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Coaching resources

Practice plans, drills and tips for CBSL volunteer coaches, from Quickball to Majors. Print what you need and bring it to the field.

How players grow at CBSL

One path, five divisions

Each division builds on the last. Coach to the stage your players are in.

Ages 4–5

Quickball

A baseball activity: run, throw, catch, swing and have fun.

Ages 5–6

Coach Pitch

Where kids first learn the game in a traditional way. The goal: after Quickball and Coach Pitch, players can catch, throw and hit a thrown pitch.

Ages 7–8

Machine Pitch

Where players come of age. By the time they move up to Minors, they’re usually pretty good ballplayers.

Ages 9–10

Minors

Kid pitch on a 46/60 field, with more game strategy.

Ages 11–12

Majors

50/70, the bridge to 60/90. New Majors rules aligned with Cal Ripken Major/70 rules are in progress.

Getting started

Before your first practice

New to coaching? Start here. First, complete the two CBSL requirements, the SportsEngine abuse prevention training and a background check; see Coach & volunteer.

First-practice checklist

  • SportsEngine abuse prevention training and background check done (see the volunteer page)
  • Roster with parent phone numbers and emergency contacts
  • A welcome message to families: time, field, what to bring
  • A written plan (use the template below) and a helper for each station
  • Name tags or tape on helmets for the first week
  • Arrive early to set up cones, stations and bases
  • Know where the nearest shelter is if weather turns

Parent meeting talking points

  • Introduce yourself and your assistant coaches
  • How you’ll communicate, and when to expect the schedule
  • Team goals: have fun, work hard, get better, be a good teammate
  • What to bring: glove, water, closed-toe shoes (no metal cleats). Batters wear NOCSAE helmets, and bats need the USA Bat marking
  • Arrival time before practices and games
  • Weather and lightning: when we stop and when we come back
  • Help wanted: team parent, station helpers, assistant coaches
  • From the stands: cheer effort and let the coaches coach

The equipment bag

  • Plenty of balls (soft or reduced-injury balls for the youngest players) and a ball bucket
  • Cones or field spots, and throw-down bases or a throw-down home plate
  • A batting tee or two
  • A target (an AutoUmp, a net or a bucket)
  • Catcher’s gear (Machine Pitch and up)
  • First aid kit and instant ice packs
  • Extra water and sunscreen
  • Your practice plan on a clipboard

Check with your division coordinator about what the league provides.

Keeping 5–8 year-olds engaged

  • Small groups and stations. No lines longer than 3–4 kids
  • Say it in 10 seconds, show it, then let them do it
  • Every player touches a ball every minute
  • Use names, high-fives and specific praise (“great step toward the target!”)
  • Turn drills into games: points, races, beat-the-coach
  • Water breaks keep energy up. Short is good
  • End with a game so they leave wanting more
Ages 4–5

Quickball: Weeks 1–6

The six Quickball weekly game plans we use. Each one follows the same format: a 10-minute baserunning warmup for both teams, four rotating stations every 3–4 minutes (throwing to target, throwing progression on the RF line, hitting progression at 2nd base, fielding progression on the LF line), a water break, then “Game Time!” with scoring coins.

Week 1Quickball

Baserunning warmup: Home to 1st: swing, run through the bag and the cone finish line

  • Throwing to target: 3 throws at the AutoUmp target, 10 ft away
  • “Foul Shots”: grip the ball like an egg with 2–3 fingers and wrist-flip to the coach
  • Hitting: coach on a knee front-tosses into each batter’s natural swing (5 swings)
  • Fielding: athletic position and the “Step-Catch-Clap” catch, starting with bean bags

Game time: Singles only. Fielders throw every batted ball to first base.

Download PDF Open to print
Week 2Quickball

Baserunning warmup: Home to 1st, then home to 2nd: a proper turn at first, stop at second

  • Throwing to target: the AutoUmp target moves back to 15 ft
  • “Elephant Trunk Wrist Flips”: chest to the coach, flip with wrist flexion
  • Hitting: front toss into the natural swing plane (5 swings)
  • Fielding: “Fingers to the Sky” hands for line drives, bean bags first, then a USA Quickball softball

Game time: Doubles only. Fielders throw every batted ball to second base.

