WEEK 5: TEAMWORK T-Ball Practice Plan

Transcription

1 WEEK 5: TEAMWORK T-Ball Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players share their favorite part about last week and talk about what they think teamwork means. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have team count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 10 jumping jacks. CATCHING & THROWING - 10 MINUTES 1. Ask two players to work together to put out the balls and gloves needed for this drill. 2. Have players find a partner and spread out. 3. Players will take a knee and practice throwing and catching to each other. 4. If players feel comfortable, have them gradually make their way to standing. FIELDING - 10 MINUTES 1. Have players spread out on the field into two groups, one coach with each. 2. Toss the ball to players while having them practice catching thumb-to-thumb (fingers pointing up) when the ball is above their waist and pinky-to-pinky (fingers pointing down) for balls thrown below the waist. 3. Players will throw the ball back to the coach, emphasizing stepping before and then throwing. 1

2 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES OFFENSE & DEFENSE - 20 MINUTES 1. Have a few teammates be responsible for setting up the equipment for this drill. 2. Have half of the players head to the infield and half line up at home plate. 3. Have one player up to bat and hit off a tee. 4. Focus on hitting the ball and then running as fast as he/she can to first base. 5. Have players in the infield catch the ball and throw it back to the coach. 6. Then have the next player in line go. Once the player hits off the tee, have the player on first run to second. 7. Continue this sequence until all players have had a turn. 8. Switch infield players with batting players. 9. Have a few players work together to clean up all the equipment. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 10 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 5 (see handout). Note: All T-ball practices are constructed around a 60-minute time block. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

3 WEEK 5: TEAMWORK Minors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players share their favorite part about last week and talk about what they think teamwork means. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have team count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 15 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes TEAMWORK ACTIVITY - 15 MINUTES 1. Split the group into two teams. The first team will bat while the other is in the field. 2. A coach pitches. The first batter hits the ball and starts to run the bases. 3. All players of the fielding team run to the ball and line up behind the player who is fielding it. 4. Once all players have formed the line, the player with the ball will pass the ball to each player in line. 5. The last player in line will throw the ball in to the coach. 6. When the ball gets to the coach, the runner stops. 7. Each base he/she has touched is counted as one point for his/her team. Immediately, the next batter gets a pitch and the same thing happens. 8. Once every player hits once, the total bases for the team are added up for their score. 9. Rotate teams. CATCHING - 10 MINUTES 1. Have players spread out in two different groups, one coach with each. 2. Toss the ball to players while having them practice catching thumb-to-thumb when the ball is above their waist and pinky-to-pinky for balls thrown below the waist. 3. Players will throw the ball back to the coach, emphasizing stepping before and then throwing. 1

4 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES OFFENSE & DEFENSE - 20 MINUTES 1. Have a few teammates be responsible for setting up the bases, bats, balls and gloves for this drill. 2. Have half of the players head to the infield and half line up at home plate. 3. Have one player up to bat and hit off a coach's pitch. 4. Focus on hitting the ball and then running as fast as he/she can to first base. 5. Have players in the infield catch the ball and throw it back to the coach. 6. Then have the next player in line go. Once the player hits, have the player on first run to second. 7. Continue this sequence until all players have had a turn. 8. Switch infield players with batting players. 9. Have a few players work together to clean up all the equipment. BASE RUNNING - 5 MINUTES Base Running Relay: 1. Break the players up into two even groups, one group goes to home plate and the other group to second base. 2. Explain the race rules players will run around all the bases and finish on the base they started. Once the player touches that base, the next player can go. 3. Race ends when all players in their group finish. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 5 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

