T-Ball Padres — 2026 season plan

Rally Cap program · Ages 4–5 · Baseball Canada On Deck / Home Plate level

Your team: Padres 60-min sessions 3-team rotation format 4 core drills every week
Player tracker ↗

All drill demo videos are from the official Baseball Canada Rally Cap YouTube playlist:

▶ Watch full playlist

How your 60-minute session works

Warm-up (all teams)
15 min
3-team game rotation
45 min
Padres at-bats
2 innings
Padres outfield practice
~12 min
45-min rotation — where the Padres are each block
Team 1Team 2Padres (Team 3)
0–15 min
Game
Game
Outfield practice
15–30 min
Outfield practice
Game
Game (bat)
30–45 min
Game
Outfield practice
Game (bat)

Rotation order may vary by field coordinator. Core principle: each team bats twice and practices once.

4 core drills — run every single session

Warm-up #1
The Train — whole team jogs the bases together, calling out each base name as they touch it. Coach leads. ▶ Video
"Say the name before you touch it!"
Warm-up #2
Handcuffs — kids pair up with a teammate, practice grip (2–3 fingers on top), toss to partner. ▶ Video
"Fingers on top, not in the palm."
Station A
The Wheel — kid pairs throwing drill using proper arm mechanics. Start on knees, progress to standing. ▶ Video
"Arm down, reach back, lift to shoulder."
Station B
T-Ball / Between the Two — batting stance + 5 tee swings per kid. Coach or assistant feeds balls. ▶ Video
"Feet wide, hands high. Squish the bug!"

Season sessions

1
Sat Apr 11 · 10:00 AM · vs Mariners, Marlins
Welcome to baseball — field orientation
▾
Warm-up · 15 minall three teams together
The Train core ▶ Video
Whole team lines up at home plate and jogs the bases together. Coach leads and calls each base name. 2–3 laps. Kids call out the name as they touch each base.
"Say the name as you touch the base!"
Handcuffs core ▶ Video
Kids pair up with a teammate. Both sit on the ground — practice gripping the ball with 2–3 fingers, then toss gently to partner. Seated only this week. Coach rotates to check grips.
"Fingers on top, not in the palm."
Padres outfield practice · ~12 min
The Wheel core ▶ Video
Kids pair up. Both knees on the ground, play catch using arm action. Cue the motion: down, reach back, lift, release. Foam balls only.
"Arm goes down, reach back, lift to shoulder."
T-Ball / Between the Two core ▶ Video
Each kid gets 5 swings off the tee. Coach demonstrates stance first. Non-hitting kids stand behind the safety line and retrieve balls. Contact is the only goal — not distance.
"Feet wider than shoulders, hands high and back."
Catch the Ball Like an Egg new ▶ Video
Kids pair up. One partner makes an underhand toss from 5 ft, the other catches with two hands and hugs the ball to their chest. Switch after 5 tosses. Foam balls, no gloves.
"Make a basket with your hands!"
Station summary (A → B → C, ~4 min each)
A
The Wheel — kid pairs, both knees, arm action drill
B
T-Ball / Between the Two — stance + 5 tee swings each
C
Catch the Ball Like an Egg — kid pairs, underhand toss, two-hand catch, 5 ft
Padres game innings · ~30 min2 innings · tee only · no outs enforced
Game format this week
All batters use tee. Max 5 pitches — if no contact, coach rolls ball so kids can still run. No outs enforced. Fielders pick up ball and carry it to coach. Walk each kid to their position before the inning.

Week 1 goal: every child hits the ball and touches a base. Celebrate every swing. Don't worry about wrong directions — point them right with a smile.

2
Sat Apr 18 · 9:00 AM · vs Angels, Rockies
Throwing mechanics + run through 1st
▾
Warm-up · 15 min
The Train core ▶ Video
Same as Week 1 — now kids call out the base name before they touch it. Add: coach yells "go!" for a burst of speed on the straights.
Handcuffs core ▶ Video
Kid pairs. Progress from seated to standing. Introduce the step: glove-side foot steps toward partner before releasing.
"Step toward your partner when you throw!"
The Transition new ▶ Video
Kids line up at the tee one at a time. Swing, drop bat safely, take 3 quick steps toward 1st. No full run yet. Repeat 3x each. Focus on the bat drop.
"Drop it — don't throw it! Now go!"
Padres outfield practice · ~12 min
The Wheel core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, progress to standing. Full sequence: arm down, reach back, lift to shoulder, step and release. Partners at 8–10 ft.
T-Ball / Between the Two core ▶ Video
Same stance focus. Variation: "Hit the ball through the hoop" if a hula hoop is available. 5 swings each.
The Crocodile new ▶ Video
Kid pairs. One rolls a ball along the ground, the other fields it with hands out like a crocodile's mouth and "pets" it. Switch after 5 rolls. No gloves yet.
"Hands out like a croc — pet the ball!"
Station summary
A
The Wheel — kid pairs, standing, full arm action, 8–10 ft
B
T-Ball / Between the Two — stance + tee swings, hoop variation
C
The Crocodile — kid pairs, one rolls, one fields, switch after 5
Padres game innings · ~30 mintee · run through 1st introduced
Game format this week
Tee still default. Introduce running through 1st base — coach at 1st gives a high five when they run past. No outs yet.