Download PDF Open to print
Week 3Quickball

Baserunning warmup: Home to 3rd: round first, sprint to second, run to third

  • Throwing to target: field a rolled ground ball, then step and throw to a target 15 ft away
  • Knee Throws: throwing-side knee down, point the glove hand at the coach, rotate and throw
  • Hitting: soft toss at 2nd base (used as home plate), hitting toward center field
  • Fielding: “Step-Catch-Clap” line drives, moving from softball-size to baseball-size Quickballs (gloves optional)

Game time: Triples only. Fielders throw every batted ball to the coach at third base.

Download PDF Open to print
Week 4Quickball

Baserunning warmup: Home runs: all the way around the bases

  • Throwing to target: field a soft line drive, throw to a target 20 ft away on the first-base line
  • “Scarecrow” throws: sideways, ball hand shoulder-high, rock back and step toward the coach
  • Hitting: soft toss into the hitter’s bat path
  • Fielding: review ground balls, fly balls and line drives

Game time: Home runs. Fielders throw every batted ball to the coach at home plate.

Download PDF Open to print
Week 5Quickball

Baserunning warmup: Home to 1st, then 1st to 3rd when the next batter runs, keeping one foot on the base until it’s time to go

  • Throwing to target: field a tossed fly ball, throw to a target 25 ft away at first base
  • Scarecrows: transfer weight from the back foot to the front foot
  • Hitting: soft toss, contact and hand-eye coordination
  • Fielding: review ground balls, fly balls and line drives with Quickball softballs and baseballs

Game time: Singles in inning 1, doubles in inning 2, repeated as time allows.

Download PDF Open to print
Week 6Quickball

Baserunning warmup: Home to 1st, then 1st to 3rd: run through first, return, one foot on the base, step toward second

  • Distance throw: field a rolled grounder near 2nd base and throw to a target 30 ft away at first base (on the fly or on a bounce)
  • Scarecrows: weight transfer and a soft step toward the coach
  • Hitting: soft toss into the bat path
  • Fielding: review ground balls, fly balls and line drives

Game time: Singles in inning 1, triples in inning 2, repeated as time allows.

Download PDF Open to print
Ages 5–6

Coach Pitch: 6 sample practices

Same four-station format as Quickball, building toward the Coach Pitch goal: catch, throw and hit a pitched ball. Tap a practice to open it. Each one prints on its own.

1Coach Pitch practice 1: Ready, catch, throwLearn the ready position, a two-hand catch and a four-seam grip, and make contact off a short toss.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Run home to 1st through the bag, then 1st to 2nd with a proper turn. Every player swings first (no ball), drops the bat safely and runs.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Coach-pitch scrimmage: every batter hits, runners stop at first, fielders throw everything to first. Rotate positions each inning.
1
Throwing to target · Mound to a target at 1st
  • Four-seam “C” grip, fingers across the seams
  • Point the glove at the target, step and throw
  • 3 throws each, then hustle to collect balls

Coach: Grip check before every throw. Keep the distance short so throws reach.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Knee throws: throwing-side knee down, glove points at the coach
  • Rotate the shoulders and finish with the throwing hand toward the opposite knee

Coach: Go down the line and back (typewriter) so everyone gets a turn every few seconds.

3
Hitting progression · 2nd base as home plate, hitting toward CF
  • Tee first: 3 swings to find balance and a level path
  • Then coach on a knee front-tosses 5 pitches

Coach: Don’t rebuild the swing. Toss into it.

4
Fielding progression · LF line
  • Ready position: feet wide, knees bent, hands out front
  • Soft tosses above the belt: thumbs together; below the belt: pinkies together

Coach: Use soft or reduced-injury balls until catching is confident.