5 WEEK 5: TEAMWORK Majors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players share their favorite part about last week and talk about what they think teamwork means. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have team count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 20 jumping jacks. TEAMWORK Name Pantomime ACTIVITY ~ 10 Minutes - 10 MINUTES 1. Split the group into two teams. The first team will bat while the other is in the field. 2. A coach pitches. The first batter hits the ball and starts to run the bases. 3. All players of the fielding team run to the ball and line up behind the player who is fielding it. 4. Once all players have formed the line, the player with the ball will pass the ball to each player in line. 5. The last player in line will throw the ball in to the coach. 6. When the ball gets to the coach, the runner stops. 7. Each base he/she has touched is counted as one point for his/her team. Immediately, the next batter gets a pitch and the same thing happens. 8. Once every player hits once, the total bases for the team are added up for their score. 9. Rotate teams. THROWING - 10 MINUTES 1. Partner off players and have them face each other. 2. Each player takes a knee (right knee for right-handed throwers, left knee for left-handed throwers). 3. Starting with both hands together near chest, players square up shoulders level and in line to target. 4. When the coach says, "Throw," players throw the ball to their partner. 5. The arm action on the throw should be a continuous fluid motion. 6. Advance the arm forward in a strong L position while extending the arm toward the target, releasing the ball in front of the lead leg. 7. The throwing arm should end up in line with, or on the opposite side of, the front leg for a proper finish and follow-through. 8. Players should concentrate on the proper arm action of both the throwing arm and the glove arm. 1

6 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES CATCHING - 10 MINUTES 1. Give each player a ball and line them up single file 10 feet from the coach. 2. When the coach yells, Go! the first player jogs to the coach, tossing the ball to the coach and continuing to run away. 3. The coach turns and throws the ball in a high arc, similar to a touchdown pass. 4. The player runs under the ball, catches it and returns to the end of the line. 5. Continue with the next player. The distance and difficulty of the throw depends on the age and ability of the player. Two-handed catches are recommended. OFFENSE & DEFENSE - 20 MINUTES 1. Have a few teammates be responsible for setting up the equipment for this drill. 2. Have half of the players head to the infield and half line up at home plate. 3. Have one player up to bat and hit off a coach's pitch. 4. Focus on hitting the ball and then running as fast as he/she can to first base. 5. Have players in the infield catch the ball and throw it back to the coach. 6. Then have the next player in line go. Once the player hits, have the player on first run to second. 7. Continue this sequence until all players have had a turn. 8. Switch infield players with batting players. 9. Have a few players work together to clean up all the equipment. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 5 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

7 WEEK 6: LEADERSHIP T-Ball Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about last week and one example of a leader they know (i.e., parent, teacher, friend, etc.) 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have team count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 10 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes LEADERSHIP ACTIVITY - 5 MINUTES 1. Have players stand on the first base line. 2. Have the coach go to one end and all players turn to face the coach. 3. The coach then does different movements around the field and the players must follow the leader. Examples: skipping, running, walking, zigzagging. 4. Coach tip-toes in place, marches in place, runs in place, touches knees, ears, shoulders (etc.), hops in place (one foot), jumps in place (two feet). 5. Repeat with a player being the leader as many times as desired. 6. Could also be played with players scattered around the infield and the players have to copycat the coach. THROWING & CATCHING - 10 MINUTES 1. Break into two groups, one coach with each. 2. Line up players and take turns throwing the ball to each player. 3. Have player catch the ball and throw it back to the coach. 4. Do this five times each. POSITION PRACTICE - 5 MINUTES 1. Line up players. 2. Coach will say a position to the first player in line and on go, the player will run as fast as they can out to their correct position. Player will stay there until all players have taken their spot on the field. 3. Coach will repeat this sequence until all players have taken their spots. 4. Then coach will call them back in. Have players run back as fast as they can. Repeat two or three times. 1

8 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES SECOND BASE PRACTICE - 10 MINUTES 1. Break team into two groups, one coach with each. 2. Have one group in the outfield. The other group will line up at second base. 3. Coach will throw a variety of popups and ground balls to the players in the outfield and then those players will throw to their teammate at second base. 4. Then, the second base player will go to the back of the line. Continue until everyone in the group at second base has had a turn. 5. Rotate the outfield group with the second base group halfway through. HITTING - 10 MINUTES 1. Break players into three groups, one coach at each tee (or as many groups as you have coaches). 2. Review bat grip and stance. 3. Have each player go one at a time hitting the ball off the tee. 4. Practice stepping and swinging. 5. Each player should take five swings then rotate to the next teammate in line. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 10 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 6 (see handout). Note: All T-ball practices are constructed around a 60-minute time block. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

