Baseball is a Game of Movement
DRILLS
Easy to run drills for more productive youth baseball and softball practices. Teach the game using an approach, so that kids ‘Get It’: clear Communication, constant Action, massive Repetitions. Improve skills; see better execution in games.
>>> The BP website is in the process of being re-organized to be more user friendly. This page is far from complete. Dozens more drills will be added throughout the winter. Check Back! …………if you have drills you would like to see added email me with requests.
Core Concepts
Fielding (INF)
'Cover the Base With Your Eyes' - Receiving a Throw, Force Out
5-4 Play and 4-3 Play, Ground Balls
Infielders Throwing Across Rotation
Fielding (OF)
Outfield Hitting Cut = 'box' mentality
Team Drills
Ball, Base, Back-up (BBB) Drills
Shortstop Overthrow of First Base w/RF Backing-up
Communication
Ground Ball and Base Coverage Communication
Wild Pitch/Passed Ball Communication
Competitive Drills
Fielding
Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls
Three Groups Drills - Pitchers
Relays & Cuts
Cut-Relay Play to Home - Mini Diamond
Cut-Relay Play to Home - Ball past the outfielder - LCF - Mini Diamond
Rundowns
Throwing Drills
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[for more drills see the 'Skill Building Warm-up' page]
[for more drills see the 'Defensive Responsibilities' page]
Core Concepts
Mini Diamond – Super Tool
One of the most valuable tools a coach can use is the Mini Diamond. Any drill in which the focus of the teaching is something other than working on full on overhand throwing technique can be run on a Mini Diamond. Use of the Mini Diamond is referenced throughout the Coaching Guide.
A Mini Diamond is 20’-25' square, but can be modified larger or smaller depending on the activity. It is constructed using cones, throw down bases, ball caps, extra shirts that are laying around, a leaf, anything. Anytime we compact the teaching/learning environment we reduce distractions, improve communication and the players get many more repetitions during a drill.
Examples of drills that can be run using a Mini Diamond include relays, backing-up and base coverage responsibilities, and first and third defense. Keep in mind that for most activities the throwing and catching aspect is the last skill that needs to be mastered (and we take care of that during 'Playing Catch Practice'). Proper movement, positioning and communication need to be understood and mastered to some extent before be add the throwing aspect to cement the execution of the activity.
The Mini Diamond is also useful for teaching how a drill is supposed to run before going to the full size diamond.
Moving the Ball - options
When it comes to moving the ball around the field most youth playing baseball or softball believe there is only one option: throwing the ball overhand.
The fact is there are three ways to move the ball:
Overhand Throw --- for medium and long distance throws
Underhand Toss --- used when the ball is approximately 25’ or closer to its required destination
Carry the ball --- there are many situations when the ball does not need to be thrown to reach its destination
It is critical for coaches to educate their players of the second and third options early in the season and then teach the kids to recognize the situation where the underhand toss and carrying the ball are the best techniques to use to move the ball. Many drills involve the underhand toss. We want to incorporate drills in every practice that involve the underhand toss.
Carrying the ball rather than throwing it is determined by the situation in a game. A scrimmage is where the kids are exposed to these situations multiple times. We want to conclude each practice with a scrimmage, not only to help our players recognize situations where they want to transport the ball by carrying it, but also to give them experience in executing the skills learned in drills within the context of a game.
Underhand Toss
This is a Major League Skill. In any given MLB game the underhand toss is utilized 5-10+ times. On the smaller diamond where the players are positioned closer to each other there is a higher percentage of situations where the distance the ball needs to be transported a short distance.
Most of us are familiar with the scene where the player with the ball is not far from the player they want to throw to and we see uncertainty: “How hard do I throw the ball when my teammate is so close?”
Educating our kids that an underhand toss is an alternative option and then drilling them daily in this skill results in kids successfully completing many of these ‘simple’ plays, which in fact are very difficult when throwing the ball overhand is the only option in the mind of the player holding the ball.
Carrying the Ball to its Destination
Most every youth ballplayer believes that the only way transport a ball around a baseball or softball around the field is to throw it. We must make it understood that ‘There is no rule against carrying the ball’ and then constantly point out to our players situations when they want to carry the ball rather than throw it. As coaches we understand that each time the ball is thrown there is the risk of a mistake that can lead to the runner(s) advancing to the next base.
The two primary situations when a player wants to carry the ball rather than throw it. (Note: in most cases, when a player ‘carries’ the ball, they RUN with the ball.):
They can beat a base runner to a base to execute a force out
Runners have stopped trying to advance and the ball needs to be transported back to the pitcher
The Ball is Constantly Moving on Defense
Once the players understand the three ways of moving the ball around the field we teach the concept of the ball being in constant motion in defense.
Another game situation most of us are familiar with is the player with the ball in their hands, not knowing what to do and just standing there, often while base runners are advancing to the next base. This is most common when the ball is in the hands of an outfielder and there are multiple base runner.
What is the player to do when they don’t know where to throw the ball? There is one simple answer:
…Run as fast as they can towards the middle of the infield (pitching rubber)
Why? When a player is unsure of what to do with the ball, but at the same time are running toward the middle of the infield they are increasing the possibility for success when they finally do determine what needs to be done with the ball.
When the ball is in the center of the infield it is a threat to a runner attempting to advance to any of the bases. Each step closer to the middle of the infield a player with the ball is, they are that much more of a threat to the base runners. They also shorten the distance of any subsequent throw they may have to make.
Given the ‘rule’ that a player ‘Never Stands in Place Holding the Ball’ we reduce the likelihood of runners advancing to the next base.
We teach our defensive players: The ball is constantly in motion. The moment you get the ball you immediately do one of two things:
Throw the ball
Run with the ball toward the middle of the infield
Turn Glove Side
In situations when a player is fielding or picking up a ball with their back to the play they will need to turn around in order to throw the ball. When throwing the ball a player wants the 'glove side of their body pointing at their target'.
The most efficient way to get lined up to throw is for a player to turn in the direction of their glove. Only a 90 degree turn is required to go from having one's back to the target to being lined up to throw.
We use the teaching phrase, "Turn Glove Side" to remind players which direction to turn.
Reality --- kids tend to turn the opposite direction. They turn to their throwing hand side. The reason for this is this is while making that 270 degree turn the kids get a good long look at their surroundings including where they will be throwing the ball.
As coaches we need to consider the perspective of those we are teaching. Kids are still getting accustomed to their surroundings and the world around them. Making the longer 270 degree throw is only natural for a young person. It gives them a good look at what is going on. Unfortunately this is inefficient and requires them to go against the momentum of the turn in order to throw.
On the other hand the 90 degree, "Turn Glove Side" turn is a 'blind' play in some respects and this is why kids will, initially, be resistant to turning in this direction. Simply executing this action over and over will help the kids get used to this blind turn. When they execute the rule of "Moving their feet to throw" after the turn, they have the time needed to get a good look at their target. Soon the kids will become comfortable to "Turn Glove Side" on all plays* in which they have their back to their target:
* Many plays when the pitcher is fielding the ball
* Relay throws
* Replaying muffed ground balls
* Catcher retrieving wild pitches and passed balls
Base Running
Sliding
Sliding is not always an easy skill for young baseball and softball players to learn. Many do not generate a lot of momentum when running and momentum plays a big role in a successful slide. There also is the requirement to lean back and to drop down. While these actions may not seem like much to the adult doing the teaching, they are relatively foreign to a young ballplayer. We need to recognize this and understand that some kids will need to time to get acclimated to the idea of trying to slide. On the other hand, some kids are eager to start sliding. These eager kids need to learn to slide properly - and safely.
Note: In these drills, the kids are going to spend a lot of time on the ground. In the early spring when the ground can be wet and cold (especially in the north) we need to pick an appropriate day to teach sliding. If we have to do it on wet ground, be sure to do so at the end of practice, so the kids can jump right in the car and get warm. Grass is the best surface on which to learn to slide; damp or wet grass creates much less friction on those little legs and butts.
In the summer, and in the warmer south, the ground can get pretty hard and dry. In such an environment we definitely want to practice sliding on grass and it is best to heavily water down the sliding area, so the kids don’t get their legs torn up.
STEP 1
All players sit down on the ground with both legs extended straight out in front of them. Then tell them to tuck one foot under their knee in order to create a ‘number 4’ with their legs. The standard feet first sliding style is called a “Figure 4 Slide” or a bent leg slide.
We don’t instruct them which leg remains straight and which gets bent. Each player will naturally pick the leg that is most comfortable to slide on.