2Coach Pitch practice 2: Step toward the targetBuild a throwing motion with a step and follow-through, field ground balls, and hit an underhand-to-overhand toss.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Home to 2nd: round first base (a “banana” turn), then stop on second.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Coach-pitch scrimmage: singles and doubles. Fielders choose first or second base, and a coach calls out “Where’s the play?” before each pitch.
1
Throwing to target · Mound to a target at 1st
  • Field a rolled ground ball, set the feet, throw
  • Make the target a little farther than week 1

Coach: Celebrate accurate throws, not hard ones.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Scarecrows: sideways, ball hand up, rock back, step and throw
  • Finish with the back foot coming forward

Coach: Watch for the step with the glove-side foot toward the coach.

3
Hitting progression · 2nd base as home plate
  • Coach kneels a few steps away and tosses overhand, firm but soft
  • 5 swings, then rotate

Coach: Release the ball from about chest height of the hitter so it comes in on a flat path.

4
Fielding progression · LF line
  • Ground balls: “alligator” hands, glove low, throwing hand on top
  • Bring the ball to the belly, then up to throw

Coach: Roll it right at them first, then a step to each side.

3Coach Pitch practice 3: See it, hit itTrack a pitched ball from the coach’s hand to the bat and start catching with a glove from a partner.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Run through first base, then two runners at once: one from home to 1st and one from 1st to 3rd.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Coach-pitch scrimmage with the CBSL Coach Pitch rules (for example, when to switch to the tee). Runners stop where the coach says.
1
Throwing to target · Partner throwing in the outfield
  • Pairs a short distance apart (start around 15 ft), gloves on
  • Throw to the partner’s chest, catch with two hands

Coach: Keep a coach in the middle of the line for safety and spacing.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Scarecrows to full throws
  • Add a small crow hop once they are ready

Coach: Short and accurate beats long and wild.

3
Hitting progression · 2nd base as home plate
  • Coach pitches from a knee or a crouch, then stands for the last pitches
  • “See it to the bat”: eyes on the ball until contact

Coach: Same speed, same spot, every pitch. Pitch into the swing.

4
Fielding progression · LF line
  • Short fly balls: glove up, “fingers to the sky”
  • Catch with two hands, above the head

Coach: Use soft balls and short tosses. Safety first on fly balls.

4Coach Pitch practice 4: Fly balls and running the basesCatch a fly ball, run the bases with good turns and keep a smooth swing against a live coach pitch.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Home runs: every player runs all the way around, touching each base and taking wide turns.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Coach-pitch scrimmage: count outs and switch sides after everyone bats, then rotate positions.
1
Throwing to target · Outfield to a target at 2nd
  • Field a fly ball, find the base, throw
  • Aim for one hop to the target

Coach: Point to the target before throwing.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Partner throws, increasing distance a few steps after every 5 good catches

Coach: If throws go wild, move back in.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate, live coach pitch
  • 5 coach pitches each
  • A coach stands by the bucket and feeds the pitcher

Coach: Pitch from the same spot every time so hitters can time it.

4
Fielding progression · LF line
  • Fly balls: drop step and go, then catch over the throwing shoulder
  • Ground balls between the cones

Coach: Keep each group to 3–4 players so nobody waits long.

5Coach Pitch practice 5: Make the play at firstField a ground ball and throw to first for an out, and learn who covers first.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Run through first, then practice returning to the bag and taking one step toward second.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Coach-pitch scrimmage: every ground ball goes to first. Fielders call “Mine!” before catching.
1
Throwing to target · Infield to 1st base
  • Field a rolled grounder at 2B, SS or 3B and throw to a coach at first

Coach: First baseman (coach or player) gives a big target.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Long toss to the edge of good throws, then back in

Coach: Encourage a quick transfer from glove to hand.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate, live coach pitch
  • “Strike-zone game”: swing at good pitches, let the bad ones go
  • Rotate after 5 pitches

Coach: Praise good decisions, not just hits.

4
Fielding progression · 1st base area
  • First basemen: feet on the bag, stretch to the throw
  • Practice short throws from 2B to 1B

Coach: Keep it short so first basemen can catch it.