9 WEEK 6: LEADERSHIP Minors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about last week and one example of a leader they know (i.e., parent, teacher, friend, etc.) 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have players switch off LEADING the following stretches, making sure to count to 10 for each: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 15 jumping jacks. LEADERSHIP ACTIVITY - 10 MINUTES SECOND BASE & SHORTSTOP - 15 MINUTES 1. Invite one player to LEAD the team through the directions of this drill. 2. Have 1-3 players help lead and demonstrate the drill with coach. 3. Break team into three groups, one coach in the infield and one in the outfield. 4. Have one group in the outfield, one lined up at second base and one at shortstop. 5. Coach in the infield will throw a variety of pop-ups and ground balls to the players and then those players will throw to their teammate at second base. Second basemen or shortstops (depending on where the ball goes) will catch the ball and tag second base. 6. Coach in the outfield will be watching for form. 7. Rotate through all players at each position. 1

10 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES HITTING - 25 MINUTES 1. Have half of the players head to the infield and half line up at home plate. 2. Have one player up to bat and hit off of a coach's pitch. 3. Focus on hitting the ball and then running as fast as he/she can to first base. 4. Have players in the infield catch the ball and throw it back to the coach. 5. Then have the next player in line go. Once the player hits, have the player on first run to second. 6. Continue this sequence until all players have had a turn. 7. Switch infield players with batting players. BASE RUNNING - 10 MINUTES 1. Start with players with helmets on at each base, including home plate. 2. One player will approach the plate with a bat with one player on each base. The rest of the players will be lined up closer to third base. 3. Have the player get a proper grip on the bat, get in their stance and check to see their plate coverage. Remind player they cannot throw the bat after swinging. 4. Once the coach says go, the player will swing the bat like they just hit the ball and will run toward first base. This will set the drill in motion. 5. The player on first base will run to second base. The player at second base will run to third base. The player on third base will run to home plate. 6. Each player will go to the end of the line at the next base. Continue this drill until each player has hit two times. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 6 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

11 WEEK 6: LEADERSHIP Majors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about last week and one example of a leader they know (i.e., parent, teacher, friend, etc.) 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have players switch off LEADING the following stretches, making sure to count to 10 for each: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 20 jumping jacks. CATCHING Name Pantomime - 10 MINUTES ~ 10 Minutes 1. Invite one player to LEAD the team through the directions of this drill. 2. Have players find a partner and play catch. 3. Encourage players to move their feet to try to get in front of throws and utilize a two-handed catch when possible. 4. Encourage the one-handed catches outside the body when they cannot get in front of the throw. THROWING - 10 MINUTES 1. Pair up players in two lines 30 feet apart. Give balls to one line of players. 2. The players who will throw first are in an athletic position, squared toward partners with hands together centered near chest. 3. When the coach says shuffle, players shuffle their feet forward, exchanging their front foot s position with their back foot, throwing the ball to their partner. 4. Coach should observe footwork looking for straight direction toward target and balance throughout the throw. 5. This shuffle is used when the player receives the ball and is already lined up. 1

12 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES INFIELD PRACTICE - 10 MINUTES 1. Have players split into three groups; one lines up at shortstop, one at second base position and one at first base. 2. Have the coach hit ground balls to the first player in the shortstop line. 3. That player will scoop up the ball and throw to first base. 4. Coach then hits to the first player in the second base line and that player will scoop the ball and throw to first base. 5. All players rotate through their lines and after two ground balls each, their group rotates positions. HITTING - 15 MINUTES 1. Each player will approach their at-bat as if it is in a game and make sure they have proper coverage of the plate. 2. Divide your team evenly between three groups. Group 1 will be batting, Group 2 will be infielders and Group 3 will start in the outfield. 3. Each team will hit as if it was a live game. 4. The fielders will try to get each batter out. 5. Once each player in Group 1 has hit, the inning will end. 6. This rotation will continue until the drill is over. BASE RUNNING - 5 MINUTES Making a Turn: 1. Have players run as if they have hit a single. 2. Have one coach stand 10 feet in front of first base and 2 to 3 feet in foul territory. 3. Have another coach stand 6 feet off first base (in foul territory) and 2 to 4 feet behind the bag. 4. With coaches in these two positions, have the players run around the first coach and in front of the second coach. 5. This will help with the proper initial turn and make sure runners cut the corner correctly to get lined up toward second base. 6. Coaches should watch to make sure base runners touch first base with either foot on the inside corner. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 6 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

