difficulty to each player and focus on proper technique before adding speed.
Goalie Drill Game
Fun fielding game where hitters protect a goal behind them with their glove and any means necessary.
Grab Bag
Players alternate catching bare-handed grounders and pop-ups, switching lines after each rep. Keeps players on their toes with random ball types.
Infield Outfield Routine
A comprehensive pre-game infield/outfield routine that covers relays, round the horn throws, double plays, and various fielding scenarios. Quick, game-like, and promotes energy and communication. Should be used as your pre-game warmup and time should be reserved during practice to work on it.
Outfield Communication Drill
Two outfielders compete for fly balls thrown between them. Must call for the ball at least three times before catching - teaches communication that prevents collisions.
Outfield Drop Step
Teaches first step drop, angles, and catching flyballs going backwards over the head.
Outfield Fungos
Standard outfield practice with fly balls to all positions. Include throws to cutoff men and bases.
Pop Quiz
Team fly ball drill where players must catch a target number of consecutive pop-ups without drops. Builds communication and accountability.
Route Running
Football-style drill where players run pass routes and catch fly balls on the run. Develops crossover steps, drop steps, and tracking skills.
Throwing Seeds
Outfield drill practicing long throws to home plate. Players field batted balls and throw to a target, simulating cutting down runners.
Master pitching mechanics, velocity, command, and pitch development
1st Base Flip to Pitcher
Essential first base and pitcher's fielding drill teaching the 3-6-1 play where the first baseman fields a ground ball and flips to the pitcher covering first base.
Arm Speed
Fundamental pitching drill focusing on developing quick arm action and proper arm speed through the release point.
Balance Drill
Teaches pitchers to find their balance point and gather energy before exploding toward home plate. The 3-count pause builds leg strength and body control.
Balanced Stationary Drill
Pitching drill from a static position teaching proper core engagement and extension without lower body involvement.
Balance Pause Drill
Pitching drill emphasizing balance at the top of the leg lift by holding the position before delivering the pitch.
Break of the Hands Drill
Critical pitching drill teaching proper timing of hand separation, ensuring hands break at the right point in the delivery.
Chair Drill
Uses a chair to correct stride length issues. The front foot should land just in front of the chair, preventing over-striding or under-striding.
Change-Up Catch
Pitching drill focusing on throwing change-ups with same arm speed and mechanics as fastballs, developing deception.
Change-Up Grips
Pitching drill for experimenting with different change-up grips to find which works best for each individual pitcher.
Comebacker Drill
Teaches pitchers to follow through in fielding position and make the play on balls hit back through the box. Also practice 1-6-3 double plays.
Dynamic Warmup Routine for Pitchers
Pitcher-specific warmup routine progressing from general movement to throwing. Focus on shoulder mobility and rotational core.
Long Toss
Arm strength drill for pitchers and all players. Warm up, then progressively move back until reaching your partner is a challenge. Throw with slight arc.
Pitcher Fielding Practice (PFP's)
Essential pitcher fielding practice covering bunts, comebackers, and covering first base. Every pitcher must be a capable fielder.
Pre-Game Routine Guide for Baseball Pitchers
Pitcher-specific pre-game routine including mental prep, physical warmup, arm care, and bullpen session. Consistent routine leads to consistent performance.
Pro Pitcher Warm-Up
Professional-level pitcher warmup in seven phases. From foam rolling to pitch sequencing, complete preparation for game readiness.
Rotational Strength & Power Workout for Pitchers
Elite-level rotational strength and power training used by MLB pitchers. Develop core power and rotational velocity for pitching performance.
Towel Pitching Drill
Dry drill using a towel to work on pitching mechanics without throwing a ball. The towel should crack like a whip if released properly.
Develop receiving, blocking, and throwing skills for catchers
3 Softball Catcher's Drills for Throwing
Develop lateral blocking ability for pitches in the dirt to the left and right. Quick feet and proper angle keep balls in front.
All Together Receiving
Comprehensive catching drill focusing on receiving all pitch types and locations, emphasizing soft hands, framing, and proper stance.
