How to Get Better at Baseball: Proven Tips for Players of All Levels

IMG Academy Aug 26, 2025

If you’re serious about the game and wondering how to get better at baseball, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a youth player chasing varsity dreams, a high school athlete aiming for college scouts, or an adult in a recreational league, baseball improvement comes down to mastering fundamentals, building strength and conditioning, and training smart with the right drills.

This guide covers every aspect of baseball development - from hitting and pitching to fielding and mental preparation - so you can see real progress on the diamond.

Mastering the Fundamentals of Baseball

Consistency Over Perfection

Getting better at baseball doesn’t mean being perfect every time. Instead, focus on consistent reps. Practicing proper form with hundreds of quality reps each week will sharpen your skills faster than occasional “perfect” sessions.

IMG Academy Assistant Director of Baseball, Nick Phelps, said he sees from his experience working with IMG Academy baseball players that the true key to getting better is having the self-discipline to show up consistently, listen actively, absorb instruction and commit to getting a consistent amount of reps in. “Mastering self-discipline doesn't just improve fundamentals or mechanics - it transforms athletes’ mindset, habits, and ultimately, their trajectory both on and off the field,” he said.

Below is our guide on how to improve your fundamentals, conditioning and mechanics.

Building Strength, Speed, and Agility

Baseball-Specific Strength Training

Baseball isn’t about raw power; it’s about explosive movements. Prioritize exercises like:

Squats and lunges for leg drive.
Rotational core work (medicine ball throws, Russian twists) for bat speed.
Shoulder stability drills (bands and light dumbbells) to prevent injuries.

Speed and Agility for Baseball

Improving your first step and quickness will make a huge difference in both offense and defense. Incorporate:

Sprints with resistance (sled pulls, bands).
Agility ladders to improve footwork.
Base-running drills to cut down time between bases.

Hitting Drills to Elevate Your Game

Exaggerated Leg Kick Drill

This drill trains rhythm, timing, and balance at the plate.

Start with a larger-than-normal leg kick.
Focus on staying balanced and controlled.
Transition into your swing only after full weight transfer.

Launch Angle Drill

To generate consistent line drives and home runs:

Place a batting tee slightly in front of home plate.
Focus on swinging slightly upward to create a natural lift.
Use exit velocity tracking tools if available to measure progress.

Watch below to follow along with IMG Academy baseball coach, John-Ford Griffin, and several student-athletes, as they guide you through 3 hitting drills that will help you be better at baseball:

Pitching Drills to Improve Power and Mechanics

If you’re looking to sharpen your mound performance, adding specialized pitching drills to your routine can make a big difference. These three proven exercises, the Step Back Pivot Pick, Janitor Throw, and Step Back Throw, help pitchers develop balance, power, and smoother mechanics for better command and velocity.

Step Back Pivot Pick

This drill emphasizes rhythm, timing, and hip rotation. Start in your set position, take a controlled step back with your lead foot, then pivot as you separate your hands and deliver the ball. It trains balance and teaches pitchers to stay fluid through their motion.

Janitor Throw

The Janitor Throw builds shoulder stability and a repeatable arm slot. From a standing position, simulate sweeping a floor with your throwing arm, keeping a consistent circular motion before releasing the ball. This drill reduces tension, improves arm path efficiency, and helps prevent injuries.

Step Back Throw

Designed to add explosiveness, the Step Back Throw begins with a backward step before driving forward into your delivery. This teaches pitchers to generate force from the ground up while maintaining control. It’s excellent for increasing velocity without sacrificing accuracy.

Watch below as IMG Academy student-athletes demonstrate 3 pitching drills that will help you improve accuracy and velocity.

Sharpening Defensive Skills: Why Outfield Drills Are Essential

Outfield play isn’t just about catching fly balls, it’s about positioning, footwork, and decision-making under pressure. Well-designed outfield drills help you:

Develop quicker reaction times.
Improve accuracy and strength on throws.
Increase confidence in tracking both routine and difficult balls.
Prepare for real-game situations with consistent reps.

Outfield Drill #1: Footwork Drill

Purpose

The footwork drill helps outfielders improve their first step, angles to the ball, and ability to set up for strong throws back into the infield.

