2 replies to this topic

[DiMaggio]

I'm coaching 7 and 8 YOs. Usually at the end of practice (after working on fundamentals), I have the 10 kids split into two teams and play a "split-squad" short scrimmage.

The kids love this part of practice and really get into it. It allows each kid to play the infield in a game-type situation (I have asst coaches and parents playing the outfield).

Have any of you done anything similar? I'm looking for any ideas or suggestions for improving this or "spicing" it up or expanding it to benefit the kids. Any ideas?

[hollad6636]

I think that is a great way to finish practice. I have even had a kids vs. parents/coaches scrimmage. I make sure the parents know to take it easy and the loser has to run the bases.

This gives me an opportunity to work my outfield in game situations so that my outfield gets used to backing up the bases on the throws and moving on the hit, instead of after the infielder has missed the ball.

[pckidcoach]

We do the same thing. It adds to the excitement of practice, and it keeps the kids interested. As for improving it, there's not much you can do. I like the whole team vs the parents idea. It let's the team work on defensive situations as a whole.