13 WEEK 7: STRIKE OUT BULLYING T-Ball Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about last week and one example of how they have been a friend recently. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have team count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 10 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes STRIKE OUT BULLYING ACTIVITY - 10 MINUTES 1. Line up players on home plate. 2. Coach will read a list of statements to the team. If the team thinks that the action describes a buddy, they will advance one base. If the team thinks that the action describes a bully, they will stay in place. 3. Read the following statements one at a time: a. I shared my lunch with a classmate that forgot to bring food to school. (Buddy) b. I made my brother feel bad when he didn't do well on his test. (Bully) c. I saw a girl fall down at recess, but I didn't do anything to help her. (Bully) d. I helped the girl off the ground when I saw her fall at recess. (Buddy) e. I did not let my classmate sit next to me at lunch because she is different than me. (Bully) f. I asked a classmate to sit with me at lunch because it looked like she didn t have anyone to sit next to. (Buddy) g. When I saw one of my classmates push someone, I told an adult. (Buddy) 4. Once the team reaches home plate, ask everyone to give each other a high five. CATCHING & FIELDING - 10 MINUTES 1. Break team into two even groups, one coach with each. 2. Separate players into mock positions in the outfield. 3. Throw the players various types of balls to field (ground or fly). 4. Have them throw back to the coach. 1

14 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES INNING PRACTICE - 5 MINUTES 1. Divide the players into two groups and work on a game inning. 2. Work on transitions, skills and knowledge that players have shown to lack in games. 3. Examples include running to the correct bases, staying in position, fielding by bending knees, moving toward the ball and overhand throws. GAME SEQUENCE - 15 MINUTES 1. Send half the players to line up by home plate and have the other half take their positions in the infield. 2. Have one coach on the pitcher's mound and another coach at the tee. Start with the first player hitting off the tee and running through first. Have the players field the ball and throw to a base, trying to make the out. 3. Rotate through all players, and then switch. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 10 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 7 (see handout). Note: All T-ball practices are constructed around a 60-minute time block. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

15 WEEK 7: STRIKE OUT BULLYING Minors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about last week and how they have been a friend recently. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have players switch off LEADING the following stretches, making sure to count to 10 for each: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 15 jumping jacks. STRIKE OUT BULLYING ACTIVITY - 5 MINUTES 1. Have team find partners and spread out. 2. Give a ball to each pair. 3. With every throw to their partner, the player must compliment their teammate or say a way that they can be a friend instead of a bully. SECOND BASE & SHORTSTOP - 20 MINUTES 1. Break team into three groups, one coach in the infield and one in the outfield. 2. Have one group in the outfield, one lined up at second base and one at shortstop. 3. Coach in the infield will throw a variety of pop-ups and ground balls to the players and then those players will throw to their teammate at second base. Second basemen or shortstops (depending on where the ball goes) will catch the ball and tag second base. 4. Coach in the outfield will be watching for form. 5. Rotate through all players at each position. 1

16 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES HITTING - 25 MINUTES 1. Each player will approach their at-bat as if it is in a game and make sure they have proper coverage of the plate. 2. Divide your team evenly between three groups. Group 1 will be batting, Group 2 will be infielders and Group 3 will start in the outfield. 3. Each team will hit as if it was a live game. 4. The fielders will try to get each batter out. 5. Once each player in Group 1 has hit, the inning will end. 6. This rotation will continue until the drill is over. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 7 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

17 WEEK 7: STRIKE OUT BULLYING Majors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about last week and how they have been a friend recently. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have players switch off LEADING the following stretches, making sure to count to 10 for each: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 20 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes STRIKE OUT BULLYING ACTIVITY - 10 MINUTES 1. Circle up. 2. Coach will start off the game by passing ball to a player in the circle. 3. Whoever catches the ball must say a compliment to the person on their left and then throw the ball to another person across the circle. 4. Do this until everyone has had a chance to speak. 5. Then do the same sequence, but this time the player who catches the ball must say a compliment to the person on their right. THROWING - 10 MINUTES 1. At a close distance, players throw the ball back and forth to their partner to work on the glove-to-hand transfer. 2. When performing this drill, all players should receive the ball with their glove in the thumb-to-thumb position (fingers pointing up). 3. Players should try to catch the ball and throw the ball back to their partner as quickly as possible. 4. Make sure players are still squaring up to their partner on the throw. 1

