Around the Bases Drill

A Fun and Safe Drill to Teach Young Players the Order of Bases

“Around the Bases” helps 4-5-year-olds learn the order of the bases in a fun and safe way, with coaches guiding them and rewards for each base they reach. This drill emphasizes excitement, energy, and safety to keep young players engaged.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Bases (standard bases or safe alternatives like foam mats)
  • Small rewards or tokens (stickers or stamps are great options)
  • Cones or markers (optional for creating clear running paths)
  1. Field Setup:
  • Set up the bases in the standard diamond layout, but feel free to shorten the distance for younger players to make it easier.
  • Designate one or two coaches to guide players around the bases, ensuring they understand where to run next and keeping the environment fun and controlled.
  1. Safety Setup:
  • Use foam or low-profile bases to minimize tripping risks.
  • Space out groups to avoid collisions and keep a coach positioned at each base to help guide and encourage players.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Explain the Base Order:
  • Gather players together and briefly explain the order of the bases (first, second, third, and home). Use visual cues like numbered signs or colored markers if needed.
  1. Demonstrate the Run:
  • Walk them through the base path once, pointing out where each base is and explaining that they need to touch each one in order.
  1. Running the Bases:
  • Have players line up at home plate and, one by one, allow each player to run to first base.
  • At each base, a coach should be stationed to cheer them on, give high-fives, and guide them to the next base. At the final base (home), offer a small reward for completing the run.
  1. Adding Excitement:
  • To make it even more fun, play music or create mini-challenges like timing the players as they run or letting them go in pairs.
  • Encourage them to shout out the base names as they run to reinforce their learning.
  1. Rotation:
  • Rotate each player back to the line and have them run the bases again. Repeat as needed, increasing the pace slightly or introducing a simple race for added energy.

Why You Run This Drill:

Around the Bases is perfect for introducing 4-5-year-olds to the concept of base running. It helps them learn the base order and build confidence in a supportive environment. With coaches guiding them, young players gain a basic understanding of base running and teamwork, laying the groundwork for more advanced concepts in the future.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Base Recognition: Players learn to identify first, second, third, and home base.
  • Running Basics: The drill builds foundational running skills, emphasizing controlled movement and direction.
  • Listening and Following Directions: Young players practice following directions and running in sequence, an important skill for any sport.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Engages Young Players: Keeps kids active, happy, and excited about the game.
  • Teaches Basic Baseball Knowledge: Helps them understand the layout of the field and the order of bases.
  • Safe and Structured: Coaches control the pace, guiding players safely and ensuring everyone is engaged.

Cons:

  • Limited Complexity: Only covers basic concepts, so it may be too simple for slightly older or advanced players.
  • Requires Multiple Coaches: To keep it fun and organized, having multiple coaches at each base is ideal, which may not always be feasible.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep the Energy Up: Use a positive, upbeat tone, and reward every little success to keep players motivated.
  • Adjust Pace Based on Players: If players catch on quickly, introduce a “light jog” or timed element to make it more exciting.
  • Encourage Naming the Bases: Encourage kids to shout out the base names as they touch each one to reinforce learning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What can I do if players are struggling with the base order?
  • Use visual aids, like signs with numbers or colors for each base. You can also have them repeat the base names with you before starting each run.
  1. How do I make this drill engaging for kids who’ve run the bases before?
  • Try adding a small “race” element by timing each player or pair, or let them practice sliding into each base to add some excitement and practice safe sliding.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • Running this drill once a week at the start of the season is a good way to reinforce the basics. It can be run more frequently if players need extra practice or to ensure they’re familiar with the base layout.

“Around the Bases” is a great way to introduce young players to the game of baseball in a safe, controlled environment. With a fun, interactive approach, this drill builds excitement for the sport while teaching foundational skills that kids will carry forward as they continue to play and grow.