Spend some time outside this spring practicing baseball with your kiddo will build memories they cherish. Practicing is all about having fun and giving them the space and time they need to build the skills they’ve been learning from their baseball coach. Here are some Turf Tips on how to practice with your kiddos:

Batting. Every kid loves stepping up to the plate to hear that well-known crack sound as their bat connects with the ball – the ultimate hand-eye coordination. To practice with them, grab a bucket of balls and head over to the local batting cage. Most schools have them on campus. And, there are some indoor batting places like Extra Innings in Watertown, MA. Toss your player the ball as they line up at the plate – try to hit the strike zone which is anywhere between just above their knees to about mid-shoulder on your batter. For t-ball players, grab a tee and help them swing through the ball to make a good connection. Field all the balls so that they can focus on batting.

Throwing. Try creating some targets for your player. Targets can range in distance from the player and could replicate situations on the field, like throwing to a base to beat a runner there, or throwing to a cut-off player from the outfield. Be patient as your player develops their accuracy and the distance they can throw. 

Fielding and Catching. Fielding the ball really means building their confidence and reducing their fear of the ball coming toward them. This happens naturally the more they practice and become competent in catching the ball with their mitt. Give them the opportunity to experience a pop-fly type of throw, where you toss the ball toward them high in the air, a ball rolling through the grass toward them, a line drive which comes at them quickly at about chest height. With each type of fielding the ball, your player will develop the confidence they need to truly enjoy their time in the field. 
 
Wondering how to grab the right equipment for them? Check out this Turf Tip resource next: