Practice Planning
Structure your
practices
A simple, repeatable practice format is all you need. The players do not care if your plan is fancy. They care that you are prepared, that they are moving, and that they get to hit.
Your first practice
Keep it simple. The goal is to get players comfortable and excited.
Introduce yourself and learn every player's name
Go over basic expectations: hustle, listen, have fun
Pair up for throwing and catching (assess arm strength)
Simple ground ball drill: roll it, field it, throw to first
Tee hitting so everyone gets swings
End with a fun team game (relay race, base running)
Repeatable Format
The 60-minute practice
Use this as your template. Adjust the time splits based on your division and what your team needs most.
Warm-Up
- Light jog around the bases or outfield
- Dynamic stretching (arm circles, leg swings, high knees)
- Partner throwing: start close, gradually move back
Coach Tip: Keep warm-ups moving. Standing still kills energy.
Skill Work
- Throwing mechanics: C-grip on the seams, step toward target
- Fielding: "butt down, glove out," field in front of body
- Catching: two hands, soft hands, track the ball into the glove
- Rotate through 2-3 stations if you have enough helpers
Coach Tip: One or two teaching points per drill, not five. Keep it simple.
Hitting
- Tee work for younger divisions (Rookies, Training)
- Soft toss or front toss for Minors and up
- Focus on stance, grip, and level swing path
- Rotate hitters through stations: tee, soft toss, live pitch
Coach Tip: Every player hits every practice. No exceptions.
Game or Fun Activity
- Relay races around the bases
- Bucket Toss (throw into bucket from increasing distance)
- Around the Horn Challenge (time the ball around all bases)
- Mini scrimmage or live at-bats
Coach Tip: End on a high note. If they leave smiling, they will come back.
Focus on fundamentals
Throwing
- C-grip on the seams
- Step toward your target
- Follow through across the body
- Start close, work your way back
Fielding
- Butt down, glove out front
- Field the ball in front of your body
- Two hands whenever possible
- Shuffle feet to get in position
Hitting
- Balanced stance, feet shoulder-width
- Hands back, elbow up
- Swing level through the zone
- Watch the ball hit the bat
Practice structure adapted from WHGSL coaching resources and Dominate the Diamond. WHGSL is not affiliated with any third-party resource referenced on this page.