Drills to Run for Kids Ages 6-7 Years Old: Laying the Foundation for Future Success in Baseball
Coaching baseball for kids aged 6-7 is all about building the basics while ensuring players have fun and stay engaged. Drills at this age need to focus on coordination, simple mechanics, and teamwork, giving players the foundation they need for later skill development. As young athletes gain comfort and familiarity with baseball through fun, accessible drills, they build essential motor skills and confidence that can set the stage for their growth in the sport. This page outlines age-appropriate drills, the benefits of running them, and a curated list of top drills designed specifically for this age group.
Categories of Drills for Ages 6-7
To ensure a well-rounded practice plan, drills for this age group are generally broken down into these core categories:
- Throwing Drills – Building the basics of arm motion, aim, and control.
- Catching Drills – Developing hand-eye coordination, timing, and familiarity with glove use.
- Fielding Drills – Teaching players the proper stance, footwork, and basic body positioning.
- Hitting Drills – Introducing bat grip, stance, and swing motion for solid contact.
- Base Running Drills – Teaching the basics of running the bases, sprinting, and field awareness.
- Team-Based Games – Encouraging team spirit, communication, and basic concepts of teamwork on the field.
Benefits of Drills for Ages 6-7
From a coaching standpoint, drills for this age group are crucial to forming a strong foundation in baseball. They serve a range of developmental purposes, from introducing the basics to keeping players engaged and excited about the game. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Fundamental Skills Development: Drills introduce the basics of throwing, catching, batting, and fielding in a simple, digestible way.
- Motor Skill Enhancement: Drills for 6-7-year-olds build coordination, balance, and timing, all necessary for effective play.
- Boosting Confidence: Kids gain confidence as they see improvement in their skills, which helps them feel more comfortable and self-assured on the field.
- Teamwork Skills: Group drills allow young players to work together, learning to communicate and collaborate with teammates.
- Attention and Focus: Repetition in drills helps kids build concentration, making it easier for them to focus on tasks as they grow.
While older players focus on refining techniques and learning advanced strategy, drills for 6-7-year-olds are simpler and center on the basics. Younger drills emphasize creating a positive, fun atmosphere rather than precision and strategy. For coaches, this means encouraging kids to try, learn, and play rather than focusing solely on skill mastery.
Pros and Cons of Drills for Ages 6-7
Pros
- Easy to Understand and Set Up: These drills require little setup and are accessible for coaches of all experience levels.
- High Fun Factor: Activities are designed to keep kids engaged, often using games or challenges.
- Clear Skill Development: These drills address essential skill-building blocks, like catching and throwing.
- Inclusive and Supportive: Since drills focus on fun and basics, each child can feel included and successful.
Cons
- Short Attention Span: Kids this age may need frequent breaks or drill changes to stay focused.
- Limited Skill Complexity: These drills are basic, so players might not advance their skills as quickly as with more complex drills.
- Higher Energy Management: Coaches may need to balance high energy with instruction, requiring creativity to keep players engaged.
The Positive Impact of Drills for Ages 6-7
Running drills for young players impacts their growth in baseball and builds a love for the sport. Coaches working with this age group play a vital role in shaping the early baseball experience. Effective drills encourage kids to learn the rules, have fun, and feel successful. When kids enjoy their time on the field, they are more likely to stay involved and enthusiastic about continuing in baseball. These drills provide a fun, positive atmosphere that rewards effort and teamwork, creating a lasting impact on each player.
Top Drills for Kids Ages 6-7
- Throwing Accuracy Game
Players practice throwing to a target, aiming for accuracy over power, which helps with arm control. - Partner Toss and Catch
Pairs of players practice throwing and catching to each other, focusing on basics and consistency. - Tee Contact Drill
Players hit off a tee, focusing on making contact and using proper grip and stance. - Glove Grounding Drill
Teach kids to keep their glove low for ground balls by practicing their stance and glove positioning. - Catch the Coach’s Toss
Light pop-ups are thrown to players to catch, improving their tracking and catching skills. - Run-and-Throw Drill
Players run toward a base and practice throwing on the move, building coordination between running and throwing. - Tag Game for Agility
A fun drill where kids practice tagging and being tagged, developing quick footwork and agility. - Mirror the Coach
Coaches demonstrate different baseball moves for players to mimic, teaching body control and listening. - Partner Ground Ball Toss
Players roll ground balls to each other, practicing fielding fundamentals in pairs. - Soft Toss Drill
Coaches gently toss balls for players to hit, helping with timing and hand-eye coordination.
Drills for kids aged 6-7 should focus on fun, simplicity, and interaction. These drills help build the core skills of baseball, and more importantly, they create a supportive environment that fosters a love for the game. As a coach, using these drills effectively allows young players to gain confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy the process of learning.