Obstacle Course For Tee Ball

A Fun, Safe Course to Build Agility and Keep Tee Ball Kids Excited

The Obstacle Course drill combines cones, hoops, and bases to create a safe, engaging way for young players to improve their agility, coordination, and excitement for the game. This drill helps kids stay active while developing fundamental movement skills in a fun setting.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Cones for weaving and marking boundaries
  • Hoops (hula hoops work well) for jumping and coordination
  • Bases for kids to run to and from
  • Soft, lightweight items (e.g., beanbags) for carrying or balancing
  1. Course Layout:
  • Start Line: Mark a start line with cones.
  • Weaving Cones: Set up cones in a zigzag pattern for kids to weave around.
  • Jumping Hoops: Lay hoops flat on the ground for children to jump in and out.
  • Base Run: Place a few bases at various points where kids can stop, touch, and move on.
  • Balance Station (optional): Set up a line or rope on the ground for kids to walk along for balance.
  • Finish Line: Mark the end of the course with cones or a small flag.
  1. Safety Considerations:
  • Ensure spacing between obstacles to avoid collisions.
  • Use soft, lightweight equipment to prevent injury.
  • Keep the course short and simple to avoid overwhelming younger children.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Introduction:
  • Explain the course to the kids, showing them each station and demonstrating how to go through the obstacles.
  1. Guided Walk-Through:
  • Walk the kids through the course one time at a slow pace, demonstrating each action (weaving, jumping, touching bases, balancing).
  1. Execution:
  • Have the kids line up at the start and go through the course one at a time. You can time each child to add an element of excitement or let them go at their own pace.
  • Cheer on each player and encourage them to complete each obstacle with enthusiasm.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Allow each child to go through the course 2-3 times, keeping it fun and engaging. Rotate the stations if needed for variety.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Obstacle Course drill introduces young kids to basic movements like running, jumping, weaving, and balancing. This drill is designed to build excitement, get kids moving, and help them associate positive energy with baseball practice. At this age, it’s essential to make the activity fun and encouraging to foster a love for the game.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Agility and Coordination: The cones, hoops, and bases develop basic movement skills needed for future sports activities.
  • Listening Skills and Focus: The course requires kids to follow instructions, developing their focus.
  • Confidence and Team Spirit: Encouraging each child as they complete the course builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Engaging and Fun: Kids love obstacle courses, which keep them moving and excited.
  • Skill-Building: Teaches basic physical skills, agility, and movement in a playful way.
  • Safe and Adaptable: You can adjust the course easily for different abilities or to include more variety.

Cons:

  • Limited Baseball-Specific Skills: While great for general athletic development, this drill focuses more on movement than specific baseball skills.
  • Requires Space and Setup Time: Setting up an obstacle course requires more space and preparation than simpler drills.
  • Supervision Needed: Coaches need to guide kids closely to ensure safety and help them navigate the course.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep It Positive: Offer lots of encouragement and praise to make each child feel successful.
  • Adapt the Course as Needed: Depending on your group, you can simplify or add more elements to the course.
  • Be Patient and Keep It Fun: Young children may need extra time and patience. Keeping the drill fun and engaging is the main goal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a child struggles with an obstacle?
  • Offer gentle encouragement or simplify the obstacle for them. For example, if they struggle with jumping, have them step through the hoops instead.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for more advanced kids?
  • Add slightly more complex movements like hopping on one foot or balancing a soft object on their head while walking through a section. Be sure to keep safety a priority.
  1. Can I add more baseball-specific elements?
  • Yes, you could add a station where they practice picking up a soft baseball or swinging a bat at a tee (with proper supervision). However, keep it age-appropriate and prioritize safety.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This can be run at the beginning or end of practice for a fun warm-up or cool-down activity. Once a week is typically enough, but feel free to adjust based on the kids’ enjoyment and energy level.

The Obstacle Course drill for tee ball players is an exciting, safe way to help kids develop fundamental movement skills, coordination, and confidence. It adds a sense of adventure to practice, fostering a love for the game while building the athletic foundation they’ll need as they grow in the sport.