18 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES FIELDING - 10 MINUTES 1. Pair up all players. Put them into two separate lines, 25 to 45 feet apart facing each other. 2. Give each pair of players a ball. Start the balls all in one line. 3. The receiving players assume the ready position. 4. Players throw the ball back and forth as follows: When the coach says, Throw, players throw grounders at medium speed to their partners. 5. The receiving players work on approaching and fielding the ball correctly. 6. Emphasize the smooth, controlled movement players should have when approaching and fielding a ground ball. HITTING - 20 MINUTES 1. Each player will approach their at-bat as if it is in a game and make sure they have proper coverage of the plate. 2. Divide your team evenly between three groups. Group 1 will be batting, Group 2 will be infielders and Group 3 will start in the outfield. 3. Each team will hit as if it was a live game. 4. The fielders will try to get each batter out. 5. Once each player in Group 1 has hit, the inning will end. 6. This rotation will continue until the drill is over. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 7 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

19 WEEK 8: INTEGRITY T-Ball Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about the entire Junior Giants season. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have team count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 10 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes INTEGRITY ACTIVITY - 5 MINUTES 1. Have players line up in a single file horizontal line, facing towards the coach. 2. The coach will be on the other end of the field, however to test the integrity of the team, the coach will have his or her back to the players so that he/she cannot determine if the players are following the rules or not. 3. When the coach calls out "Green Light," players must run as fast as they can towards the coach. 4. When the coach calls out "Yellow Light," the players must slow down and walk. 5. When the coach calls out "Red Light," the players must stop immediately. 6. The goal of the game is to tag the coach first on the opposite end of the field. 7. If a player moves at any point other than during Green Light or "Yellow Light," the player must return to the starting line. 8. This game will test the integrity of the team. Emphasize that players must do the right thing (going back to the starting line if they moved) even when no one is watching. POP-UP PRACTICE - 10 MINUTES 1. Separate players into groups for fly balls. 2. Each coach should take a group and begin with a small toss to each player (with the group spread out in a semi-circle). 3. The coach should call the player s name (whoever is being tossed to) and that player then calls the ball. 4. After a few tosses to each player, have the players back up a few steps. The coach should now make higher tosses. 5. After a few rounds, progress to one player catching as many as they can in a row. 1

20 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES GAME SEQUENCE - 20 MINUTES 1. Send half the players to line up in the dugout and have the other half take their positions in the infield. 2. Have one coach on the pitching mound and another coach at the tee. Start with the first player and have them hit off the tee and run through the bases. Have the players field the ball and throw to a base, trying to make the out. 3. Rotate through all players and then switch. BASE RUNNING - 5 MINUTES 1. Line up all players at home plate. 2. Have the first player take a practice swing and then run to first base. 3. Emphasize running through first base rather than stopping right when they reach the base. 4. Have the next player begin running when the player before them reaches first base. 5. Rotate through the entire line. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 10 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 8 (see handout). Note: All T-ball practices are constructed around a 60-minute time block. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

21 WEEK 8: INTEGRITY Minors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about the entire Junior Giants season. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have players switch off LEADING the following stretches, making sure to count to 10 for each: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 15 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes INTEGRITY ACTIVITY - 10 MINUTES 1. Gather in the outfield. 2. Have players spread out and face the coach. 3. Follow the basic rules of Simon Says. However to test the honesty and integrity of the team, the coach will turn around to face away from the players. 4. Players must listen to the commands following each Simon Says. 5. If the player does an action that was commanded without Simon Says attached to it, he or she must take a seat. 6. Emphasize that this activity is testing how well players can do the right thing, even when no one is watching. The last player standing gets high fives from the coach and his/her teammates. POP-UP PRACTICE - 10 MINUTES 1. Separate players into groups for fly balls. 2. Each coach should take a group and begin with a small toss to each player (with the group spread out in a semi-circle). 3. The coach should call the player s name (whoever is being tossed to) and that player then calls the ball. 4. After a few tosses to each player, have the players back up a few steps and the coach should now make higher tosses. 5. After a few rounds, progress to one player catching as many as they can in a row. 1