How to Do It

Set Up: Place cones in a zig-zag pattern 10–15 feet apart across the outfield.
Start Position: Begin in a ready stance with knees slightly bent, glove in front, and eyes forward.
Execution:

Sprint to the first cone, breaking down into proper fielding position.
Shuffle or crossover step to the next cone, simulating a read on a ball.
Continue through the cones, alternating between shuffles, crossovers, and sprints.

Add a Throw: After the final cone, have a coach or partner roll a ground ball or toss a fly ball. Field it cleanly, crow-hop, and make a strong, accurate throw to a target (like second base or home).

Coaching Tip

Focus on staying low, using efficient crossover steps, and never letting your feet get tangled. Smooth footwork equals faster reactions.

Outfield Drill #2: Routine Ground & Fly Balls and Assists

Purpose

This drill builds confidence in fielding everyday plays while sharpening your throwing accuracy and strength for outfield assists.

How to Do It

Ground Ball Reps:

Have a coach hit or roll ground balls directly at you, then to your left and right.
Field with two hands when possible and use a quick, controlled crow-hop into your throw.

Fly Ball Reps:

Practice catching routine fly balls while maintaining proper footwork to get behind the ball.
Aim to catch the ball slightly in front of your body so you can transition smoothly into a throw.

Assist Practice:

After each catch, simulate a game situation by making a throw to a base (home, third, or second).
Focus on accuracy first, then gradually add velocity.

Coaching Tip

For outfield assists, practice hitting a cutoff man at chest level. Developing a quick release is often more valuable than sheer arm strength.

Outfield Drill #3: Overhead Ball Drill

Purpose

Tracking overhead balls is one of the toughest skills for outfielders. This drill improves your ability to judge deep fly balls and maintain speed while looking over your shoulder.

How to Do It

Set Up: Have a coach or partner stand about 40–60 feet in front of you with balls ready.
Execution:
- Start in ready position.
- On the toss, quickly open up with a drop step (right foot back if ball is to the right, left foot back if left).
- Sprint while keeping your eyes on the ball, adjusting with small angle changes.
- Catch the ball overhead without slowing down.

Progression

Start with short tosses, then increase the distance.
Add variation by tossing balls slightly off-line to simulate tough game situations.

Coaching Tip

Always take your first step back—never forward. It’s easier to adjust in than to recover if the ball sails over your head.

Putting It All Together

A strong outfielder is built through repetition and attention to detail. Incorporate these drills—footwork, routine ground and fly balls with assists, and overhead ball drills—into your weekly practice. Over time, you’ll notice sharper reactions, cleaner catches, and stronger throws.

See more from IMG Academy below:

The Mental Side of Baseball

Building Confidence at the Plate and in the Field

Baseball is a game of failure, so developing resilience and positive self-talk is crucial. Visualization and breathing exercises can reduce nerves and improve focus.

“This game is hard enough as it is,” said IMG Academy Coach Justin Zinkovich, “So why talk negatively to yourself and make it that much harder?”

See more of his tips on mental performance in baseball below:

For more, check out IMG Academy Plus for tools on becoming a more confident athlete and follow IMG Academy Plus on Instagram for weekly tips and drills to help be a more confident and focused athlete.

Improve your game at IMG Academy Camps

IMG Academy baseball camps provide the platform to maximize your performance and potential. Click here to learn more about how IMG Academy camps offer options unique to your age, skill level and athletic goals. Camps are available throughout the year and for 3 day, 5 day or longer durations.

FAQs About Getting Better at Baseball

How long does it take to improve at baseball?

It depends on your starting skill level and commitment. With consistent practice 4–5 days a week, most players see noticeable improvement in 2–3 months.

What’s the best age to start serious baseball training?

While you can start at any age, focusing on proper mechanics by age 8–10 builds a strong foundation. High school years are critical for players aiming for college recruitment.

Do I need private lessons to get better at baseball?

Private coaching accelerates growth, but many improvements can be made with structured practice plans, reliable drills, and feedback from teammates or local coaches.

What’s the most important skill in baseball?

While all skills matter, hitting is often considered the toughest and most valuable skill to master because it requires advanced hand-eye coordination and mental toughness.

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a Better Baseball Player

Now that you know how to get better at baseball, it’s time to apply these strategies consistently. From mastering mechanics and building strength to practicing hitting drills like the exaggerated leg kick and launch angle swing, every rep gets you closer to becoming the player you want to be.

Ready to level up your game? Start by adding one new drill to your next practice session and track your progress weekly. Consistency is the difference between good and great.