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Most youth practices look busy — but busy isn’t the same as productive.
In this episode, Addison and Coach T break down what separates great practices from average ones. From maximizing a single cage to building real game instincts on the field, this episode gives coaches, parents, and players a clear blueprint for development that actually transfers.
<strong>What We Cover:</strong>
<strong>Inside Practice</strong>
<ul> <li>Why standing around kills development — and how to eliminate it</li> <li>How to maximize one batting cage (live BP, front toss, tee work, short hops)</li> <li>Getting up to 11 players active at once with one cage and one bullpen</li> <li>Creative side work: jump rope, arm care, resistance training</li> <li>Tee drill variations: top hand, lead hand, stop at contact, stop at extension</li> </ul>
<strong>Bullpens</strong>
<ul> <li>Why pitchers should throw more reps from the stretch</li> <li>The value of adding a live hitter in bullpen work</li> <li>The 105/95 Rule: practice at 105%, compete at 95%</li> <li>Incorporating pickoffs, slide steps, and pitch-outs</li> <li>Why bullpen success doesn’t always translate — and how to fix it</li> </ul>
<strong>Outside Practice</strong>
<ul> <li>Coach T’s framework: Reps → Team Skills → Situational/Instinct → Competition</li> <li>Running multiple fungos to maximize reps</li> <li>Developing players at multiple positions (no early specialization)</li> <li>Fixing common relay coverage mistakes using live runners</li> <li>Building instinct through game-speed reps</li> <li>Why sandlot baseball is disappearing — and how coaches can replace it</li> <li>Practicing with another team to increase intensity and competition</li> </ul>\]\
<strong>Resources:</strong>
📄 Practice Blueprint PDF
<strong>Connect & Subscribe:</strong>
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<strong>Closing Thought:</strong>
<em>Fungos & Footnotes — because the game shapes you, and the footnotes matter.</em>