Basic Blocking
Fundamental catching drill teaching basic blocking technique for balls in the dirt directly in front of the catcher.
Basic Receiving
Foundational catching drill using tennis balls and no glove to develop soft hands and proper receiving technique.
Bite the Ball
Catching drill emphasizing chin position during blocking, using tennis balls to teach proper head placement and body angle.
Block and Recover
Catching drill combining blocking with quick recovery and throwing motion, simulating game situations with runners.
Block, Recover, Throw
Advanced catching drill adding actual throws after blocking, developing complete skill sequence for handling wild pitches with runners on.
Catcher Pop Time Drills
Develop sub-2.0 second pop times through proper footwork, quick transfers, and accurate throws to second base.
Develop speed, smart baserunning decisions, leads, and stealing techniques
21 Outs Game
Team defensive challenge to record 21 consecutive outs without an error. Any mistake resets the count to zero. Builds focus and accountability.
All the Way Through 1st Base
Teach players to run hard through first base on ground balls, focusing on proper foot strike technique and controlled deceleration after the bag.
Base Running Circuit
Complete baserunning warm-up covering home-to-first, first-to-third, and scoring from second. Great conditioning while teaching proper technique.
Base Running Relay Race
Competitive relay race proving that proper technique beats raw speed. Groups compete running around the bases for best combined time.
Beat the Ball
Race between a runner circling the bases and fielders throwing the ball around the horn. Can the ball beat the runner home?
Breakdown Drill
Teaches players to run hard through first base, then break down to check for overthrows. Essential skill for smart baserunning.
Dirt Ball Reads
Train baserunners to recognize balls in the dirt and make quick decisions about advancing, developing aggressive but smart baserunning instincts.
Leads and Breaks
Advanced baserunning drill teaching proper leadoff stance, reading pitchers, and explosive first steps for stealing or advancing on wild pitches.
Pickle (Rundown Game)
Fun competitive drill teaching rundown fundamentals. Fielders work together to tag out a runner caught between bases in as few throws as possible.
Pole Sprints
Classic team conditioning drill sprinting from foul pole to foul pole. Simple but effective way to build endurance at the end of practice.
Situational Team Defense Practice
Pre-scripted defensive scenarios with placed runners to practice alignments, covers, and throws.
Tag Up Drill
Teaches the timing and technique for tagging up on fly balls. Focus on leaving the instant the ball is caught, not a moment before.
Cutoffs, relays, rundowns, situational plays, and defensive communication
21 Outs Game
Team defensive challenge to record 21 consecutive outs without an error. Any mistake resets the count to zero. Builds focus and accountability.
3-Man Relay
Relay drill teaching quick transfers, accurate throws, and communication essential for cut-off and relay situations.
Bunt Defense Drill
Full team drill practicing bunt coverage and defensive assignments. Cover sacrifice bunts, squeeze plays, and different bunt locations.
Cutoff and Relay Circuit
Station-based relay drill practicing throws from outfield to home through cutoff men. Develops arm strength and proper relay mechanics.
Cutoff Relay Race
Relay race where groups compete making throws from the outfield to home. Teaches quick transfers, proper footwork, and turning toward the glove side.
Fly Ball Communication Drill
Teaches outfielders to call for fly balls loudly and clearly to prevent collisions. Communication is the key to safety in the gaps.
Force Out, Tag Out
Teaches the difference between force outs and tag outs. Fielders practice tagging runners or racing to bases on coach commands.
Infield Outfield Routine
A comprehensive pre-game infield/outfield routine that covers relays, round the horn throws, double plays, and various fielding scenarios. Quick, game-like, and promotes energy and communication. Should be used as your pre-game warmup and time should be reserved during practice to work on it.
Outfield Communication Drill
Two outfielders compete for fly balls thrown between them. Must call for the ball at least three times before catching - teaches communication that prevents collisions.
Outfield Fungos
Standard outfield practice with fly balls to all positions. Include throws to cutoff men and bases.
