defense for 7 and 8 year olds

Question
We just started practice for our 7 and 8 year old coach pitch league.  Should I be teaching the second baseman to throw to second if there is a runner on first?

It is not an easy throwing motion to turn and throw.  But, I feel I should be teaching them the correct fundamentals of getting the lead runner out and, eventually, turning a double play.

Thoughts on teaching fielding with runners on base?

Thanks.

Answer
Geoff:  Thank you for your question.

This is a great time to teach infielders about starting double plays and the advantages of looking to get the lead runner.

The easiest motion to teach right now for them is to hop around, getting their glove side square to the bag.  It is an extension of what you want them to do in playing catch, or fielding a ground ball and throwing to first base.

If you start without a ball, let them field an imaginary ball, then actually jump/hop around, so they have their glove side square to second base.  They seem to relate well to the analogy of hopping on a skate board pretty well.

Once in that position, which is their basic throwing position, step on line to the base and make their throw.

It takes some time to get them consistently jump hopping far enough to be on line, so it makes it easier when starting out to just drill the hop without the ball.

Gradually add in hand rolled ground balls, where they don't have to move, just field and jump turn, then balls in front they have to move to, then right and left.

When you feel good with their progress, add in the throw off the hand fed ground balls.  

Next, work it with ground balls that you hit, and finally let them work with it in a game situation drill where you create the situations you want, have a complete defense and base runners; but you control everything with balls hit off your fungo.

They will be well on their way to completing a double play as they move forward.  Eventually with age and strength they will graduate to the next level, all in good time.

On my website, www.theoleballgame.com, I have the game situation drill listed in the Drills section, Team Defense, Situations off a Fungo link.

It is great that you are starting to build that foundational base for them.  While they may struggle to get outs in many of the situations, building the knowledge of where the ball needs to go, or where they physically need to go, is very important.

I am sure you have already found that the process is slow indeed at that age, by adult standards; but each little piece to the puzzle that they are exposed to eventually builds confidence.  When they get it, and their eyes light up, it's the best!  It just doesn't get better than that.

Your kids are fortunate to have you working with them.  Good luck and keep having fun.

Yours in baseball,

Rick