Live BP is a catch-all drill for “batting practice.”  For Dugout Captain practice plans, this drill can mean using a different device (tee, soft toss, wiffles)… in a different area (on-field, in bullpen, open-area)… for a different purpose (instruction, repetition, special skill – bunting etc).  Set up and structure depends on how many coaches are available to help and their level of baseball knowledge.

EXECUTION – Set the field up for batting practice to get as many swings as possible.  Items to consider include space, equipment, and personnel.  Ultimately, the goal is to get each athlete as many swings as possible in a short amount of time.  If the team has the luxury of a coach that can teach hitting, then Live BP should be set up so that THAT coach is at a station where focus can be on instruction.  This means a cage or bullpen area, away from distraction and with limited ball flight (catch net or low flight balls), to ensure no time is wasted shagging or chasing baseballs.  Consider all possibilities in creatively utilizing field space and keeping batting practice novel for the athletes: Tee / Soft Toss / Wiffle / Cages / Live on field / Shag / Baserunning.

DC KEYS

1. Teaching vs. Repetition – Common DC Key. Which station where? And which coach where? Use limited ball flight for teaching station (bullpen area, catch net, wiffle ball). Focus in on swing, not how far ball goes etc.
2. Get Creative – Wiffle balls in bullpen, bunting on asphalt, catch net in foul territory or behind backstop.
3. Avoid the Line – Station within a Station: Live, on-deck, in-the-hole, shagger High School / College BP – Live, Baserunning (first two can be combined), cages (or equivalent), shag, etc.

EQUIPMENT LIST