22 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES HITTING - 20 MINUTES 1. Each player will approach their at-bat as if it is in a game and make sure they have proper coverage of the plate. 2. Divide your team evenly between three groups. Group 1 will be batting, Group 2 will be infielders and Group 3 will start in the outfield. 3. Each team will hit as if it was a live game. 4. The fielders will try to get each batter out. 5. Once each player in Group 1 has hit, the inning will end. 6. This rotation will continue until the drill is over. BASE RUNNING - 10 MINUTES Base Running Relay: 1. Break the players up into two even groups, one group goes to home plate and the other group to second base. 2. Explain the race rules players will run around all the bases and finish on the base they started, once the player touches that base the next player can go. 3. Race ends when all players in their group finish. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 8 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2

23 WEEK 8: INTEGRITY Majors Practice Plan INTRODUCTION, STRETCHES & WARM UP - 7 MINUTES 1. Have players talk about their favorite thing about the entire Junior Giants season. 2. Refer to the WOW pack discussion guide to give players a brief overview of what the Word of the Week is to get them thinking. 3. Have players switch off LEADING the following stretches, making sure to count to 10 for each: -Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward, and then 10 backwards. -Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch. -Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees. -Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees. -Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left. 4. Finish with 20 jumping jacks. Name Pantomime ~ 10 Minutes INTEGRITY ACTIVITY - 10 MINUTES 1. Gather in the outfield. 2. Have players spread out and face the coach. 3. Follow the basic rules of Simon Says, however, to test the honesty and integrity of the team, the coach will turn around to face away from the players. 4. Players must listen to the commands following each Simon Says. 5. To make it more challenging for the players, ask them to hold a baseball in their right hand the entire game. 6. If the player does an action that was commanded without Simon Says attached to it, or if he/she drops the ball from their right hand, he/she must take a seat. 7. Emphasize that this activity is testing how well players can do the right thing, even when no one is watching. 8. The last player standing gets high fives from the coach and his/her teammates. POP-UP PRACTICE - 10 MINUTES 1. Separate players into groups for fly balls. Each coach should take a group and begin with a small toss to each player (with the group spread out in a semi-circle). 2. The coach should call the player s name (whoever is being tossed to) and that player then calls for the ball. 3. After a few tosses to each player, have the players back up a few steps and the coach should now make higher tosses. 4. After a few rounds, progress to one player catching as many as they can in a row. 1

24 WATER BREAK - 3 MINUTES FIELDING - 10 MINUTES 1. Pair up players and place them in two separate lines 20 feet apart so that each player is facing his/her partner. 2. Keep plenty of space between players in the same line so they can move freely. 3. Give each player in one line a baseball. The coach stands behind the line of players without the baseballs. 4. The receiving players start in the ready position. The coach controls the drill by pointing in which direction he wants the ball thrown. 5. Point down and to the right for ground balls to the right side. 6. Point up and to the right for fly balls over the right shoulder. 7. Do the same thing for the left side. 8. The coach monitors the receiving players and makes corrections when needed. 9. After 5 to 10 repetitions, make the receiving players the throwers. The coach switches sides and repeats. HITTING - 20 MINUTES 1. Each player will approach their at-bat as if it is in a game and make sure they have proper coverage of the plate. 2. Divide your team evenly between three groups. Group 1 will be batting, Group 2 will be infielders and Group 3 will start in the outfield. 3. Each team will hit as if it was a live game. 4. The fielders will try to get each batter out. 5. Once each player in Group 1 has hit, the inning will end. 6. This rotation will continue until the drill is over. COOL DOWN & WOW TALK - 15 MINUTES 1. Review what you worked on at practice. 2. Talk about game details for the week. 3. Ask the WOW discussion questions for Week 8 (see handout). Note: All Minors and Majors practices are designed around a 60-minute time block, with an additional 15 minutes for discussion at the end. Please add or subtract time to meet the needs of your team. 2