Pickle (Rundown Game)
Fun competitive drill teaching rundown fundamentals. Fielders work together to tag out a runner caught between bases in as few throws as possible.
Pitcher Fielding Practice (PFP's)
Essential pitcher fielding practice covering bunts, comebackers, and covering first base. Every pitcher must be a capable fielder.
Pop Quiz
Team fly ball drill where players must catch a target number of consecutive pop-ups without drops. Builds communication and accountability.
Situational Team Defense Practice
Pre-scripted defensive scenarios with placed runners to practice alignments, covers, and throws.
Dynamic warm-ups, stretching routines, and activation exercises to prepare for practice
21-Point Throwing Accuracy
Competitive accuracy game played during catch. Chest-level catches score 1 point, head-level scores 2. First to 21 wins.
8 Step Dynamic Baseball or Softball Warmup
Eight essential warmup exercises in sequence. Cover hip flexors, hamstrings, shoulders, core, lateral movement, and throwing progression.
Backhand Cross Toss
Advanced backhand drill teaching crossover step technique for balls hit further to glove side, developing range and agility.
Backhand Toss
Partner drill developing backhand fielding technique with focus on staying low, proper glove position, and tracking the ball.
Base Running Circuit
Complete baserunning warm-up covering home-to-first, first-to-third, and scoring from second. Great conditioning while teaching proper technique.
Crow Hops
Fundamental drill teaching proper footwork for fielding ground balls on the move and getting into throwing position.
Dynamic Warmup Circuit
Complete dynamic warmup circuit using cones. Cover all major movement patterns before throwing or practice activities.
Dynamic Warmup Routine for Pitchers
Pitcher-specific warmup routine progressing from general movement to throwing. Focus on shoulder mobility and rotational core.
Easy Team Warm Up Routine for Youth Baseball
Simple team warmup routine appropriate for youth players. Progress from jogging to dynamic stretches to throwing.
Easy Warmup Routine to Get Ready for Batting Practice
Hitter-specific warmup focusing on hip mobility, shoulder rotation, and progressively faster swings. Feel explosive and ready to hit.
Grounders
Basic partner drill for developing soft hands and proper glove position on routine ground balls.
Pepper
Classic bat control game with one batter and 2-4 fielders. Hit controlled ground balls, rotate on misses or fly balls. Great for hand-eye coordination.
Pre-Game Baseball Warm-Up
Complete pre-game warmup covering jogging, dynamic stretching, sport-specific movements, throwing, and position work.
Pre-Game Routine Guide for Baseball Pitchers
Pitcher-specific pre-game routine including mental prep, physical warmup, arm care, and bullpen session. Consistent routine leads to consistent performance.
Pro Pitcher Warm-Up
Professional-level pitcher warmup in seven phases. From foam rolling to pitch sequencing, complete preparation for game readiness.
Pro Style Full Baseball Warmup
Complete professional-style warmup routine from cardiovascular activation to position-specific movements. Feel athletic, loose, and focused.
Quick Toss
Hand-eye coordination drill developing quick hands, soft hands, and throwing accuracy at game speed.
Short Hops
Essential drill for learning to pick short hops, teaching proper glove work and hand position for bad bounce grounders.
Youth Baseball Practice Warm-Up Routine
Complete youth practice warm-up with player-led exercises and throwing progression. Kids take turns leading, then progress through wrist flips and quality throws.
Agility, speed training, strength development, and baseball-specific fitness
14 Best Gym Exercises For Baseball Players
Olympic strength coach Dane Miller presents 14 exercises to train every key muscle group for baseball. Covers shoulder/elbow strength (44% of player needs), core/trunk stability (25%), and hip/groin power (31%). Includes progressions from traditional movements to advanced explosive exercises.
Ab Wheel Rollout
Ab wheel rollout focusing on lats and hollow body position. Improves trunk control for better power transfer in throwing and hitting.
At Home No Equipment Baseball Workout
Complete bodyweight training program requiring no equipment. Perfect for home training, travel, or in-season maintenance when gym access limited.
