Coventry Coaches Corner

League Goals & Drills

Practice goals and age-appropriate drills for each league

Coach Pitch

Goals

Hit a Moving Pitch
Make contact with ball thrown by coach or machine
Stride and Level Swing
Step toward pitcher while swinging bat level through zone
Throw Accurately to Target
Throw ball to specific base or teammate with accuracy
Catch Fly Balls Two-Handed
Track and catch fly balls using both hands
Field Grounders in Front
Get in front of ground balls and field with glove down
Understand Force vs Tag
Know when runner must run (force) vs can stay (tag)
Tagging Up on Fly Balls
Learn when and how to tag up after a fly ball is caught
Know When to Run Bases
Understand when it's safe to advance to next base
Defensive Responsibilities
Know which base to cover and when to make force plays

Majors

Goals

Situational Hitting
Adjust approach based on count, outs, and runners on base
Pitch Recognition
Identify different pitch types and speeds before swinging
Bunting Technique
Execute sacrifice and drag bunts in game situations
Pitching Control and Strategy
Work the count, change speeds, hit spots, hold runners
Catcher: Lead Pitch Calling
Help call pitches and manage game from behind plate
Catcher: Manage Running Game
Control opposing base runners with throws and pitcher communication
Defensive Positioning
Shift position based on batter, count, and situation
Relays and Cutoffs
Execute proper relay throws and cut-off plays from outfield
Turn Double Plays
Work with infielders to complete 6-4-3, 4-6-3, and other DPs
Communication on Defense
Call for fly balls, back up throws, direct traffic
Advanced Base Running
Read pitchers, take smart leads, execute delayed steals
Strategic Base Running
Advance on fly balls, steal bases, slide safely
Game Strategy by Situation
Make decisions based on outs, count, score, and inning
Master Little League Rules
Understand infield fly rule, dropped 3rd strike, and all LL rules

Minors

Goals

Recognize Balls and Strikes
Understand strike zone and learn to judge pitches
Execute Force and Tag Outs
Know which type of out applies and throw to correct base
Throw to the Right Base
Make quick decisions on where to throw based on game situation
Catcher: Receiving and Blocking
Catch pitches properly and block balls in dirt
Catcher: Return Throws to Pitcher
Throw ball back to pitcher accurately between pitches
Base Running: Leads and Steals
Learn proper leads off base and when to attempt steals (if allowed)
Safe Sliding Technique
Execute safe slides into bases without injury
Situational Awareness
Know the score, outs, and answer "What's my play?"

Tee Ball

Goals

Proper Bat Grip and Stance
Learn correct hand placement on bat and balanced batting stance
Hit Off Tee with Consistent Contact
Make solid contact with ball on tee using level swing
Safe Ready Position
Stand in proper defensive position with knees bent, glove ready
Basic Overhand Throwing
Throw overhand with opposite foot step toward target
Two-Handed Catching
Catch with glove up and second hand covering ball
Run Through First Base
Run hard through first base without slowing down
Touch Bases in Order
Know to touch each base while running: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, home
Stop at Signal
Listen to coaches and stop running when told
Understand Outs and Innings
Learn basics of what an out is and taking turns at bat