6Coach Pitch practice 6: Put it all togetherCatch, throw and hit a pitched ball in game situations.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Baserunning relay: two teams race around the bases one runner at a time.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Full coach-pitch scrimmage. Celebrate what they can now do: catch, throw and hit a pitched ball.
1
Throwing to target · All bases
  • Coach calls a base; fielder throws to it

Coach: Quick feet, then throw.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Partner throws: 10 in a row without a drop wins

Coach: Finish every throw toward the target.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate, live coach pitch
  • Full at-bats with the Coach Pitch rules

Coach: Pitch into the swing and keep the speed even.

4
Fielding progression · Outfield
  • Outfielders field and throw to the cutoff (a coach or player at 2B)

Coach: Teach “hit the cutoff” early, it pays off in Machine Pitch.

Ages 7–8

Machine Pitch: 6 sample practices

More real baseball: force outs and where to throw, backing up, cutoffs, baserunning decisions, catcher basics and timing the machine.

1Machine Pitch practice 1: Force outs and where to throwKnow where the play is before every pitch, and make force outs at first and second.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Baserunning: run through first, then a runner on first breaks for second on contact.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Situational scrimmage: coach sets runners and outs before each batter.
1
Throwing to target · Infield to 1B and 2B
  • Coach calls the situation (“runner on first, one out”); fielder fields and throws to the force

Coach: Every fielder answers “Where’s the play?” before the ball is put in play.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Partner throws building to game distance
  • Quick transfer: catch, find the seams, throw

Coach: Accuracy first.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate with the machine
  • Batters see 6–8 pitches from the machine
  • Load when the coach shows the ball, swing on time

Coach: Time the feed, not the machine.

4
Fielding progression · Infield
  • Fielders work through ground balls and step on the bag for the force

Coach: Show how a force out works: touch the base, no tag needed.

2Machine Pitch practice 2: Backing up every throwEvery throw has a backup. Learn who backs up each base.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Baserunning: rounding first and reading the outfielder.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Scrimmage where the coach awards a team point for every correct backup.
1
Throwing to target · Infield to 1B, with a backup
  • Right fielder runs behind first on every throw to first
  • Catcher follows the runner down the line when no one is on base

Coach: Point out the backup on every rep.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Long toss with a crow hop

Coach: Use the legs to throw farther.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate with the machine
  • Hit-and-run to the open field

Coach: Same timing every pitch.

4
Fielding progression · Outfield
  • Outfielders charge ground balls and get them back to the infield fast

Coach: No outfielder holds the ball.

3Machine Pitch practice 3: Cutoffs and relaysGet the ball from the outfield to the infield with a cutoff.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Baserunning: double-turns, home to 2nd on hits to the outfield.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Scrimmage: every ball hit to the outfield goes to the cutoff.
1
Throwing to target · Outfield to the cutoff
  • Cutoff raises both arms and calls for the ball
  • Catch on the glove side, turn and throw

Coach: The cutoff lines up between the outfielder and the target base.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Relay race: three players in a line pass the ball down and back

Coach: Fast feet, short throws.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate with the machine
  • Gap hitting: aim for line drives up the middle

Coach: Hit the ball hard, on a line.

4
Fielding progression · Outfield
  • Fly balls: drop step, go, and catch it above the head

Coach: Call “Mine!” loud and early.

4Machine Pitch practice 4: Baserunning decisionsRun hard and know when to go, stop or tag up.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Baserunning: run on contact with two outs, tag up on fly balls, watch the base coach.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Scrimmage where the base coaches decide; review each decision quickly between innings.
1
Throwing to target · Infield to home
  • Throws to the plate on a ground ball with a runner on third

Coach: The catcher gives a target, chest high.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Partner throws plus a quick release

Coach: Get it out fast.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate with the machine
  • Batters run every ball out hard

Coach: Coach the batter-runner, not just the swing.

4
Fielding progression · Base paths
  • Runners on each base react to a coach’s “contact,” “fly ball” or “ground ball” call

Coach: Freeze on line drives, go on ground balls when forced.