Baseball-Specific Strength Workout
Comprehensive full-body baseball strength program targeting all major muscle groups with sport-specific movements. Complete workout for building baseball athleticism.
Baseball Workouts for More Power
Two complete upper and lower body training sessions designed for baseball players. Comprehensive program for building strength and power.
Base Running Circuit
Complete baserunning warm-up covering home-to-first, first-to-third, and scoring from second. Great conditioning while teaching proper technique.
Building Your Own Baseball Workout
Eight safe, baseball-specific strength exercises that form the foundation of an effective training program. Build your own customized workout routine.
Chaos External Rotation
External rotation using a chaos band setup for shoulder stability through co-contractions. Trains rapid stabilization at the shoulder joint.
Crow Hop Medicine Ball Throw
Medicine ball crow hop with shot put release. Transfers ground force through hips and trunk into the throw, mimicking pitching and throwing mechanics.
Drop External Rotation
Explosive catch and stabilization drill for rapid shoulder stability. Use light weight and perform closer to the season.
Dumbbell External Rotation
Seated dumbbell external rotation with slow eccentric to strengthen the shoulder girdle. Baseball players are typically weak in this movement. Build up to 8-10% of your bench press weight.
Forearm Roller
Forearm strengthening with rotation using a pipe roller. Mimics rotational demands of baseball and blows up the forearms.
GHD Rotational Back Extension
Glute ham developer with trunk rotation. Builds rotational strength in glutes, hamstrings, and lower back for powerful hip rotation.
Hitting Power & Strength Workout
Targeted strength and power workout designed specifically to increase hitting power. Focus on rotational strength and explosive hip drive.
Incline Y Raises
Prone incline Y raises targeting the traps and scapular control. Focus on retracting the scapula at the top of each rep.
Meadows Swings
Upper back exercise focusing on squeezing the shoulder blades together. Great for building a pump and strengthening the upper back for throwing.
Pole Sprints
Classic team conditioning drill sprinting from foul pole to foul pole. Simple but effective way to build endurance at the end of practice.
Power Snatch
Olympic lift teaching large expression of impulse - high force in short time. Develops explosive power for fielding, batting, and pitching.
Rotational Strength & Power Workout for Pitchers
Elite-level rotational strength and power training used by MLB pitchers. Develop core power and rotational velocity for pitching performance.
Single Leg Squat
Progressive single leg squat from bodyweight to barbell. Every baseball player should do this regularly for unilateral leg strength.
Speed & Agility Lower Body Strength Workout
Combined lower body strength and speed/agility training session. Develop explosive power and movement skills in single comprehensive workout.
Speed, Agility, Quickness Conditioning Drills
Comprehensive conditioning program emphasizing speed development, agility patterns, and quickness drills. Improve on-field performance and endurance.
Upper Body Power & Strength Workout for Elite Baseball Athletes
Advanced upper body training focused on developing explosive power and functional strength for elite-level baseball performance.
V Up Throw
Dynamic core exercise pairing a V-up with a ball throw or hold. Develops trunk control and rotational power.
Zombie Squats
Front squat variation with arms extended forward requiring exceptional trunk stability. Forces proper positioning without arm support.
Zottman Curls
Curl with rotation targeting the brachioradialis and forearm. Strengthens grip for better bat control and ball command.
Build focus, confidence, visualization, and mental toughness for peak performance
5 Mental Toughness Exercises Every Athlete Should Practice
Five fundamental mental toughness exercises applicable to all athletes. Build resilience, focus, and psychological strength through regular practice.
Four-Step Mental Skills Routine for Softball
Simple, effective four-step mental routine for softball players to maintain focus and composure during competition. Applicable to all positions.
Four Steps to Mental Toughness for Softball Pitchers
Specific mental toughness training for softball pitchers. Four-step approach to developing the mental resilience required for pitching success.
Mental Imagery for Softball
Detailed guide to using mental imagery and visualization for softball performance enhancement. Learn to create effective mental practice sessions.
