practice setup/program

Question
Coach,

I am coaching a younger group of 7-9 year olds with many younger players.  I think I need to set up my practices with more of the basic/fundamentals in mind because of the age and inexperience of many of my players.  Is there a specific plan/program that you advise that I use that I can get the younger kids up to speed without losing the older or more skilled players?  I personally like to hit on at least 3 skills/stations at every practice.  For example 1 throwing drill/station, 1 infield/outfield station, 1 hitting or baserunning/sliding station.  I like to end each practice with a game or something fun!

Thanks in advance,

DB

Answer
Hi DB,

sounds like you already have a good notion of how to run your practices.  At this age, the difference in skill levels between 7 and 9 years of age are usually quite dramatic.  No one can expect an average 7 year old to hit, run and throw as well as a 9 year old.  I'm sure you already know this.  Same goes for the mental development.  

What I would suggest is that you get the older kids to help the younger ones.  Hopefully, the older kids are more experienced ball players AND they are willing to take on this responsibility.  This would keep the older kids motivated, especially if you take them aside and 'ask' for their help.  It will give them lessons in leadership AND help build team spirit, something I always keep in mind with the older kids.

When I coached this age group, I kept my practices fairly simple:  not too complicated for younger players; focusing on fundamentals; giving the kids a chance to 'master' the drills I
designed; at leat one game drill per practice.  Keep in mind that 'units of 3' is alwasys best, 3 drills, at least 3 times.  I would explain the drill, demonstrate what I wanted to see, have an experienced player show them how its done, then start the drill.

Eventually, my practices were such that I could call out the first drill and the kids knew exactly what was expected and could set up and almost do the drill themselves.  This gave me time to set up for drill 2, work with weaker players, etc.  Too many drills, too much variety and I would spend most of my time 'setting up' instead of watching players.    

My practices were much like your own and I rotated in only one 'different' drill each practice.  

Practice 1:  running, throwing, hitting
Practice 2:  throwing, hitting, catching
Practice 3:  running, hitting, sliding

I always had 3 drills but I kept the last drill flexible so I could focus on weaknesses I noticed during games played.  For example, if we had a game were I saw kids not following the ball properly, at the next practice, I would have two 'regular' drills the kids where familiar with AND the last drill would be a 'following the ball' drill.

I hope this is what you were looking for.  IF you want drills, there are dozens of websites
that have drills you can modify for your kids.  The trick is to keep them active and attentive - especially the younger ones.  

Have a great ball season,

JohnMc