Most baseball programs view practicing indoors as an inconvenience, but it can actually be extremely beneficial if you use the right format. Maximize your time in the gym with the following tips for practicing indoors.

Warm Up

Always start with a 10-minute dynamic stretch routine, including High Knees, Lunges, Heel Kicks and Sprints. It can be beneficial to allow a few minutes for the players to perform static stretches on their own as well.

Keep up the Tempo

Once your players are warm, jump right into an up-tempo drill that includes everyone on the team. For example, my sample plan includes the Run-Down Drill, which must be done at a fast pace and in which the players must demonstrate focus to execute properly. (Learn more about indoor baseball drills.)

There Is an “I” in Team

Baseball is unique as a team sport because of the attention paid to individual instruction and performance. After a team drill, move into individual instruction where positions split time between defense, hitting, base running and bunting stations. While the position players trade off between offense and defense, the pitchers work on their daily routines, which may vary depending on the day of the week and the proximity to Opening Day. When bullpens are added to the equation, it may slightly change the routine for certain players, namely catchers and hitters in live situations.

Finish Strong

Finish baseball practice on a high note with a short team drill that boosts team energy and focus. I use bunt defense with live bunting, but it can also be beneficial to set up a competition between offense and defense or to split the team into two squads. (Check out Bunting for Base Hits With UC Irvine.)