Obstacle Course is a Warm Up drill is designed for fun.  Run this early in the season to help break the ice and get kids to loosen up and smile.  The properly constructed obstacle course entertains and engages, while warming the athletes up and providing the opportunity for early competition.  They can become a topic of interest, something that the athletes are excited to look for as soon as they arrive to the field.

EXECUTION – The Obstacle Course is run at the Warm Up Box (red/white/blue cones).  While it can involve ANY combination of moves (baseball or not), this video has laid out a simple, proven course.  Break the athletes into 2-3 groups and compete for a winning team.  Athletes start these moves from behind the red cone:

• Bear Crawl (to white cone)
• Side Shuffle (back to red cone)
• Two-Leg Hops to Skips (over bonus cones and to blue cone)
• 5 Dizzy Bat Spins (5 is a scientifically calibrated number – just enough for fun 😉
• Sprint Back to Line

DC KEYS

1. Force the High Five – High five is only way for next athlete to go.  Forces a “touch” and interaction between players that may not be familiar with each other.
2. Keep it Quick – Cheer energy will dwindle if each athlete has 2 minutes of execution – 15-30 seconds of activity.
3. Get Creative – As season progresses, involve tennis ball throws to net or coach, diving, or other baseball moves.

At times, an over-the-top Obstacle Course can cause problems.  When all the team cones are used to create a labyrinth of movement, and all extra equipment involved (wiffle balls, tennis balls, sliding mats, agility ladders), the Obstacle Course can have other coaches waiting to set up stations.  But its worth it!!

EQUIPMENT LIST