Best Baseball Drills for Beginners: Simple Training Guide for Kids & Adults

Introduction

Baseball is more than just a sport—it’s a blend of skill, strategy, and teamwork. But like any sport, mastering the fundamentals is key to long-term success. For beginners, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where drills come in. Practicing the right baseball drills not only helps you build muscle memory but also boosts confidence, improves reaction time, and makes the game more enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 of the best baseball drills for beginners, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. From warm-ups to batting, fielding, and base running, you’ll have a complete roadmap to sharpen your skills. Whether you’re a coach training young players or a beginner wanting to improve your game, these drills are designed to set you up for success.

Part 1: Warm-Up Drills

Before jumping into batting practice or fielding ground balls, warming up is essential. A proper warm-up prevents injuries and prepares your body for the explosive movements required in baseball.

1. Dynamic Stretching (5–10 minutes)

Static stretching is useful after a game, but before practice, dynamic movements are the way to go.

Examples: High knees, butt kicks, walking lunges, and arm circles.
Why it works: Increases blood flow, activates muscles, and improves flexibility.

Pro Tip: Encourage players to mimic baseball movements during warm-ups—like shuffling side to side as if fielding ground balls.

2. Throwing Progression Drill

Throwing is at the core of baseball, and beginners often skip warm-up throws. This drill helps players gradually loosen their arms.

Step 1: Pair up players about 20 feet apart.
Step 2: Start with light tosses, focusing on form (step, throw, follow through).
Step 3: Gradually increase distance and velocity.
Why it works: Builds arm strength safely and reinforces proper mechanics.

Pro Tip: Always emphasize accuracy before power—bad habits can develop early if players throw too hard without control.

Part 2: Batting Drills

Hitting is one of the most exciting (and challenging) parts of baseball. Beginners often struggle with timing, stance, and making consistent contact with the ball. These batting drills are designed to help build solid fundamentals.

3. Tee Work Drill

A batting tee is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for beginners.

Step 1: Place a ball on the tee at waist height.
Step 2: The batter sets up with proper stance—feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands back.
Step 3: Focus on a smooth swing, hitting the ball straight back up the middle.
Why it works: Reinforces proper swing mechanics without worrying about timing a pitch.

Pro Tip: Beginners should aim for consistent contact, not power. Accuracy comes first, power develops later.

4. Soft Toss Drill

This drill introduces timing while still being beginner-friendly.

Step 1: A partner kneels slightly to the side and gently tosses the ball underhand toward the batter.
Step 2: The batter practices swinging through the ball, aiming for line drives.
Why it works: Helps hitters develop hand-eye coordination and timing.

Pro Tip: Place a net or use a batting cage to collect balls and keep the drill moving smoothly.

5. Tracking Drill (No Swing)

Sometimes the best way to improve is simply by watching the ball.

Step 1: A coach or partner lightly pitches balls over the plate.
Step 2: The batter stands ready but does not swing. Instead, they call out whether the ball was high, low, inside, or outside.
Why it works: Trains vision and strike zone awareness—key for developing plate discipline.

Pro Tip: Encourage beginners to “see the ball early” by tracking it from the pitcher’s hand all the way to the catcher’s glove.

Part 3: Fielding Drills

Good defense can change the outcome of a game, and for beginners, learning the basics of catching and throwing is essential. These fielding drills will help players improve glove skills, footwork, and awareness.

6. Ground Ball Drill

Step 1: A coach or partner rolls ground balls directly toward the fielder.
Step 2: The player bends their knees, gets the glove low, and positions their body in front of the ball.
Step 3: Secure the ball with two hands, then make a clean throw.
Why it works: Builds confidence in fielding grounders and reduces errors.

Pro Tip: Beginners should focus on staying low—most errors come from standing up too early.

7. Fly Ball Drill

Step 1: A coach tosses or lightly hits balls into the air.
Step 2: The fielder practices tracking the ball with eyes, moving under it, and catching with two hands.
Why it works: Teaches players to judge distances and improve catching confidence.

Pro Tip: Always move quickly to where the ball is going, then slow down to make the catch—don’t backpedal.