Two cues this week: "Drop it!" (bat) and "Run through the bag!" A high five from the coach at 1st base makes a big difference at this age.

3
Sat Apr 25 · 10:00 AM · vs Diamondbacks, Rays
Catching + positions + soft toss option
▾
Warm-up · 15 min
The Train core ▶ Video
Kids take turns being the "conductor" — pick one child to lead the group and call base names as everyone runs behind them.
Handcuffs core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, standing throw with full arm action. Small circle then big circle before releasing. Partners at 10 ft.
"Small wheel vs big wheel — bigger = faster!"
Musical Base new
Whole team jogs around the infield. Coach calls a base name — kids sprint to it. 5–6 rounds, no elimination. Builds base name recognition under movement.
Padres outfield practice · ~12 min
The Wheel core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, standing, full mechanics. Add the giant step: glove-side foot steps forward as arm comes through. Partners at 10–12 ft.
"Giant step before you throw!"
T-Ball / Light Toss core ▶ T-Ball ▶ Light Toss
Tee hitting continues. For kids showing strong contact: Light Toss — coach kneels at 45 degrees, 5–6 ft away, soft underhand toss. 5 swings each.
Catch the Ball Like an Egg repeat ▶ Video
Kid pairs, now from standing and slightly farther apart (8 ft). Progress kids to using gloves if comfortable. Switch roles after 5 tosses.
Station summary
A
The Wheel — kid pairs, standing, giant step added, 10–12 ft
B
T-Ball / Light Toss — tee default, soft toss for ready kids
C
Catch the Ball Like an Egg — kid pairs, standing, 8 ft, gloves optional
Padres game innings · ~30 mintee + soft toss option · fielders walk to positions
Game format this week
Tee default — offer soft toss to any kid who wants it. Walk each fielder to their position before every inning and name it for them. Still no outs.

First week walking kids to their positions. Say: "You're the shortstop today — stand here and watch the batter!" No pressure to move to the ball yet.

4
Sun Apr 26 · 9:30 AM · vs Mariners, Marlins
Base running + fielder awareness
▾
Warm-up · 15 minback-to-back weekend — keep it fun and fast
The Train core ▶ Video
Short version: one lap jogging, one lap where kids race each other to each base. Keep it quick and energetic.
Handcuffs core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, standing throw with full arm action. Aim for 10–12 ft. Accuracy still not the goal — reaching the distance is.
The Challenge new
Kids round the bases with a fun challenge between each bag: backpedal to 1st, jump over a bat on the ground, shuffle steps to 3rd. Coach picks challenges.
Great energy-builder for a second consecutive game day
Padres outfield practice · ~12 min
The Wheel core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, standing. Push kids who are ready to increase distance to 15 ft. Reinforce: giant step, glove-side foot forward.
T-Ball / Between the Two core ▶ Video
Swing, drop bat, sprint to cone at 1st base. Teammates cheer from the side. Connects tee work to base running in one sequence.
"Hit it, drop it, run!"
The Crocodile repeat ▶ Video
Kid pairs — now with gloves. One rolls, the other fields and holds ball up to show they've secured it. Switch after 5 rolls.
Station summary
A
The Wheel — kid pairs, standing, giant step, 12–15 ft
B
T-Ball — swing, drop bat, sprint to cone at 1st
C
The Crocodile — kid pairs, one rolls, one fields with gloves
Padres game innings · ~30 mintee + soft toss · fielders go to ball introduced
Game format this week
Fielder who picks up the ball and carries it to 1st before the runner gets a big "nice play!" — not officially called out yet. Tee default, soft toss available.

Back-to-back weekend (Apr 25–26). If energy is low, let the game run longer and trim the outfield station. The Challenge warm-up is always a crowd favourite when kids are restless.

