TEE BALL Division Drills and Instruction

Drills to Run for Kids in Little League Tee Ball Division

Tee ball drills are foundational exercises tailored to introduce young players to the basics of baseball in an engaging, age-appropriate way. Designed for kids around 4-5 years old, these drills emphasize simple, fun activities that develop hand-eye coordination, basic mechanics, and an early understanding of the game. The focus of tee ball drills is to foster enjoyment, build confidence, and spark a love for baseball.

ABOVE ALL ELSE we need to remember that Tee Ball is most kids first experience with baseball and so, running a Tee Ball practice is mostly about building the love for baseball. Yes, you have the opportunity to teach these young kids skills and plant the building blocks of mechanics they will develop in later years – but mostly, it’s about fun. Make sure you keep this in mind as you view the drills below.

Categories of Drills

  1. Hitting Drills – Focusing on proper stance, grip, and swing mechanics.
  2. Fielding Drills – Introducing catching and throwing with a soft ball.
  3. Base Running Drills – Teaching players to run to the correct bases.
  4. Throwing Drills – Basic arm motion and accuracy work.
  5. Team Drills – Group exercises that promote teamwork and sportsmanship.

Benefits and Usefulness of Tee Ball Drills

These drills offer significant developmental benefits from a coaching perspective:

  • Skill Building: Tee ball drills introduce young players to essential skills like hitting, throwing, and running.
  • Motor Skills Development: Activities promote gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and basic body mechanics.
  • Focus on Fun and Engagement: Tee ball drills are easy to understand, keeping kids engaged and helping them feel successful.
  • Social Skills: Group drills help build early teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.
  • Having fun and building the love for baseball!!

Comparison to Other Types of Drills

Tee ball drills are distinct from drills for older age groups because they prioritize simplicity, fun, and safety. Unlike competitive drills, tee ball activities avoid high-intensity performance expectations and instead encourage exploratory learning. While older divisions focus on advanced techniques, tee ball drills are all about creating positive experiences to make kids feel comfortable and excited about baseball.

Pros and Cons of Running Tee Ball Drills

Pros

  • Easy for beginners with minimal coaching experience.
  • Less structured, allowing coaches to be more creative and adaptive.
  • Low risk of injury due to softer balls and slower activities.

Cons

  • Patience is required as kids may get distracted or lose focus.
  • Coaches need to find ways to keep drills fun and varied to maintain engagement.
  • Results take time; drills are more about enjoyment than immediate skill mastery.

Positive Impact of Tee Ball Drills

Tee ball drills are vital for fostering a lifelong love for the game, as they create memorable first experiences with baseball. By providing a positive, low-pressure environment, these drills help players develop enthusiasm and confidence. Coaches can build a foundation of basic skills that will make transitioning to higher levels smoother as players grow.

Top 10 Tee Ball Drills to Run

  1. Batting Practice on the Tee – Focuses on grip, stance, and the basics of making contact with the ball.
  2. Running the Bases – A fun way to teach players how to follow the base path in the correct order.
  3. Ball Toss to First – Simple throws to first base to introduce basic fielding and throwing mechanics.
  4. Bucket Brigade – A fun, active drill where players pass balls from one teammate to the next to promote teamwork.
  5. Field the Rolling Ball – Rolling ground balls to players and teaching them to “scoop and toss.”
  6. Cone Relay Race – Players run around cones to practice quick movements and base running.
  7. Pop Fly Catching – Using soft balls to gently toss to players, teaching them to keep their eye on the ball.
  8. Batting Line Drill – Line up players, taking turns hitting off the tee, making sure each player gets equal turns.
  9. Glove Tag – A game-like drill where players practice tagging and spatial awareness.
  10. Obstacle Course – A creative, varied course with cones, hoops, and bases to develop agility and excitement.

These drills are designed to ensure young players have fun while learning the basics of baseball, keeping them enthusiastic about the game.

Click on the links above to learn more about how to run each drill effectively and how they can be incorporated into your practices to maximize player development.

If you’re looking for more drills check out the links below or sign up for our FREE newsletter to get access to all the latest drills and training tips.