43Drills

Purpose:
To give players practice fielding ground balls that they would have to field as a short hop if they didn’t move.

Equipment:
Baseballs

Setup:
Have two lines of players who will work in pairs just as if they are playing catch. Set the distance between the two lines at about 60-90 feet depending on age.

Execution:
Players will take turns throwing short-hops to one another. As the ball in the air the player fielding the ball will need to adjust his position to either get closer to the ball and catch it right at the bounce or back up slightly to catch the ball at a higher point to make the play easier. See the diagram below and have your players try to catch the ball in the green areas.

The ball should be thrown right at the player not to the side. The players should be working on getting the correct depth and learning when to charge the ball, when to stay put, and when to back up slightly.

Players should vary the distance and arc on the ball to help the other player work on many different types of short-hops.

The graphic below shows the best positions to catch the ball and avoid a short-hop.

short hop diagram

http://www.qcbaseball.com/images/drills/short_hop_drill.gif

Coaching Tip: Make sure the players understand that it is preferable to charge the ball and catch it as it hits the ground rather than backing up. Depending on age and arm strength, you may have players that won’t be able to throw a runner out if they back up. If that’s the case you may want to modify the drill so the players do not have the option to back up.

Purpose:
This drill simulates throwing down runners, double plays, fielding grounders. Kids really enjoy it.

Equipment:
Infield area with bases and balls.

Setup:
All infield positions are used except for the pitcher. You can use this drill with 5 or rotate more players in.

Execution:

* 5 players - all infield except for pitcher. (can rotate more in if you want, but only 5 active each time around).
* everyone plays their position
* ball starts with the catcher and throws to 3rd to simulate a steal throwdown
* 3rd throws a grounder to 2nd who fields the ball and flips it to the SS covering 2nd
* the SS throws to 1st
* the 1st baseman throws to catcher
* after 2 successful rounds (or whenever), players rotate. Keep rotating until all players have played all positions

You can make this deal into a team competition by keeping track of errors and who made them. Players try to finish drill with no errors.

Purpose:
Give outfielders practice at performing a drop step and adjusting to a ball hit deep over their heads.

Equipment:
Baseballs

Setup:
Have outfielder start about 10 feet in front of you. Have a line of outfielder a few feet away.

Execution:

outfield baseball drillsWith the ball in your hand, point in one direction, player should take a deep drop step to that side and continue back at an deep angle, but no so deep that he can’t look over his shoulder and see you. After he has taken a few steps, move the ball to the other side. The player should turn his head and change his angle to the other direction picking you up as soon as possible. Change directions one more time, then throw the ball over his head for him to catch.

To add difficulty make the throw over the other shoulder to force one more turn.

Notes: On a ball that is hit deep over an outfielder’s head, the wind, the slice of the ball, or an incorrect angle can put an outfielder in a position where the ball is going to land over the opposite shoulder of where he is looking. This drill will help an outfielder gain confidence in what is a very difficult catch.

Purpose:
Gives outfielders practice at taking the proper angle to cut-off a ball in the gap and circle the ball if time allows.

Equipment:
Baseballs

Setup:
Have outfielder start about 50 feet in front of you. Have a line of outfielder a few feet away.

Execution:

outfield baseball drillsThis drill has the coach throw balls on the ground and in the air to simulate different balls that are hit in the outfield gaps. If you have difficulty throwing a tennis racket can be used. This will help you have better control over where the ball goes.

Have the players work on taking the proper angle to the ball making sure they error on the side of getting behind the ball and not letting it get by. Emphasize to the players that by getting behind the ball they will be in a good position to make a throw.

Purpose:
Give players practice at catching fly balls that go into the sun.

Equipment:
baseballs, softer training balls, or tennis balls for young players

Setup:
Pair players up and have them stand about 15 – 20 yards apart. Position the players so the sun is directly behind one player.

Execution:
The player with the sun on his back will throw the ball to the other player as a fly ball, trying to arch it so it will be in the sun for the other player.

The player fielding the ball will use his glove to protect his eyes and catch the fly ball.

Remind players to look below their glove for the ball as it gets in the sun.

Have each player throw a few fly balls and then switch

Purpose:
Develops players use of wrist and elbow along with emphasizing the correct grip on the baseball.

Equipment:
Baseballs

Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.

Execution:

Players get on one knee about 6 feet from their partner. Have each player place their glove on the ground in front of them.
Start by showing the players the proper 4 seam grip on the baseball.
The player with the ball will get the proper grip on the baseball. The player will then bend his elbow and hold his forearm with his other hand.
The player will then bend his wrist back and flick the ball to his partner using only the wrist to throw the ball. Emphasize that the wrist will be used during all throws.
Have players aim for the others players glove as a target.

Have the players back up to about 15 feet.
This time the player throwing the ball will place his other hand under his arm holding his triceps.
The player will then throw the ball using just his elbow and wrist.

Purpose:
Develops players upper body throwing mechanics.

Equipment:
Baseballs

Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.

Execution:
Players get on one knee(throwing arm side) about 15 feet from their partner.
The player with the ball will rotate his shoulder toward the target, bring his arm back with his hand on top, use a good circular motion and throw the ball.
Build on the wrist and elbow drill, making sure the player bends his elbow and uses his wrist.

Purpose:
Players learn how to line up their body and follow through when throwing the baseball.

Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs

Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.

Execution:
One player will get in the proper position to catch the ball and give the other player a target. Player with the ball will place his back foot facing perpendicular to the target. Make sure he has lined up his body in the direction of the throw. He will then step and throw to the other player. Remind the players that this is a continuation of the other throwing drills.

This drill shows them how to place their back foot and close their front side before making the throw. Check the position of the back foot and whether they are pointing their front shoulder and hip toward the target.

Check to make sure they are following through on their throw. The throwing hand should end up down by the knee of the front leg.

Purpose:
Players learn how to catch the baseball and then step and line up to throw in a single movement.

Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs

Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair.

Execution:
Both players will get in the proper position to catch the ball. Player with the ball will step forward with his throwing side leg placing down in front of him perpendicular to the target. As he places his foot down he bring his back leg forward, swiveling his body as he does this, to get lined up in the correct throwing position. As he completes the step with his back leg, he will throw the ball. Remind the players that this is a continuation of the other throwing drills.

This added step will often result in younger players not getting their back foot positioned perpendicular to the target. Make sure you watch the placement of the foot and that they still close the body and point it toward the target.

Purpose:
Players learn how to shuffle in order to get their body in position to throw and to gain momentum toward the target.

Equipment:
Glove and Baseballs

Setup:
Players pair up with gloves and 1 baseball for each pair. Since you want the players to gain momentum toward the target, make sure they have warmed up their arms and are making a long enough throw.

Execution:
Have the player with the ball place it on the ground in front of him. He will then simulate fielding a ground ball. Once he has fielded the ball he will take a couple shuffle steps toward the target getting his body in good throwing position as he does so. After a couple shuffle steps he will step and throw.

Make sure the player is getting his body lined up as he performs the shuffle steps. His lead shoulder and hip should be pointing towards the target. As he gets lined up his back foot should land perpendicular to the target.