8. Quick Hands Drill

Step 1: Stand about 10 feet apart with a partner.
Step 2: Toss short, quick grounders or pop-ups to each other.
Step 3: Field and throw back immediately, focusing on speed and control.
Why it works: Sharpens reflexes and helps beginners learn smooth glove-to-throw transitions.

Pro Tip: Start slow, then increase the pace as the player improves.

9. Relay Throw Drill

Step 1: Set up three players in a straight line, spaced about 50 feet apart.
Step 2: The first player fields the ball, makes a strong throw to the middle player, who then quickly relays it to the last player.
Why it works: Builds throwing accuracy and teamwork while simulating real-game relay plays.

Pro Tip: Emphasize quick transfers over throwing power—speed matters in cut-off plays.

Part 4: Base Running Drills

Running the bases well is about more than just speed—it’s about timing, awareness, and technique. These drills help beginners move efficiently and make smarter decisions on the field.

10. Sprint to First Drill

Step 1: Place players at home plate with a bat.
Step 2: On a signal, the player swings (no ball) and sprints full speed to first base.
Step 3: Emphasize running through the bag, not slowing down before it.
Why it works: Builds the habit of explosive starts and maximum hustle.

Pro Tip: Beginners should practice looking slightly right after touching first base—mimicking how to check for possible errors.

11. Rounding Bases Drill

Step 1: Place cones at the outside corners of each base.
Step 2: Players practice running the bases in sequence, focusing on rounding the corners tightly.
Step 3: Encourage leaning into the turn to maintain momentum.
Why it works: Teaches players how to maximize speed without cutting bases illegally.

Pro Tip: Always hit the inside corner of the base with your right foot to keep momentum.

12. Lead-Off and Steal Drill

Step 1: A coach acts as the pitcher.
Step 2: Base runners practice taking a small lead off first base.
Step 3: When the coach makes a pitching motion, the runner sprints to second base.
Why it works: Trains timing and confidence in stealing bases.

Pro Tip: Beginners should start with short leads until they’re comfortable.

13. Tag-Up Drill

Step 1: A coach hits or tosses fly balls into the outfield.
Step 2: Base runners on third base practice waiting until the ball is caught before sprinting home.
Step 3: Focus on explosive acceleration the moment the catch is made.
Why it works: Prepares players for crucial game situations where timing makes the difference between safe and out.

Pro Tip: Teach players to take a small “prep step” as the ball is caught—this helps launch forward faster.

Part 5: Throwing Drills & Accuracy Training

Throwing is one of the most essential baseball skills. Beginners need to focus on proper mechanics first, then build arm strength and accuracy. These drills make learning fun while developing good habits.

14. Wall Target Drill

Step 1: Set up a wall or fence with tape squares at different heights.
Step 2: Players throw balls aiming for the marked targets.
Step 3: Start close, then increase distance as accuracy improves.
Why it works: Builds control and reinforces consistent throwing motion.

Pro Tip: Beginners should aim for chest-height throws, the most common in real games.

15. Partner Catch Drill

Step 1: Pair players about 20 feet apart.
Step 2: Throw the ball back and forth, focusing on smooth arm motion and accuracy.
Step 3: Gradually increase distance as players gain confidence.
Why it works: Strengthens arm muscles and sharpens hand-eye coordination.

Pro Tip: Encourage players to always use the proper grip (two fingers on the seams) for better control.

16. One-Knee Throw Drill

Step 1: Players kneel on one knee about 15 feet apart.
Step 2: Throw balls back and forth, keeping the upper body mechanics consistent.
Step 3: Focus on follow-through and hitting the partner’s chest.
Why it works: Isolates the arm movement so beginners can master proper throwing form.

Pro Tip: Great warm-up drill before full throwing sessions.

17. Relay Throw Drill

Step 1: Line up 3–4 players about 30 feet apart.
Step 2: First player throws to the second, then quickly pivots to throw to the next, and so on.
Step 3: Time the group to add a competitive element.
Why it works: Teaches quick transfers, accuracy, and communication.

Pro Tip: Remind players to use a “crow hop” when throwing long distances—it adds power and momentum.

18. Long Toss Drill

Step 1: Start with partners 20 feet apart.
Step 2: After each round, step back 5–10 feet to increase distance.
Step 3: Focus on smooth mechanics, not just power.
Why it works: Builds arm strength and stamina, especially for beginners aspiring to pitch.

