A close-up, side-on photographic view of a bright yellow softball resting gently in the pocket of a small youth-size leather glove placed on the infield dirt, with a single training cone and low portable net target in the mid-ground. The glove’s stitching and worn texture are clearly visible, and a white foul line cuts diagonally across the background toward an out-of-focus youth-sized backstop. Soft morning sunlight creates a calm, focused mood with subtle highlights on the ball’s seams and gentle shadows under the glove. Shot at a slightly low angle, using rule-of-thirds composition to suggest ready-to-learn fundamentals without any people present.

Practice goals and sample plan

For 4–6 year olds, practices focus on fun, safety, and simple skills: throwing, catching, swinging, and running bases. Use short activities, lots of praise, and a repeatable 45‑minute plan to build confidence each week.

Drills

Soft Toss & Hit

Soft Toss Hitting Drill Soft toss is a simple, high-rep hitting drill where a coach or partner gently tosses balls from the side to a hitter, who focuses on a short, direct swing. It is great for cleaning up swing mechanics, building confidence, and getting a lot of quality swings in a short amount of…