5Machine Pitch practice 5: Catcher basicsEvery player tries catching: gear, stance and receiving.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Baserunning: freeze on line drives, get back to the base, then tag up on a caught fly ball.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Scrimmage: rotate catchers each inning.
1
Throwing to target · Catcher to the coach
  • From a crouch, catch and throw back to the coach

Coach: Full catcher’s gear on every catcher, every rep.

2
Throwing progression · RF line
  • Footwork for the throw to second

Coach: Short steps, quick feet.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate with the machine
  • Two-strike approach: shorter swing, put the ball in play

Coach: Make contact.

4
Fielding progression · Behind the plate
  • Receiving: soft hands, glove out front
  • Blocking with soft balls: knees down, chin tucked, glove between the legs

Coach: Start slow with soft balls and build confidence.

6Machine Pitch practice 6: Game situationsPut force outs, backups, cutoffs and baserunning together.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup. Full baserunning circuit.
  2. 0:10–0:38 Four stations, rotating every 6–7 minutes. Coaches use the typewriter method (down the line and back) so every player gets a rep.
  3. 0:38–0:42 Water break.
  4. 0:42–1:00 Game time! Full scrimmage with umpire-style rules. The coach feeding the machine runs the game.
1
Throwing to target · Infield
  • Coach calls the base; fielder throws

Coach: Quick feet, accurate throw.

2
Throwing progression · Outfield
  • Throws through the cutoff

Coach: Hit the cutoff man.

3
Hitting progression · Home plate with the machine
  • Situational hitting: move the runner

Coach: Know the situation before you step in.

4
Fielding progression · Everywhere
  • Each player names their job before each pitch: field it, cover, or back up

Coach: Everyone has a job on every play.

Ages 9–12

Minors & Majors

Two sample plans for kid-pitch divisions. New Majors division rules aligned with Cal Ripken Major/70 rules are in progress and will be posted on the documents page when ready.

1Minors & Majors practice 1: Defense and pitchingArm care, pitcher fielding and infield/outfield communication. About 90 minutes.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 15 min Dynamic warmup and a throwing progression (wrist flips, knee throws, long toss)
  2. 15 min Pitchers: bullpen work with a pitch count; position players: infield and outfield ground balls
  3. 15 min Pitcher fielding: covering first on balls to the right side; bunt defense
  4. 10 min Cutoffs and relays from all three outfield spots
  5. 5 min Water break
  6. 30 min Situational defense: coach hits fungoes with runners on, every player calls their job

Follow league pitching rules and the MLB/USA Baseball Pitch Smart guidelines for pitch counts and rest.

2Minors & Majors practice 2: Offense and situationsQuality at-bats, baserunning and situational scrimmage. About 90 minutes.
CBSL sample · board review welcome
  1. 10 min Dynamic warmup and baserunning
  2. 30 min Batting stations: live BP, tee work, front toss and bunting (rotate every 7–8 minutes)
  3. 15 min Baserunning: leads and reading the pitcher where the rules allow, first-and-third, rundowns
  4. 5 min Water break
  5. 30 min Situational scrimmage: coach sets runners and count before each batter

Use the CBSL Minors rules and, for Majors, the new Majors division rules once they’re posted.

Drill library

22 drills, one line each

Filter by division. Names in quotes come from the Quickball game plans.