Mental Skills For Softball Infielders
Mental training techniques specifically for infielders to reduce errors through improved focus, confidence, and error recovery strategies.
Mental Training Tips For Softball Coaches & Players
Comprehensive mental training guidance for both coaches and players covering key mental skills, implementation strategies, and team culture development.
Competitive drills, scrimmages, and games that develop skills while having fun
21 Outs Game
Team defensive challenge to record 21 consecutive outs without an error. Any mistake resets the count to zero. Builds focus and accountability.
21-Point Throwing Accuracy
Competitive accuracy game played during catch. Chest-level catches score 1 point, head-level scores 2. First to 21 wins.
2-Line Relay
Competitive relay race between two lines of players. First team to get the ball from back to front wins. Teaches quick transfers.
Base Running Relay Race
Competitive relay race proving that proper technique beats raw speed. Groups compete running around the bases for best combined time.
Bat Knockdown Throwing Game
Competitive throwing accuracy game where players try to knock down a bat standing on home plate. Great for developing aim while keeping practice fun.
Beat the Ball
Race between a runner circling the bases and fielders throwing the ball around the horn. Can the ball beat the runner home?
Belly Up
Reaction drill where players start lying on their backs and must quickly get up to field ground balls. Builds explosiveness and focus.
Bucket Catch
Fun catching drill using a bucket instead of a glove. Builds hand-eye coordination and tracking skills for beginners who find gloves intimidating.
Bullseye
Accuracy competition throwing at hula hoop targets on a fence. Teams compete for points while developing throwing precision.
Clean Up Crew
High-energy team game where players throw balls out of their zone into the opposing teams area. Low-pressure way to practice overhand throwing.
Color Soft Toss
Advanced pitch recognition drill using colored balls to develop visual tracking and decision-making mid pitch. Coach tosses two colored balls and tells the player which one to hit.
Cutoff Relay Race
Relay race where groups compete making throws from the outfield to home. Teaches quick transfers, proper footwork, and turning toward the glove side.
Goalie Drill Game
Fun fielding game where hitters protect a goal behind them with their glove and any means necessary.
Groundball Competition
Team competition where groups compete fielding ground balls and making accurate throws. Develops fundamentals under pressure.
Homerun Derby
Fun competitive hitting game rewarding line drives and hard contact. Pop-ups and high fly balls are outs even if they go far.
Infield Knockout
High-energy competition where players are eliminated for errors. Great for any skill and keeps kids engaged. Miss a play and you are out!
Knock It Off
Accuracy game throwing at a ball balanced on a tee. Simple setup creates fun competition while reinforcing proper throwing mechanics.
Knockout Hitting
Progressive elimination hitting drill where players must complete specific hitting tasks based on skill level or they are "knocked out". Perfect for building competitiveness and improving hitting skills under pressure.
Long-Toss Golf
Fun accuracy game where players throw at targets in the outfield like golf holes. Builds arm strength through long tossing while developing accuracy.
Outfield Communication Drill
Two outfielders compete for fly balls thrown between them. Must call for the ball at least three times before catching - teaches communication that prevents collisions.
Pepper
Classic bat control game with one batter and 2-4 fielders. Hit controlled ground balls, rotate on misses or fly balls. Great for hand-eye coordination.
Pickle (Rundown Game)
Fun competitive drill teaching rundown fundamentals. Fielders work together to tag out a runner caught between bases in as few throws as possible.
The Grass Game
Elimination hitting game where players must hit the ball into fair territory grass on one swing. Miss or foul and you are out.
Wiffle Ball Circle
A great fun drill that keeps a bunch of kids engaged. A great game for before practice or during off hours for hitters.
Zombies and Survivors
Fun hitting game where players must hit line drives to survive. Those who fail become zombies playing defense.
Need help running your practice?
Use our Practice Planner to build baseball practices tailored to your team in minutes.
Why Coaches Love Our Baseball Drill Library
Every drill is designed for maximum engagement and skill development
High-Rep Focused
Maximum touches and repetitions. Keep lines short and players engaged with efficient station work.
