By: Joshua Downing

EQUIPMENT: Helmets, Baseballs, Bats, and Gloves

Purpose: To teach basic base running, but puts in a mixture, gets everybody thinking of scenarios and gets some work in while getting warmed up in the days practice.

Everybody starts at home with helmet on. On command, Player A runs through first base, chopping steps and looking over right shoulder and then back on the bag (simulating infield single.) Player A then gets his lead (for younger players, good base running position on bag). On next command, Player A simulates a steal situation (slides on second while looking for ball into centerfield,) while Player B runs through first. Next command … Player A runs to third base, rounding hard (usually I have my third base coach mix it up, late stops or slides) Player B steals second base and Player C runs through first base. Next command … Player A tags up at third base (simulates outfield fly) and slides across home plate (Player B to third base, Player C to second base, and Player D runs through first base, etc.)

I run everybody through this drill once and then we go a second time, but mix it up. First command simulates outfield single (rounds first and back to the bag.) Next command is first and third situation, sliding in at third. Next command … runner at third base gets lead, dives back to third and then simulates over thrown ball and slides home. Different variations can be used.

Good Luck!