Approach steps in the yard
Hitting drill for 1 player at home. Focus: slow first step, then quick-quick; arms swing back, then up.
What you need
- Players
- 1 player
- Time
- 4 to 6 min
- Level
- Beginner and intermediate
- Equipment
- Chalk or tape
- Ball fed by
- Not needed
- Space
- A yard or driveway
- Ages
- 9+
Setup
- Three chalk marks on the grass or driveway, about a big step apart.
- Start behind the first mark, hitting arm side away from the marks.
- Approach, jump, land on both feet, walk back.
How it runs
The hitting approach with no ball and no net. For a right-hander the steps go left, right, left: a slow first step with the left foot, then a quick right-left to plant, arms swinging back on the plant and up on the jump. Chalk marks show where the feet go. Left-handers mirror it: right, left, right.
Time and reps: 3 sets of 5 approaches, walk back between.
Coaching points
- Say the rhythm: step... step-step, jump.
- Slow first step, then quick-quick into the plant.
- Both arms swing back on the plant, then up as you jump.
- Jump straight up and land soft on both feet.
Ways to change it
- Easier: walk it slowly while a grown-up claps the rhythm.
- Harder: four steps (right, left, right, left for right-handers).
- Harder: a grown-up holds a ball up high to reach for.
Make it easier or harder
Make it easier
- Walk the three steps slowly, saying left, right, left out loud.
Make it harder
- Run the steps at speed and finish with a full jump and arm swing.
Terms on this page
- Approach
- The steps a hitter takes before jumping: a slow first step, then quicker steps into the jump.
Safety at home
Jump on grass or a flat, non-slip floor in shoes, with room all around. Land soft on both feet with bent knees.
- Keep it short and stop when legs get tired.
- Young kids need a grown-up close by.
