A fun Hitting Station or Early Activity Drill, Home Run Derby brings out coach’s inner Chris Berman – back, back, back, back… GONE!  Designed to be fun and keep players occupied, instruction can be limited and competition increased during Home Run Derby.

EXECUTION – Create a “short porch” for successful home runs.  Five swings per athlete and then rotate: 1 hitter, 1 on-deck, 1 in-the-hole (this guy is safe distance behind hitter to catch missed pitches and toss back to coach area).  Defenders are distributed accordingly based on the numbers present.  If short fence, position “infielders” inside fence and “outfielders” on other side of the fence.  Create a points-system for home runs based on distances or backstop markers (fence posts). Keep a running point tally and the winner can earn a leader role during dynamic warm up.

DC KEYS

1. Get Creative – Hit in shallow outfield, or use poles in large backstop to create HR fence / points competition.
2. Safety – Defense is cool, fun, and exciting… but robbing home runs can be dangerous.
3. Equipment On – Helmets and batting gloves stay on.

EQUIPMENT LIST