Keys to a great practice: Start on time, keep kids moving, have a plan but stay flexible. Aim for 3-4 water breaks. End on a high note so kids leave excited for the next one. These templates are starting points - adjust based on what your team needs most.
Best for: Regular weeknight practices with balanced skill development
| Time |
Activity |
Min |
| 0:00 |
Arrive, gear up, quick team huddle |
5 |
| 0:05 |
Dynamic warm-up |
6 |
| 0:11 |
Throwing progression |
9 |
| 0:20 |
Skill block #1 (fielding OR hitting) |
20 |
| 0:40 |
Water break |
3 |
| 0:43 |
Skill block #2 (other skill) |
17 |
| 1:00 |
Game situations / live reps |
10 |
| 1:10 |
Conditioning / fun competition |
5 |
| 1:15 |
Team huddle, wrap-up |
- |
Notes:
- Alternate which skill (fielding/hitting) comes first each practice
- Game situations should simulate real plays with runners
Best for: Short field time, doubleheader days, or when running behind
| Time |
Activity |
Min |
| 0:00 |
Quick huddle while stretching |
3 |
| 0:03 |
Dynamic warm-up (abbreviated) |
5 |
| 0:08 |
Throwing progression |
7 |
| 0:15 |
Primary skill focus |
18 |
| 0:33 |
Water break |
2 |
| 0:35 |
Secondary skill or game situations |
15 |
| 0:50 |
Live reps / competition |
8 |
| 0:58 |
Team huddle |
2 |
Notes:
- Pick ONE main focus - don't try to do everything
- Keep transitions fast - have equipment ready
Best for: Weekend practices, pre-tournament prep, or when you have extra field time
| Time |
Activity |
Min |
| 0:00 |
Team meeting - review goals for practice |
5 |
| 0:05 |
Dynamic warm-up (full sequence) |
8 |
| 0:13 |
Throwing progression + long toss |
12 |
| 0:25 |
Fielding stations (rotate groups) |
20 |
| 0:45 |
Water break |
3 |
| 0:48 |
Hitting stations (tee, soft toss, BP) |
22 |
| 1:10 |
Water break |
2 |
| 1:12 |
Live game situations (full scenarios) |
12 |
| 1:24 |
Fun competition / conditioning |
5 |
| 1:29 |
Team huddle, recap key learnings |
- |
Notes:
- Use stations to maximize reps - need parent helpers
- Great opportunity for position-specific work
- Watch energy levels - add an extra break if needed
Best for: When bats have been cold, pre-game tune-up, or offensive skill development
| Time |
Activity |
Min |
| 0:00 |
Huddle, gear up |
5 |
| 0:05 |
Dynamic warm-up |
6 |
| 0:11 |
Throwing progression (quick) |
7 |
| 0:18 |
Tee work - mechanics focus |
12 |
| 0:30 |
Soft toss / front toss |
12 |
| 0:42 |
Water break |
3 |
| 0:45 |
Live BP - coach pitch |
15 |
| 1:00 |
Situational hitting (hit & run, move runner) |
10 |
| 1:10 |
Quick fielding review |
5 |
| 1:15 |
Team huddle |
- |
Notes:
- Non-hitters should be shagging or doing tee work
- Emphasize quality swings over quantity
Best for: After sloppy games, working on team defense, or building fielding fundamentals
| Time |
Activity |
Min |
| 0:00 |
Huddle, gear up |
5 |
| 0:05 |
Dynamic warm-up |
6 |
| 0:11 |
Throwing progression (emphasize accuracy) |
9 |
| 0:20 |
Ground ball fundamentals - ready position, fielding, footwork |
15 |
| 0:35 |
Fly ball/pop-up work |
10 |
| 0:45 |
Water break |
3 |
| 0:48 |
Team defense - cutoffs and relays |
12 |
| 1:00 |
Live situations - runners on base |
10 |
| 1:10 |
Quick hitting (keep bats warm) |
5 |
| 1:15 |
Team huddle |
- |
Notes:
- Use fungo bat for efficient ground ball/fly ball work
- Put kids at their game positions for team defense
Best for: Arriving at the field before a game - get loose and focused
| Time |
Activity |
Min |
| 0:00 |
Arrive, drop gear, quick huddle |
3 |
| 0:03 |
Dynamic warm-up (in outfield) |
5 |
| 0:08 |
Throwing progression |
7 |
| 0:15 |
Infield/outfield (if field available) |
8 |
| 0:23 |
Quick swings - tee or soft toss |
5 |
| 0:28 |
Final huddle - lineup, assignments |
2 |
Notes:
- Keep it light - save energy for the game
- Focus on getting loose, not learning new skills
- Have batting order and positions ready before huddle
General Practice Tips
- Have a backup plan - weather, missing equipment, or low attendance can change things
- Keep kids moving - standing in line = losing focus. Use stations when possible
- Positive-to-correction ratio - aim for 3 positive comments for every correction
- Water breaks are transitions - use them to reset and explain the next activity
- End strong - kids remember the last thing. Make it fun or finish with success
- Be flexible - if something isn't working, move on. Don't force it