Skill-Appropriate
Every drill includes progressions for all skill levels—from beginners learning fundamentals through advanced competitive players.
Easy to Learn
Clear setup diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and common mistakes to avoid for every drill.
How to Choose the Right Baseball Drills for Your Team
Not all baseball drills are created equal. The best drill for your team depends on several factors: age and skill level, team goals, available equipment, practice time, and how many coaches or helpers you have. Here's how to select drills that maximize learning and keep players engaged.
Match Drills to Skill Level
Youth players ages 4-6 need drills focused on basic motor skills and having fun. They can't handle complex instructions or long explanations. Look for drills tagged "beginner" that involve running, catching soft balls, and hitting off a tee.
Players ages 7-8 are ready for basic mechanics work—proper throwing motion, batting stance, and fielding ground balls. Ages 9-12 can handle position-specific training and strategic concepts. High school players (13+) benefit from advanced drills that simulate game situations and build competitive skills.
Focus on What Matters Most
Every baseball team has areas that need work. Identify your top 2-3 skill gaps (struggling with fly balls? Not making contact at the plate? Poor throwing accuracy?) and filter our drill library by those categories.
Don't try to fix everything at once. Running hitting drills for two weeks straight is more effective than doing one hitting drill per practice all season. Focus creates mastery.
Consider Your Coaching Resources
Solo coaches need drills that keep everyone busy without requiring supervision at every station. Look for drills where kids can work in pairs or small groups semi-independently.
If you have assistant coaches or parent volunteers, you can run multiple stations simultaneously. Our station-based baseball practice plans show you how to set up 3-4 drill stations where players rotate every 10-15 minutes, maximizing touches for everyone.
Pro Tip: The "High-Rep" Filter
When browsing drills, look for ones that give each player 10+ repetitions per rotation. Drills where kids stand in long lines waiting for a turn waste time and kill engagement. The best baseball drills keep everyone moving.
Age-Appropriate Baseball Drill Selection Guide
What works for 13-year-olds will frustrate 6-year-olds—and vice versa. Here's what to prioritize at each developmental stage, plus specific drill recommendations from our library.
Tee Ball & Beginner Level
Attention span: 5-7 minutes per activity
Focus Areas:
- Basic motor skills: Running, catching large soft balls, throwing toward a target
- Making contact: Hitting off a tee or soft toss from very close range
- Fun & engagement: Games, relay races, positive reinforcement
- Following directions: Waiting for turns, listening to coaches, staying with the group
Best Drill Categories:
Browse tee ball hitting drills, basic throwing drills, and fun warm-up activities. Avoid complex fielding mechanics or competitive drills at this age.
Coach Pitch & Machine Pitch
Attention span: 8-12 minutes per activity
Focus Areas:
- Proper mechanics: Batting stance, grip, throwing motion, ready position
- Fielding fundamentals: Ground balls, fly balls, underhand & overhand throws
- Hitting moving balls: Transition from tee to coach pitch or machine
- Basic rules: Where to throw, when to run, staying in positions
Best Drill Categories:
Focus on ground ball and fly ball drills, soft toss and tee work, and throwing accuracy drills. Introduce baserunning fundamentals.
Kid Pitch & Competitive Youth
Attention span: 12-18 minutes per activity
Focus Areas:
- Position-specific skills: Outfield footwork, infield double plays, catcher blocking
- Game situations: Cutoffs, relays, rundowns, bunt defense
- Advanced hitting: Pitch recognition, opposite field hitting, situational hitting
- Pitching basics: Grip, delivery, control, change-up
Best Drill Categories:
Emphasize advanced fielding scenarios, live batting practice, pitching mechanics, and team defense drills. Include competitive elements.
High School & Advanced Travel
Attention span: 15-25 minutes per activity
Focus Areas:
- Refinement: Fine-tuning mechanics, maximizing power & speed
- Strength & conditioning: Arm care, speed work, explosive movements
- Mental game: Pressure situations, focus drills, competitive mindset
- Strategy & IQ: Reading pitchers, defensive shifts, advanced baserunning
Best Drill Categories:
Use conditioning and agility drills, mental skills training, advanced pitching sequences, and game-speed scenarios. Increase intensity and competition.
