7 & 8 yr. skills

I agree with the previous posts. My philosophy is teach them right from the get go! you just can't expect the same results.

One drill I like to use with thesse kids is to use 2 hula-hoops on a fence as a target to throw at. Then start making games. Who can hit inside the target the most out of 10 throws. Make the distant a little farther. Then start races, split the team in two and let each kid try to hit the target, then the next in line tries and so on and so on for a given lime limit. The fact that they are racing against another team puts a little more pressure on.

Eventually,(several practices later) you replace the hula-hoops with a player to catch the throw. Most catches in 3, 5, or more minutes wins that round. (usually losing team demands a second try) (I like to leave the hula-hoops on the fence and have a player stand in front of it like a first baseman.) you rotate the players after each attempt. That way they are running throwing and catching all in one fun drill.