CATCHING
10 MINUTES
1. Throw to another coach while emphasizing holding the ball correctly in the “favorite hand,”
turning sideways, pointing to the target, stepping and throwing.
2. Emphasize catching thumb-to-thumb (fingers pointing up) when the ball is above their
waist, and pinky-to-pinky (fingers pointing down) for balls thrown below the waist.
3. Break into small groups, one coach/team parent with each.
4. Line up players and take turns throwing the ball to each player.
5. Have player catch the ball and throw it back to the coach. One at a time, coach will throw balls above waist, then below waist.
6. Make sure players are catching thumb-to-thumb (fingers pointing up) when the ball is above their waist and pinky-to-pinky
(fingers pointing down) for balls thrown below the waist.
7. Perform this drill five times each.
WELCOME & HANDBOOK OVERVIEW
15 MINUTES
1. Gather and welcome the team.
2. Introduce the team parents and coaches.
3. Read through the Junior Giants Player & Parent Handbook - have players take turns reading.
STRETCHES & WARM UP
5 MINUTES
1. Have players introduce themselves (name and favorite color).
2. Have players lightly jog for 2-3 minutes to a designated spot and back.
3. As the team returns, have them spread out and prepare for stretches.
4. Altogether, count to 10 while completing each of the stretches below:
• Arm Circles: Circle arms 10 times forward then 10 times backwards.
• Shoulder Stretch: Place one arm behind the head and pull on elbow with opposite hand, switch.
• Wrist and Forearm Stretch: Kneel down and place palms on ground with fingertips facing knees.
• Toe Touches: Reach for toes without bending knees.
• Flamingo Stretch: Bend right knee and grab right foot with right hand, balance, then switch to the left.
5. Finish with 20 jumping jacks.
MAJORS PRACTICE PLAN
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION
THUMB-TO-
THUMB
PINKY-TO-PINKY
THROWING
7 MINUTES
1. Break into two or three groups to
demonstrate and practice the
Five Steps of Throwing:
• Step One: Step
• Step Two: Shoulder-to-Partner
• Step Three: Launch
• Step Four: Delivery
• Step Five: Finish
2. Line players up in one line facing the coach.
3. Once the player shows a two hand target the coach will toss the ball.
4. Player catches the ball with two hands and transitions into the proper grip. Then use the five steps of throwing form to throw
the ball back to the coach.
5. Repeat until all players have gone five times.
STEP
SHOULDER-
TO-PARTNER
LAUNCH DELIVERY FINISH