Bucket Brigade For Tee Ball

A Fun, Team-Building Drill for Tee Ball Players to Develop Coordination and Teamwork

The Bucket Brigade drill is a lively, engaging activity designed for tee ball players to pass balls down a line to their teammates. It promotes teamwork, coordination, and basic ball handling, making it a perfect choice for young players.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Time Estimate: 5-7 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • 1 bucket of small, soft baseballs or tee balls
  • 1 empty bucket for collecting balls at the end of the line
  • Cones or markers to set up each player’s position
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Set up a line of players, standing 3-4 feet apart. The line should be straight, so players can pass the ball directly to the next teammate.
  • Place a bucket filled with balls at the starting point (first player) and an empty bucket at the end of the line (last player).
  1. Area Setup:
  • Mark each player’s position with a cone or marker to help them stay in place. Choose an open area where there is enough space for all players to spread out comfortably.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Starting the Drill:
  • Have the first player pick up a ball from the bucket and pass it to the next player in line.
  • Each player receives the ball, holds it briefly, and passes it to the next teammate until it reaches the last player in line.
  1. Passing Down the Line:
  • Encourage players to focus on eye contact and use two hands to catch and pass the ball.
  • The last player in line places the ball into the empty bucket.
  1. Keep it Moving:
  • Continue passing balls down the line until all balls have been transferred from the starting bucket to the ending bucket.
  • To keep it fun, add a little challenge by timing the players to see how quickly they can pass all the balls, or run it as a relay race with two teams.
  1. Rotating Players:
  • After each round, have players switch places to ensure everyone gets a chance to start or end the line. Rotate positions and run the drill a few times.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Bucket Brigade drill is a fantastic activity for young players to learn teamwork, communication, and coordination in a simple and enjoyable way. By passing balls down the line, children get comfortable working together, staying focused, and handling the ball with two hands. This drill helps build foundational skills in a fun, low-pressure environment that keeps players engaged and active.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Teamwork and Communication: Players learn to work together and communicate by watching for their teammates and making consistent eye contact.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: The drill develops basic coordination by encouraging players to catch and pass the ball in a controlled manner.
  • Listening and Focus: Young players practice listening and following instructions, which is important for early development in sports.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Promotes Teamwork: Players learn the importance of working as a team, a valuable lesson for young athletes.
  • Easy to Understand: The drill is simple, with easy-to-follow instructions suitable for 4-5-year-olds.
  • Fun and Engaging: With a sense of urgency and teamwork, kids stay active and excited.

Cons:

  • Limited Ball Handling Skills: While great for teamwork, the drill doesn’t focus on individual ball-handling skills or mechanics.
  • Attention Span: Very young players might lose focus over time, so it’s best to keep the drill short and lively.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Team Spirit: Use words of encouragement to praise players for working together, and celebrate when the team completes the drill.
  • Keep It Fun: Add variations, like a “race” between two teams, to keep the drill exciting. You can also add a countdown for added energy.
  • Model Good Habits: Demonstrate how to use two hands when passing the ball, emphasizing eye contact and clear handoff motions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if a player struggles with catching the ball?
  • Have the struggling player stand closer to their teammate to make the pass easier. For younger children, it’s okay to slow down the passing speed until they get the hang of it.
  1. How can I keep players focused throughout the drill?
  • Keep the drill short, ideally 5-7 minutes. You can also encourage them by timing each round and challenging them to beat their previous time.
  1. Is this drill suitable for slightly older players?
  • Yes! This drill can be adapted for older players by increasing the distance between each player or adding a bit more speed to the tosses for an extra challenge.

The Bucket Brigade drill is a delightful and engaging way to teach kids in the Little League Tee Ball Division teamwork, coordination, and focus. It’s easy to set up, keeps kids active, and instills a positive attitude toward working together as a team.