Ball Toss to First

A Fun and Simple Drill to Teach Tee Ball Players Basic Fielding and Throwing Mechanics

The Ball Toss to First drill is designed to introduce young players to the basics of fielding and throwing to first base. While there are no recorded “outs” in Tee Ball, teaching the now can plant a valuable seed for future development and this drill is made to be fun and engaging to keep Little League Tee Ballers excited and focused on learning the fundamentals.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (safety first!)
  • Small cones or markers to define “first base”
  • A tee or small stand (optional) to place the ball if kids need help with setup
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Set up a small area with a cone or base to mark “first base.”
  • Position players in a line about 10-12 feet away from first base.
  • A coach or helper stands by first base to catch the throws, ready to give high-fives and encouragement.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Create a safe, open space where players have room to field a rolled or tossed ball and then throw to first base without interference from others. Consider adding fun visuals, like a “goal” or target at first base, to keep it engaging.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning and Ball Tossing:
  • The coach stands a few feet in front of the players, ready to gently toss or roll a soft ball toward them one at a time.
  • Have each player field the ball by bending down, grabbing it with two hands, and making a simple throw to first base.
  1. Executing the Throw to First:
  • Instruct the players to pick up the ball and take a few steps, aiming their throw at first base. Encourage them to “point their glove” toward first base as they get ready to throw.
  • The coach at first base should cheer them on, catching or stopping each ball. High-fives or small rewards for effort are great incentives at this age.
  1. Rotate and Repeat:
  • After each player completes their turn, have them go to the back of the line to wait for their next turn. This keeps things moving quickly and lets them watch others for more examples.

Why You Run This Drill:

This drill introduces kids in the Tee Ball division to the basics of fielding and throwing, skills that are essential in tee ball and foundational for their development in baseball. By making it fun and interactive, players get hands-on practice while building confidence in their ability to throw the ball accurately.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Basic Fielding Mechanics: Teaches players to watch the ball, get low, and secure it with two hands.
  • Throwing Mechanics: Helps players learn to point their glove toward their target and make a simple throw to first.
  • Building Confidence and Focus: By setting an achievable goal and encouraging effort, players feel more comfortable on the field.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Engaging and Fun: Keeps young players excited with simple goals and plenty of cheering.
  • Foundational Skills: Builds basic fielding and throwing techniques, setting them up for future drills.
  • Safe and Simple: Uses soft balls and a short distance, reducing risk and keeping it easy for small hands.

Cons:

  • Limited Complexity: Suitable for basic skill-building but doesn’t challenge players with varied throws or longer distances.
  • Patience Required: Some players may take time to grasp the steps, requiring patience from the coach to maintain engagement.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Positive Reinforcement: Use high-fives, cheers, and simple encouragement for every throw, even if it’s a miss.
  • Simple Instructions: Keep language easy to understand. Phrases like “point your glove,” “aim for the base,” or “scoop it up” work well for this age group.
  • Show by Example: Demonstrate each step before beginning, so kids can see what fielding and throwing should look like. They learn a lot from watching!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if a child struggles with fielding the ball?
  • Some kids will need more guidance, so feel free to step in and show them how to bend down and scoop up the ball with both hands. You can even place the ball in front of them at first, allowing them to focus on the throw.
  1. How do I keep them focused?
  • Keep the drill moving quickly, and keep it fun with high-energy encouragement. Small rewards like stickers for participation or small “baseball star” tokens can be motivating for this age group.
  1. Can I add a competitive element?
  • At this age, it’s best to focus on teamwork and personal achievement. Encourage them to beat their own best throw or give each player a turn to be “team captain” and lead the drill. Avoid direct competition to keep the environment positive.

The Ball Toss to First drill is a fantastic way to introduce kids in Tee Ball to the core skills of fielding and throwing. With its simplicity and interactive approach, it keeps them excited about baseball while building a strong foundation for their skills and confidence.