Pro Tip: Always warm up thoroughly before long toss to prevent injuries.

Part 6: Beginner-Friendly Team Drills (Game-Like Practice)

Once players understand the basics of catching, hitting, fielding, and throwing, it’s important to bring everything together in team-oriented drills. These game-like practices help beginners learn positioning, teamwork, and communication—all critical in real baseball games.

19. Cutoff Relay Drill

Step 1: Position an outfielder, a cutoff man (usually a shortstop or second baseman), and a target (catcher or coach at home plate).
Step 2: Outfielder fields a ball and throws to the cutoff man.
Step 3: Cutoff man quickly relays to home plate.
Why it works: Teaches teamwork, fast ball transfers, and defensive positioning.

Pro Tip: Emphasize loud, clear communication (“Cut!” “Home!”) so players know where the throw is headed.

20. Situational Ground Ball Drill

Step 1: Coach hits ground balls to infielders with different scenarios (runner on first, two outs, etc.).
Step 2: Players must field cleanly and make the correct throw.
Step 3: Rotate players through different positions.
Why it works: Builds game awareness and reinforces decision-making under pressure.

Pro Tip: Start slow with simple plays, then add complexity as beginners improve.

21. Base Running Relay

Step 1: Divide players into two teams.
Step 2: First runner sprints around the bases, tags the next teammate, and continues until all players finish.
Step 3: Fastest team wins.
Why it works: Makes base running fun while teaching correct turns and sprint mechanics.

Pro Tip: Use cones to mark wide turns around bases to encourage sharper running paths.

22. Mini-Scrimmage Game

Step 1: Split players into two small teams (even 5v5 works).
Step 2: Play short 2–3 inning games with simplified rules.
Step 3: Rotate positions so each player experiences fielding, batting, and base running.
Why it works: Brings all skills together in a realistic, low-pressure environment.

Pro Tip: Keep score casually, focusing more on learning than competition.

Conclusion: Building Strong Foundations

Baseball may seem complex, but with the right progressive drills, beginners can quickly build confidence and skills. From hitting off a tee to scrimmaging with teammates, each drill introduces core fundamentals in a fun, structured way.

Remember, consistency is key—short, regular practice sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones. Whether your goal is to coach kids, start a local team, or just learn for fun, these 22 baseball drills for beginners are the perfect roadmap to success.

FAQ: Baseball Drills for Beginners

1. What are the best baseball drills for absolute beginners?

The best starting drills include tee hitting, soft toss, and basic catch-and-throw practice. These drills focus on hand-eye coordination, timing, and proper throwing mechanics without overwhelming new players.

2. How often should beginners practice baseball drills?

Beginners should aim for 2–3 practice sessions per week, each lasting about 45–60 minutes. Consistency is more important than intensity—short, regular sessions help players retain skills better.

3. Do beginners need special equipment for drills?

Not necessarily. A glove, bat, and a few balls are enough to start. Many drills can be done with just a tennis ball and a wall. As players progress, consider adding batting tees, cones, and training nets for more variety.

4. How can I make baseball drills fun for kids?

Turn drills into mini-games or challenges. For example, award points for hitting targets, clean catches, or fast base running. Kids stay engaged longer when drills feel like games rather than strict practice.

5. What is the fastest way to improve at baseball?

The fastest improvement comes from repetition and feedback. Players should:

Practice hitting and throwing consistently.
Get guidance from a coach or experienced player.
Watch professional games to understand positioning and strategies.

6. Can these drills be done at home?

Yes! Many drills—like wall ball, dry swings, or batting tee practice—can be done in a backyard, garage, or open space. Always ensure safety by using soft training balls indoors.

7. Are these drills for both kids and adults?

Absolutely. The same drills work for all ages, but intensity and difficulty can be adjusted. For example, kids might use lighter bats and softer balls, while adults can train with regulation gear.

Final Thoughts

Mastering baseball starts with solid fundamentals. By using these beginner-friendly drills, players can build confidence, improve technique, and develop a love for the game. Whether you’re coaching a youth team, helping your child learn, or starting baseball yourself, consistency and fun are the keys to long-term success.