5
Sat May 2 · 8:00 AM · vs Diamondbacks, White Sox
Outs introduced + fly ball tracking
▾
Warm-up · 15 min
The Train core ▶ Video
Add a freeze element: coach yells "freeze!" mid-run — kids stop on the nearest base. Introduces stopping on a base in a fun, low-pressure way.
Handcuffs core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, standing throw at 12–15 ft. Coach checks foot placement: glove-side foot forward on every throw. Full arm action required.
Sky Ball new ▶ Video
Each kid gets a badminton birdie. Toss it up, let it bounce on their head, then try to catch it with two hands above their forehead. Silly and fun — builds fly ball tracking habit.
"Hands together above your forehead!"
Padres outfield practice · ~12 min
The Wheel / The Net core ▶ Wheel ▶ Net
Kid pairs, standing, full mechanics, 15 ft. Introduce The Net variation: split the group on each side of a fence, kids pick up ball and throw over. Teams compete to get all balls to the other side in 60 seconds.
T-Ball / Between the Two core ▶ Video
Tee and light toss continue. Connect to the game: "If you hit it that way, you'll beat the fielder to 1st!" 5 swings each.
Sky Ball repeat from warm-up ▶ Video
Coach tosses birdie high, kid tracks and catches it. Progress to a foam ball for kids who are ready. Kids take turns — teammates count consecutive catches.
"Eyes on the ball all the way down!"
Station summary
A
The Wheel / The Net — kid pairs, 15 ft, net throw variation
B
T-Ball / Light Toss — tee default, connect to game awareness
C
Sky Ball — kids take turns, birdie then foam ball, teammates count catches
Padres game innings · ~30 minsoft outs now enforced
Game format this week
Fielder carries ball to 1st before runner = out. Child waits on side cheering for teammates. Frame it positively every time: "Great fielding! You'll be back up — cheer your team!" Everyone still bats each inning.

Most important week emotionally. An "out" at age 4 should never feel like a punishment — it's a fielding celebration, not a batter's failure. Address upset reactions immediately with warmth.

6
Sat May 30 · All day · Trout Lake Picnic Day
Full game + team identity + cap preview
▾
Warm-up · 15 min
The Train core ▶ Video
Relay race version: split Padres into two mini-teams, kids race from home to 1st and back. High energy for picnic day.
Handcuffs + Around the Horn core ▶ Handcuffs
Kid pairs, standing throw at 15–20 ft for kids who are ready. Then transition into Around the Horn: whole team in a circle, underhand toss to teammate on right, say their name first.
"Say their name before you throw!"
Gotcha new
Groups of kids at each base. On "GO" one runner per group starts and tries to pass the runner ahead. Run for 20 seconds. Score a point for each person passed. Fun and fast.
Padres outfield practice · ~12 min
The Wheel core ▶ Video
Kid pairs, full standing throw. Kids at 15–20 ft if ready. Focus on consistency — arm action should feel natural after 5 weeks.
T-Ball / Between the Two core ▶ Video
Fun swings — no technique correction today. Just celebrating contact. Teammates cheer every hit. Picnic day energy.
Around the Horn new
Whole team in a circle — underhand toss around the ring, say the teammate's name before throwing. Start with 1 ball, add a 2nd when the group is ready.
Station summary
A
The Wheel — kid pairs, standing, 15–20 ft, consistency focus
B
T-Ball — fun swings, no correction, teammates cheer every hit
C
Around the Horn — whole team circle toss, say teammate's name, 1–2 balls
Padres game innings · ~30 minfull game · all batting formats · cap day preview
Game format this week
Full game with outs. All batting formats available. Coaches: start mentally noting which kids are approaching white → yellow cap criteria ahead of June 21.

Picnic day — relaxed atmosphere. If the game runs long and kids don't want to rotate to the outfield station, let it ride. Enjoyment is the measure of success today.

7
Sun Jun 21 · TBD · Closing Ceremonies
Rally Cap Day + cap ceremony
▾
Warm-up · 15 min
The Train core · final time ▶ Video
Kids lead completely — no coach needed. A full-circle moment from Week 1. One lap for old times' sake.
Handcuffs + The Wheel core · final time ▶ Handcuffs ▶ Wheel
Kid pairs warm-up toss — show off how far they've come. Kids who started seated are now throwing standing at 15–20 ft.
Rally Cap Day skills stations · 20 minOn Deck level — one station per FUNdamental
Station 1 — Movement
Jump over a line 10 times using any style of jump without stopping. (Skill #1)
Station 2 — Throwing ▶ Handcuffs video
Throw ball 5 ft to coach with no bounce. (Skill #7)
Station 3 — Receiving ▶ Catch Like an Egg video
Catch underhand toss from 5 ft using two hands. (Skill #13)
Station 4 — Hitting ▶ Between the Two video
Hit ball off tee — contact is the pass criteria. (Skill #19)
Station 5 — Base running ▶ The Train video
Run the bases in correct order without stopping. (Skill #25)
Celebration game · 25 min
Full Rally Cap game + 500 fielding game
Game as normal. Kids waiting in outfield play "500" with a teammate keeping score: caught fly ball = 100 pts, one bouncer = 50 pts, grounder = 25 pts. First to 500 wins.
Cap ceremony · 15 min
Cap presentation + recognition
Call every child by name. Name one specific thing they improved this season. Present white or yellow cap. Team photo. Snacks.
Most 4-year-olds starting fresh: white → yellow cap · Every child gets recognized

The Train at the start and the cap ceremony at the end bookend the whole season. Make the ceremony a big moment — kids will remember it far longer than any game result.