Glove Tag Drill For Tee Ball

A Fun, Safe Drill to Teach Tagging and Spatial Awareness

The Glove Tag Drill introduces young players to the basics of tagging and movement in the field. Designed as a fun, game-like exercise, it’s safe and simple, allowing players to enjoy practicing tagging skills and spatial awareness.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Time Estimate: 5-8 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or foam balls (for tagging practice)
  • Cones or markers to outline a safe boundary area
  • Gloves for each player (optional for very young players)
  1. Playing Area:
  • Create a small, square boundary area (about 10×10 feet) using cones or markers. This will be the “tag zone” where players will move around during the drill.
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Begin with 2-3 players inside the tag zone at a time. Assign one player to be the “tagger” while the others try to avoid being tagged.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Starting the Drill:
  • Have players place their gloves on and stand within the tag zone. The tagger holds a soft ball in their glove, and their goal is to gently tag the other players within the boundary.
  1. Playing the Game:
  • The tagger moves around the zone, gently trying to tag other players with the ball in their glove. Players who are being tagged practice dodging and moving to avoid the tag.
  • If tagged, the player switches with the tagger and becomes the new “it” player.
  1. Keeping It Safe:
  • Emphasize gentle tagging with the ball, as this is a learning drill, not a competitive tag game. Ensure kids don’t run too quickly to avoid any collisions.
  1. Repetition:
  • Run the drill for 5-8 minutes, rotating the tagger every 1-2 minutes so each player has a chance to tag and dodge. For larger groups, you can create multiple zones or take turns in short rounds.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Glove Tag Drill is a fantastic introductory exercise to teach tagging, a fundamental baseball skill, in a way that is fun and age-appropriate for 4-5-year-olds. This drill also enhances spatial awareness, as players learn to move around and stay aware of their surroundings. It reinforces the concept of tagging with a gentle touch, teaching players the mechanics and timing of tagging without overwhelming them with competition or advanced techniques.

Skills Developed:

  • Tagging Fundamentals: The drill introduces tagging with control, helping kids understand how and when to apply a tag.
  • Spatial Awareness: Players practice moving within a defined area, learning to keep track of their position relative to other players.
  • Agility and Coordination: By moving around and dodging tags, players improve their agility and coordination in a controlled environment.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Fun and Engaging: The game-like format keeps young players engaged and excited about practicing tagging.
  • Simple and Safe: With gentle tagging and a confined area, this drill is safe and manageable for 4-5-year-olds.
  • Flexible Setup: The drill can be adjusted for small or large groups with minimal equipment.

Cons:

  • Limited Skill Development: The focus is on basic tagging and movement, so the drill may not provide in-depth skill building for older or more advanced players.
  • Requires Supervision: Young players need close supervision to ensure they tag gently and play safely within the boundaries.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Gentle Tagging: Remind players to tag softly and make it fun. Use phrases like “tap tag” to reinforce that they don’t need to hit hard to tag someone.
  • Encourage Constant Movement: Encourage players to stay active and move around in the zone, practicing spatial awareness and avoiding being tagged.
  • Rotate Taggers Frequently: Rotating taggers often keeps players engaged and ensures everyone has a chance to practice tagging and dodging.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if a player is afraid of being tagged?
  • Make it fun and assure them that it’s a gentle tap game. You can even demonstrate a tag with them to show that it’s just a light touch.
  1. Can I run this drill with a larger group?
  • Yes! If you have a large group, set up multiple tag zones or rotate players into smaller groups so each child has a turn to be a tagger or dodger.
  1. Do players need to wear gloves?
  • Gloves are optional for very young players. If they’re not ready for gloves, have them tag gently with their hand instead.
  1. How do I make the drill more challenging as players improve?
  • As they get more comfortable, slightly increase the size of the tag zone, allowing more movement. You can also encourage more strategic dodging or tagging within the zone as players develop confidence.

The Glove Tag Drill is an enjoyable and age-appropriate way for young tee ball players to begin learning about tagging, movement, and spatial awareness in the field. It’s easy to run, keeps kids engaged, and helps lay a foundation for more advanced skills as they grow in the game.