Running rules

Question
Hi, I am an athletic trainer and I am coaching my son's Little League team. This is our second year in instructional league.  I am pretty fun and I like the kids to have fun.  Is there a fun way, or drill to teach when a runner can go and when he has to stay... I use "on the ground, GO, in the air, STAY THERE" unless the coach tells them otherwise. Some kids weren't getting the concept of a non force play either.  Any ideas?  The kids are 7 and 8.  Thanks!  Mary

Answer
Hey Mary,
The best way would be to show them the concept on a magnetic board or chalkboard. Obviously anything hit on the ground is automatically "a go." So you need to concentrate on the fly balls.  Well, we know that any fly or pop up in the infield is "a stay," unless the ball hits the ground.  So that's easy.  The fly balls to the outfield are "a stay" till it hits the ground and then it becomes " a go."
A ground ball is a ball that hits the ground before a fielder catches it.
A fly ball is a ball that never hits the ground.
You "GO" on a ground ball.
You "STAY" on a fly ball.
Drill:  All runners start from first base.  Throw or hit ground balls to the shortstop. Do this to each runner. Use the advanced players first.  Then throw fly balls to the left fielder.  Explain to the runners how far they
can go, till they have to stop.  This would be good for all outfield hit balls at this level.  Then start dropping some balls in front of the left fielder, explaining that the fly ball now becomes a ground ball cause it hit the ground, so now you can "GO." Do this at every practice till you
think they got it.  Some will have a difficult time, tho.  Take them on the side and work with them.  On a non-force play, the fly balls are the same. On grounders, just
remind them to run, unless they may get tagged with the ball.  Otherwise they can run on the grounder.  If they are on second base in a force out situation, you may have to tell the runners after each batter if they have to run or
not..
This can be a rough age, as you well know.. I hope this helps. Let me know..

Dennis