  • Step-Catch-ClapCoach tosses a soft line drive (bean bag first); the player steps toward it, catches with two hands and claps.QuickballCoach Pitch
  • Fingers to the SkyFor balls above the belt, hands up with fingers pointing to the sky; thumbs together.QuickballCoach Pitch
  • Foul Shots (wrist flips)Grip the ball like an egg with 2–3 fingers and flip it to the coach using only the wrist.Quickball
  • Elephant Trunk Wrist FlipsChest to the coach, elbow up, flip the ball with the wrist to build a strong release.QuickballCoach Pitch
  • Knee ThrowsThrowing-side knee down, glove points at the target, rotate the shoulders and throw.QuickballCoach PitchMachine Pitch
  • Scarecrow ThrowsSideways to the target, ball hand shoulder-high, rock back, step and throw.QuickballCoach PitchMachine Pitch
  • Throwing to a TargetThrow at a target (AutoUmp, net or cone), starting close and moving back as accuracy improves.QuickballCoach Pitch
  • Front TossCoach on a knee tosses underhand into the hitter’s natural swing; 5 swings and rotate.QuickballCoach PitchMachine Pitch
  • Run Through FirstSwing, drop the bat safely, sprint through the bag and the cone finish line.QuickballCoach PitchMachine Pitch
  • Red Light, Green Light BaserunningRunners go on “green,” freeze on “red.” Teaches listening to the base coach.QuickballCoach Pitch
  • Alligator Ground BallsGlove low and open, throwing hand on top like jaws; bring the ball to the belly.Coach PitchMachine Pitch
  • Banana TurnsRun a curved path to first so the runner can turn and keep going to second.Coach PitchMachine Pitch
  • Tee TargetsHit line drives off a tee into a net or at a target on the fence.Coach PitchMachine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Partner Catch LadderPartners take a step back after every 5 good catches and a step in after a drop.Coach PitchMachine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Where’s the Play?Coach calls outs and runners; every fielder points to where they’ll throw before the pitch.Machine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Back-up BuddyOn every throw, a teammate runs behind the target base to stop overthrows.Machine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Cutoff Relay RaceLines of three relay the ball down and back: arms up, catch glove-side, turn, throw.Machine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Tag-Up DrillRunner on third leaves on the catch of a fly ball, not before.Machine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Catcher Ready & BlockIn gear, soft balls: knees down, chin tucked, glove between the legs to keep the ball in front.Machine PitchMinors & Majors
  • Machine TimingBatter starts the load when the coach shows the ball and swings through the feed.Machine Pitch
  • Pitcher Covers FirstGrounder to the right side; the pitcher runs to the line and takes a toss on the bag.Minors & Majors
  • RundownsTwo fielders chase a runner back toward the base they came from, with as few throws as possible.Minors & Majors

For parents

Practice at home

While learning in the structured CBSL environment is wonderful, the players who excel most are the ones who take it upon themselves to improve. Here are some drills and talking points you can use with your child.

Board approved

Ages 4–6

Quickball & Coach Pitch

  • Soft-ball catchKneel close and toss a soft ball underhand; your child catches with two hands, then tosses it back. Take a step back after 5 catches in a row.You need: A soft or foam ball
  • Rolled groundersSit a few feet apart and roll the ball; your child scoops it with two hands and rolls or tosses it back.You need: Any soft ball
  • Tee swingsSet the ball on a tee at belly-button height and let them swing away at a fence, net or open yard.You need: A batting tee and wiffle or soft balls
  • Throw at a targetToss underhand or overhand at a laundry basket or bucket from a few steps away. Count the hits.You need: A soft ball and a basket
  • Run the basesSet out four “bases” (shoes, towels or cones) and race around them, touching every one.You need: Anything for bases
Ages 7–8

Machine Pitch

  • Wall ballThrow a tennis ball against a solid wall and field it on the bounce. Start close, then back up.You need: A tennis ball and a solid, windowless wall
  • Soft tossKneel off to the side and toss wiffle balls into the strike zone; your child hits them into a fence or open space.You need: Wiffle balls and a bat
  • Pop-up catchesToss easy pop-ups; your child calls “Mine!”, gets under it and catches with two hands above the head.You need: A glove and a soft or tennis ball
  • Grounder and throwRoll ground balls; your child fields, sets their feet and throws to you or a target.You need: A glove and a ball
  • Tee targetsHit line drives off a tee at a target (a towel on the fence or the middle of a net).You need: A tee, balls and a target
Ages 9–12