Common Baseball Drill Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Even experienced baseball coaches make these mistakes when running drills. Here's how to avoid the most common pitfalls that reduce effectiveness and player engagement:
Mistake #1: Long Lines = Bored Kids
When you have 12 kids in line for one batting cage or one fielding station, most of your practice time is wasted. Players get 3-4 swings in 90 minutes and spend the rest picking grass.
The Fix:
Break into smaller groups of 3-4 players per station. Set up multiple hitting stations (tee, soft toss, live pitching) or multiple fielding spots. Browse our drill library filtering by "small groups" to find drills designed for 2-5 players that maximize touches.
Mistake #2: Talking Too Much, Doing Too Little
Coaches spend 10 minutes explaining a drill, then players get 5 minutes to actually do it. Kids learn by doing, not listening to lectures.
The Fix:
Keep instructions under 60 seconds. Demonstrate the drill once, then let kids try while you coach. Use the "show, don't tell" approach—grab a player to demonstrate rather than describing everything verbally. Make adjustments during the drill, not before.
Mistake #3: Making Drills Too Complex
Drills with 8 steps and lots of moving parts confuse players. They spend mental energy remembering what to do instead of focusing on the skill you're teaching.
The Fix:
Simple drills with clear objectives work best. If you can't explain the drill in one sentence, it's probably too complicated. Start simple, then add complexity as players master the basics. Our drill filters let you find "beginner" versions of any skill.
Mistake #4: No Progression or Regression
Running the same drill the same way all season doesn't account for skill improvement. Advanced players get bored, struggling players never catch up.
The Fix:
Every drill should have 2-3 difficulty levels. For fielding, progress from stationary ground balls → slow rollers → hard grounders → bad hops. For hitting, go from tee → soft toss → slow pitch → game-speed. Our drills include progression notes showing how to adjust difficulty.
Mistake #5: Drills Don't Match Game Situations
Practicing skills in isolation (like fielding grounders with no runners, no urgency) doesn't prepare kids for real games where they need to make quick decisions under pressure.
The Fix:
Add game context to drills. Instead of just fielding ground balls, have players field and throw to first while calling "runner on second!" Do situational hitting where batters know the game scenario (runner on third, less than 2 outs). This builds decision-making skills alongside physical skills.
Maximizing Repetitions and Player Engagement During Drills
The best baseball drills share one trait: they keep players active and engaged. Here's how to get the most out of every drill in your practice plan.
Use Timed Rounds
Instead of saying "everyone gets 5 reps," set a 10-minute timer. This creates urgency, keeps energy high, and prevents one slow group from holding everyone up.
Example: "You have 10 minutes at this hitting station. Get as many quality swings as possible, rotate through quickly."
Partner Drills Work Best
Pair up players whenever possible. While one hits, the other fields or feeds balls. This doubles engagement and reduces downtime. Plus, kids often coach each other better than adults do.
Look for drills tagged "partner drill" in our library.
Add Competition (Carefully)
For ages 9+, friendly competition boosts engagement. Who can field 10 clean ground balls first? Which group gets the most line drives? Keep it light and positive—focus on beating personal bests, not embarrassing struggling players.
Avoid competition for ages 4-8. Focus on fun and mastery instead.
Specific, Immediate Feedback
Instead of "good job," give actionable feedback: "Great job getting your glove down early!" or "Try keeping your eye on the ball longer." This tells players exactly what to repeat or adjust.
Positive reinforcement works 3x better than criticism for youth players.
The 80/20 Rule for Youth Baseball Drills
Players should spend 80% of practice time actively doing (hitting, throwing, fielding) and only 20% listening or waiting. If your drills don't hit this ratio, you need more stations, smaller groups, or simpler drills.
