Baseball practice plans can sometimes feel repetitive, leaving players disengaged and coaches frustrated. By incorporating structured drills and targeting skill development, these plans ensure your team stays motivated and improves continuously.

Here, we’ll break down a 90-minute practice baseball plan that can be customized to fit your team’s needs.

Part 1: Warm up (10 mins)

• Jog around the field: Run the jog for 6-7 minutes.
• High knees: Set up cones on the field. Have players execute high knees back and forth.
• Walking lunges: Players will reach one leg forward and squat down
• Arm/shoulder circles: Extend arms to the side in a “T” position, roll back and forth in small circles.
• Wrist rotations: Rotate hands until palms are facing upwards. Hold for 10-15 seconds.
• Crossbody stretch: Cross one arm over the chest. Use the other hand to grasp the outer forearm and gently press it closer toward the chest.

Part 2: Target Pitch (15 mins)

Set up: Place a series of visible targets scattered across the field (these could be pylons). Line up your players behind the home plate. Each player will have a glove.

How to:

• You will call out the pitch you would like the player to execute at the beginning of each turn. I.e., four-seam, curveball, slider, changeup, etc..
• The player will have to follow your direction, aiming to execute that throw while hitting one of the targets on the field.
• Each player will have 3-4 turns before rotating to the next player in line.

Part 3: Batting Tee Hitting (15 mins)

Set up: Adjust your batting tee to the average height of your players (this can be adjusted easily between turns). Line up your players. Each player will have a bat.

How to:

• The first batter will start in a narrow stance
• They will slowly raise their front leg while balancing the weight on their back leg.
• After they have gained balance, they will step forward (planting their front leg on the ground) and swing.
• Note: Executing a leg lift helps players understand the feeling of generating power with their legs, ultimately developing more powerful swings.
• Each player will take 3 swings before rotating to the next player in line.

Part 4: Pop-up Catching (15 mins)

Set up: Pair up your players. One will assume the role of the catcher, and the other will assume the role of the thrower.

How to:

• The catcher will position themselves in a receiving stance (in full gear) on the home plate.
• The thrower will be in the pitching circle. On your whistle, they will throw the first ball to the catcher.
• The pitcher will be focused on executing the proper technique(s) to catch each ball.
• Note: Thrower should wait 15-20 seconds between each throw so the catcher can adjust their grip.
• After 5 turns, pairs will switch.

Part 5: Ground Balls (10 mins)

Set up: Pair up players across the field. One player in each pair will have a ball. Both players will have gloves.

How to:

• The player with the ball will start first. They will roll it to their partner, either to their left or right.
• The fielder will assume a “ready” position (feet wider than shoulder width, knees slightly bent, and weight over the balls of the feet).
• Fielder will break for the ball, pick it up (as quickly as possible), and throw it back to their partner.
• After 5 reps, pairs will switch roles.

Part 6: Situational Scrimmage Game Scenario (15 mins)

Each inning will start with a pre-set scenario, challenging players to think strategically. I.e, Runner on 3^rd, 1 out or Corners in, runner on 1st, etc..

Players will have to use their softball IQ to respond under pressure to each situation. For example:

• Runner on 3^rd: Players will score a runner from 3^rd by bunting the ball (squeeze play) or by executing a fly ball to the outfield (sac fly)
• Corners in, runner on 1st: A defense bunt will be executed (instead of swinging).

Part 7: Cool Down (10 mins)

• Hamstring Stretch: Stand with feet hip-width apart and slowly bend at the hips.
• Calf Stretch: Face the wall with one leg touching and the other extended behind.
• Shoulder Stretch: Bring one arm across the body. With the opposite hand, gently pull the arm toward the body.
• Tricep Stretch: Raise one arm overhead and bend at the elbow so the hand is touching the opposite shoulder blade.
• Lower Back Stretch: Start in a kneeling position and sit back on your heels while extending your arms forward.
• Hip Rotator Stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee, pulling the uncrossed leg toward the chest.

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As a coach, creating dynamic baseball practice plans that cater to the needs of players at all levels is crucial. Effective planning not only enhances skill development but also keeps players motivated and engaged.