First 8U Baseball Practice Plan
A low-pressure first baseball practice that teaches names, safe equipment habits, throwing basics, and where to go next.
Audience: A volunteer coach meeting an 8U team for the first time.
How to use it
A low-pressure first baseball practice that teaches names, safe equipment habits, throwing basics, and where to go next.
- 0–8 min: Welcome by name, show the equipment zone, and walk the safe bat and ball boundaries.
- 8–18 min: Partner toss from a short distance with a ready position and two-hand finish.
- 18–30 min: Ground-ball scoop and stop at three distances; rotate after a few quality repetitions.
- 30–42 min: Tee hitting with a coach-controlled on-deck line and a base-running walk-through.
- 42–52 min: Field a coach-rolled ball, find the base, and make a controlled throw.
- 52–60 min: Equipment count, player reflection, and a clear next-practice reminder.
Setup notes
Arrive early enough to mark the bat lane, throwing lanes, and equipment home. Give each player a job during every explanation.
Coach cues
- Names first; mechanics second.
- Use short demonstrations and then let players try.
- Stop immediately when a bat or ball leaves its zone.
Equipment
- Bats and helmets
- Baseballs
- Gloves
- Tee
- Bases
- Cones
Watch for
- Making introductions eat the whole practice
- Using live pitching on day one
- Leaving players unsure where to stand
Download and print
The approved file formats remain available from the resource page.