A 90-Minute Baseball Practice Plan to Maximize Every Minute on the Field

Time on the field is valuable. Whether you’re coaching a youth team, a high school squad, or a competitive travel team, making the most of every minute is the key to improvement. A well-structured 90-minute practice keeps players engaged, builds fundamental skills, and reinforces game situations without losing intensity.

At Concord Sports, we know how important efficient training is, which is why we offer high-quality equipment and training tools to help teams get the most out of their time on the field.

This structured practice plan ensures players get the reps they need, stay mentally sharp, and leave the field feeling confident and prepared for game day.

0:00 – 0:10 | Dynamic Warm-Up & Throwing Progression

Every good practice starts with a purposeful warm-up. The goal here isn’t just to break a sweat but to prepare players for the types of movements they’ll use throughout the session. A mix of dynamic exercises and throwing progression helps prevent injuries and sets the tone for a focused practice.

Dynamic Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Have players line up along the foul line and perform the following movements:

High knees – 20 yards

Butt kicks – 20 yards

Side shuffles (both directions) – 20 yards

Karaoke drill – 20 yards

Arm circles (small to large) – 30 seconds

Arm swings (cross-body) – 30 seconds

Walking lunges – 10 reps per leg

Short sprints – 3 reps at 60%, building up to game speed

Throwing Progression (5 minutes)

After players are loose, move into a structured throwing routine:

Short throws (15 feet)

Emphasize quick hands and smooth mechanics.

Mid-range throws (30 feet)

Focus on footwork and consistent arm motion.

Long toss (gradually increasing distance)

Build arm strength without overexerting.

Position-specific throws

Infielders work on quick releases; outfielders practice long, accurate throws.

Coaching Focus:

Reinforce proper footwork and follow-through. Players should be throwing with purpose, not just going through the motions.

0:10 – 0:25 | Defensive Fundamentals

Defense is a game-changer. This portion of practice should be fast-paced, with an emphasis on clean mechanics and game-like intensity.

Infield Drills (8 minutes)

Rapid-fire ground balls: Coaches hit grounders in quick succession to sharpen reactions.

Forehand and backhand drills:

Players field balls to their left and right.

Double-play feeds:

Middle infielders practice quick flips, while corner infielders focus on strong throws to second.

Slow roller drill:

Infielders charge the ball, make a clean scoop, and throw on the run.

Outfield Drills (8 minutes)

Drop-step and reaction drill: Outfielders work on reading fly balls off the bat.

Angles to the ball:

Players focus on cutting off balls in the gap.

Crow-hop technique:

Ensuring strong, accurate throws to bases.

Coaching Focus:

Keep the energy high and demand crisp, game-speed reps. Every throw and catch should be done with focus.

0:25 – 0:40 | Team Defense & Situational Work

Once individual defensive skills are sharpened, it’s time to work on team defense. Players need to understand where to be and what to do in different game scenarios.

Cutoff & Relay Drills (5 minutes)

Outfielders field balls and work on hitting the correct cutoff man.

Infielders practice receiving relay throws and making quick, strong decisions.

Bunt Defense & Pitcher Fielding Practice (5 minutes)

Pitchers practice reacting to bunts, fielding cleanly, and making the right throw.

Infielders work on crashing, covering bases, and communicating.

situational Defense (5 minutes)

Simulate real-game situations (e.g., runners on first and third, bases loaded, less than two outs).

Players must react quickly, communicate, and execute the right play.

Coaching Focus:

Reinforce communication and proper positioning. The goal is to get players reacting instinctively.

0:40 – 1:00 | Hitting Stations & Live BP

Hitting is a priority, but long, drawn-out batting practices can cause players to disengage. The best approach is to keep players moving and maximize the number of quality swings they take.

Hitting Stations (12 minutes, 3-minute rotations)

Break players into small groups and rotate them through these four stations:

Tee Work:

Emphasizing proper mechanics and bat path.

Front Toss:

Coaches toss from the side to help with timing.

Short Bat Drills:

Focusing on hand-eye coordination and barrel control.

Live Soft Toss or Machine Work:

Allowing players to focus on approach and pitch selection.

Live Batting Practice (8 minutes)

Players step in against a coach or pitching machine for game-speed swings.

Emphasize approach—hitting with intent and recognizing pitch location.

Coaching Focus:

Keep reps fast-paced. Players should be working on specific hitting goals rather than just taking random swings.

1:00 – 1:20 | Base Running & Competitive Drills

Base running is often overlooked in practice, but aggressive, smart base running can win games.

Baserunning Fundamentals (8 minutes)

Leadoffs and jumps:

Practicing timing and reading pitchers.

Reading balls in play:

Coaches hit balls while runners react based on game situations.

Sliding drills:

Emphasizing proper technique to avoid injuries.

Small-Sided Competition (8 minutes)

Scrimmage with situational play (modified rules to focus on a specific skill).

Point-based infield challenge (each clean play earns a point).

Gap-to-gap hitting contest (encouraging line drives and staying inside the ball).

Coaching Focus:

Keep the energy up—this should be the most intense part of practice. Players should feel like they’re competing, not just running drills.

1:20 – 1:30 | Cool Down & Team Meeting

Ending practice properly ensures players recover well and retain what they’ve learned.

Cool-Down (5 minutes)

Light jogging and full-body stretching.

Shoulder mobility exercises to keep arms healthy.

Controlled breathing to bring heart rates down.

Team Huddle (5 minutes)

Recognize players who stood out during practice.

Discuss areas for improvement.

Set a focus for the next practice or game.

Final Thoughts

A well-structured 90-minute baseball practice balances skill development, situational awareness, and competition. The best practices aren’t just about getting reps in—they’re about making every rep meaningful.

By keeping players engaged, challenging them in game-like situations, and reinforcing fundamentals, coaches can ensure that their teams not only improve but also develop the mental toughness needed to win games. An efficient practice plan doesn’t just make players better—it builds a winning culture.

Coaches who maximize every minute on the field will see the difference when it matters most: on game day.