How to Make a Baseball Team as a Seventh-Grader

Baseball demands commitment and sound fundamentals for a young player who wants to compete and make a team, especially from the teen years on. In the early years during tee ball, the youth enjoy the thrill of competition with friends. Baseball teaches teamwork and sportsmanship. However, to continue growing as a baseball player, a kid must learn the proper way to hit, throw and field. A seventh-grader must bring both physical talents and mental determination to impress the coach and make the baseball team.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn and practice the fundamentals. Practice hitting drills such as striking the ball off a tee. This simple drill teaches a level swing and improves focus on watching the bat hit the ball. Have someone with a bag of tennis balls softly toss them in front of a fence to practice a quick swing. Take ground balls and fly balls to grow in defensive ability. Practice throwing into an old tire if you want to be a pitcher. Coaches look for pitchers who can throw strikes at an early age.

    • 2

      Study game situations in baseball. Defensively, learn what to do in bunting situations, steal situations and fielding positions on balls hit to the outfield. Read articles and watch videos on how to offensively lead off a base, how to slide and the proper way to hold a bat on a bunt. By the seventh grade, a coach will be looking for athletes who understand baseball. Come into the tryout prepared mentally as well as physically.

    • 3

      Pay attention to the coach. Make eye contact with him when he speaks. This shows you care about the game and want to learn and grow as a player.

    • 4

      Display leadership with other players. Encourage another player when you see him make a good throw. Help another player who struggles. Coaches look for leaders who will bring positive chemistry to a team.

    • 5

      Help the coach. Show up to practice early. Grab the gear. Volunteer to rake the pitcher's mound. Show that you want to be a team player and assist in the little things for the team.

    • 6

      Play hard. Run out every ball you hit, even if it's a pop-up to the infield. Work hard on every drill. Hustle to the coach when he calls you over. Never walk during a tryout. The coach will notice players who try their best during a tryout.