Track this for one practice: time how long each player actually has a ball in their hand or bat in the zone. You'll likely be shocked how little action happens in traditional practice formats. Station-based practices (like our free templates) solve this problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baseball Drills
How many drills should I use in one practice?
For 60-minute practices, aim for 4-6 different drills (not counting warm-up). For 90 minutes, 6-8 drills works well. Quality over quantity—it's better to do 3 drills really well than rush through 10. Younger teams (ages 4-8) need more variety since attention spans are shorter; older teams can spend more time on fewer drills going deeper.
How long should each drill last?
General guideline: Ages 4-6: 5-7 minutes per drill before switching. Ages 7-8: 8-12 minutes. Ages 9-12: 12-18 minutes. Ages 13+: 15-25 minutes. Watch for engagement—if kids are losing focus or getting sloppy, move on even if you planned more time. Energy beats perfection at youth levels.
What are the best hitting drills for beginners?
Start with tee work drills to build basic swing mechanics without the complexity of a moving ball. Progress to soft toss from short distances (10-15 feet). Focus on making contact and tracking the ball—don't worry about power or perfect form yet. Games like "hit the target" (placing cones in the field to aim at) make it fun while building bat control.
How do I keep players engaged during drills?
Three keys: (1) Small groups—never more than 5 kids per station. (2) Constant movement—if a player waits more than 30 seconds between reps, your setup needs work. (3) Make it fun—add music, use colorful equipment, celebrate effort loudly, turn drills into games with light competition. For ages 4-8, theme practices around fun names ("superhero fielding day") to boost buy-in.
Should I focus on one skill or do a variety each practice?
Both approaches work for different situations. Theme practices (hitting-focused, defense-focused) allow deeper skill development and are great when you've identified specific team weaknesses. Variety practices that touch all skills keep things fresh and are better for early season or younger teams. A good balance: Pick 2 focus skills per practice, spend 60-70% of time there, and do one fun "bonus" drill in another area.
What equipment do I need for most baseball drills?
Essential: Balls (1 per 2 players minimum), bats, gloves, batting tees (2-3), cones or markers, bases. Nice to have: Soft toss net, L-screen for protection, agility ladder, resistance bands, pitching target/strike zone mat. You can run excellent practices with just the essentials—our drills note required equipment so you can filter by what you have available.
How do I modify drills for different skill levels on the same team?
Use progression layers within each drill. For fielding: Advanced players field hard grounders from 40 feet, beginners get slow rollers from 20 feet. For hitting: Strong hitters get live pitching, developing hitters use soft toss or tee. Group by ability for skill work, then bring everyone together for team drills and scrimmages. Our drill library includes progression notes showing exactly how to adjust difficulty up or down.
When should I introduce position-specific drills?
Ages 4-8: Everyone should try all positions. Focus on general skills. Ages 9-10: Start dedicating 10-15 minutes per practice to position work as kids begin to show preferences. Ages 11+: Spend 25-30% of practice time on position-specific training. Even then, cross-train players—don't lock 10-year-olds into one position forever. Browse our position-specific drills filtered by age.
How often should I change drills throughout the season?
Introduce 2-3 new drills every 2-3 weeks while keeping a few favorites in rotation. Kids benefit from repetition (mastery comes from doing the same drill multiple times), but too much repetition kills engagement. A good system: Keep 50% of your drills consistent week-to-week for skill building, rotate the other 50% for variety. Download multiple practice plan templates to build a seasonal rotation.
Can I run effective drills as a solo coach with no assistants?
Absolutely. Look for drills that are "self-running" where players work in pairs or small groups with minimal supervision once you demonstrate. Examples: Partner toss drills, small-group fielding circuits, tee work stations. Set up 2-3 stations, demonstrate each one, then rotate between them giving feedback. Recruit a reliable parent or older sibling to help supervise (they don't need to coach, just watch for safety). Our drill library has a "minimal supervision" filter for exactly this scenario.
Ready to Put These Drills Into Action?
Browse our complete library of baseball drills above, or build a custom practice plan using our free practice planner tool. Choose drills by category, age level, and equipment available.