Minors & Majors

  • Partner catch ladderPlay catch, stepping back after 5 good throws and in after a miss. Finish with a few short, quick throws.You need: Gloves and a ball
  • Wall ball with footworkField tennis balls off a wall, then add footwork: field, shuffle and make a throwing motion.You need: A tennis ball and a solid, windowless wall
  • Short-toss hittingToss wiffle balls from a short distance behind a screen or from the side; focus on hitting line drives up the middle.You need: Wiffle balls, a bat, a screen or fence
  • Fly ball readsThrow high fly balls left and right; your child takes a first step back or to the side, then runs to the spot and catches.You need: A glove and a ball
  • Tee workA few minutes of slow, focused tee swings, working on balance and a smooth finish.You need: A tee and balls

Backyard safety basics

  • Use soft, foam or wiffle balls with young kids, and tennis balls for wall ball.
  • Give yourselves plenty of space, and keep other kids and pets clear of swings and throws.
  • Don’t throw at a wall near windows, cars or traffic, and never chase a ball into the street.
  • Helmets for anything with a real baseball and a live pitch. Stop if anything hurts.

Talking points for parents

  • Praise effort over results. “You hustled on every ball” goes further than “nice hit.”
  • Ask open questions on the ride home. “What was the most fun part?” or “What did you learn today?” Then listen.
  • Let them lead. Practice when they ask, and let them pick a drill. Kids who own it stick with it.
  • Keep it short and fun. Ten good minutes beats an hour of nagging. Stop while they still want more.
  • Back up the coach. Use the same words and cues your child hears at practice instead of teaching something different. If you have a question, ask the coach privately.
  • Keep mistakes in perspective. Every great player strikes out and boots grounders. Treat mistakes as part of learning, not something to fix in the car.

Ages 9–12, arm care: warm up before throwing hard, build up gradually, take days off, and stop if the arm hurts. Follow the age-based pitch counts and rest in the Pitch Smart guidelines (in Trusted links below).

Printable

Blank 60-minute practice plan

The same format as our plans: baserunning warmup, four stations with a coach and a drill for each, a water break, then game time. Fill it in on screen or print it blank.

Open the practice plan Blank PDF
  1. 0:00–0:10 Baserunning warmup
  2. 0:10–0:38 Station 1 · Throwing to target
  3. Station 2 · Throwing progression
  4. Station 3 · Hitting progression
  5. Station 4 · Fielding progression
  6. 0:38–0:42 Water break
  7. 0:42–1:00 Game time!
Safety

Safety basics for every practice

Heat and water

Schedule water breaks (every station rotation in hot weather), use shade, and watch for signs of heat illness: headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating or no sweating. When in doubt, stop and cool down.

Lightning

When thunder roars, go indoors. Clear the field at the first thunder or lightning and get to a building or a hard-topped vehicle; dugouts are not safe shelter. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out. Sutcliffe weather

Helmets and catcher’s gear

Batters and baserunners wear NOCSAE helmets, including in practice. Catchers wear full gear (helmet/mask, chest protector, shin guards) and a protective cup. Inspect gear and keep on-deck players back from the plate.

Head injuries

If you suspect a concussion, remove the player from activity and tell the parents. When in doubt, sit them out.

Required for CBSL coaches

Every CBSL coach must complete two things before stepping on the field: the SportsEngine abuse prevention training and a background check. These are the only trainings or clearances CBSL requires.

Both are completed through the league’s Babe Ruth League / SportsEngine membership portal.

Background check (SportsEngine) Abuse prevention training (SportsEngine)

More on the Coach & volunteer page.

Emergencies

Keep the first aid kit and emergency contacts at every practice. Call 911 first in an emergency, then contact parents. Sutcliffe Park is at 900 Freedley Street, Conshohocken.

Trusted links

Learn more

Free resources from the organizations behind youth baseball. Links open in a new tab.

USA Baseball The national governing body for amateur baseball.USA Baseball Develops Free practice plans, a drill library, online courses and coach certification.Pitch Smart guidelines MLB and USA Baseball pitch-count and rest guidelines by age.Cal Ripken Baseball Babe Ruth League’s Cal Ripken division (ages 4–12), including rule changes.Positive Coaching Alliance Courses and tips for building a positive, character-first team culture.NWS lightning safety National Weather Service lightning safety guidance.

Questions or a drill to share? Email ConshyBaseballSoftballLeague@gmail.com.