Ideally the coach is on the ground with the players while instructing. The coach starts out with their legs straight out and does not tuck their bent leg until after the kids are done getting into their figure-4. We don’t want them to copy the coach and possibly not pick their most comfortable leg to be the bent leg.
Rundowns
Rundown - 'Ambush'
Explanation:
In this drill the base runner does not change directions. The two defensive players close in on the base runner from both sides. You will get the runner out on each drill repetition. We are working on improving the actions of the drill
Objective: Get the runner out as fast as possible using one or zero throws
Important Points:
---> Both players get on the same side of the runner to create an unobstructed throwing lane
---> The player receiving the throw moves to a point 10’ off the base
---> After tagging the runner, the receiving player “Looks for other Runners”
If any of these actions are not executed we restart the drill. The players will not execute these properly, especially early on. By making it clear to the players that they Must execute these actions properly otherwise we start the drill over.
None of these actions require athletic ability. Anyone can do these actions as expected. These actions are required.
It is important to recognize, as a coach, that poor throws will be made and throws will be dropped. These mistakes are not a concern. These skills will improve over time. Our concern of coaches is that the players properly execute the key actions correctly.
NOTE: the coach/adult running the drill serves as the base runner (the majority of kids want to play ‘pickle’ and will not demonstrate the self-discipline required of the base running in the drill. Also, the coach/base runner will only jog during the drill. We want the player with the ball to understand they could tag the base runner out every time in the drill if they tried. We make it clear that the focus of the drill is to learn and practice the actions of the Rundown-Ambush. The base runner/coach is participates only to provide context for the actions.
Throwing Drills
Five players are needed to run this drill. Two at the base the drill starts and one at each of the other bases. Home plate is the logical place to start so we put two players there. Assuming 12 players on a team, we run this drill with six players; the sixth player can start second base. (We can set up a second diamond in the outfield using throw down bases, and have a second group of six running the drill on that diamond. Another option is to run another drill with six players in the outfield. If the other six player drill requires use of the infield, this drill can be the one run in the outfield.
First base is considered a generic base regarding making a tag, which is put down where a runner coming from home would be sliding. We want the players to stay consistent in their actions and not have to do something different when taking a throw at first during the drill.
This drill is all about the players being disciplined in their actions. it is our responsibility as coaches to police the actions (not results) in the drill. If the players get lazy with their movements (and they will) we stop the drill get them refocused and get them back at it.
ACTIONS:
--> "Ready Position" in preparation for the throw
--> "Move Feet to Catch" / "Ball First, Base Second"
--> Put the tag on the ground on the side of the base the runner would be sliding into. (kids will often simply wave their glove at the base for the tagging action - we DO NOT allow this to happen. We stop the drill immediately and have that player make a proper tag.
--> Get glove side of the body facing the next base...
--> "Move Feet to Throw" and "Follow Your Head"...
--> The player then rotates to the next base
Catch, Tag & Throw Drill - Explained
This is a great drill that develops core skills, develops the player’s awareness of their relationship to the base and the runner when taking a throw and making a tag, emphasizes the importance of footwork when catching and throwing, develops the coordination of footwork in the throwing action, while developing a high level of discipline in the player who executes the drill properly…
…all this is achieved WHEN the coaches/adults supervising the drill make sure the players execute it as it is designed. When the players stray from proper execution, the coach/adult running the drill must immediately stop the activity, re-emphasize the proper actions, re-establish expectations, do this in brief and to the point manner, then get the drill going again.
This drill can be run on a full sized diamond with the players making overhand throws or on a MINI Diamond with the players using the underhand toss technique.
Mini Diamond Using Underhand Toss
The drill on the MINI DIAMOND is the same as that on the full sized diamond. The throwing technique is obviously different; the other aspect that is different is that most throws will be very accurate and the players receiving throws are not getting much work/discipline building in regard to “Move Your Feet to Catch”.
The ideal number of players for this drill is five; two players at the base the drill begins (home plate is the logical spot to start) and one at each other base. The math for dividing up a team of twelve often results in having six kids in this drill, so we have two bases with two players.
Note 1: When working on the Mini Diamond, a group of four players can work. The coach/adult that is running the drill jumps in and serves as the fifth body. Four players in a drill is the ideal number; allowing three groups of four players to work at three different stations/drills simultaneously.
Note 2: We don’t want to run this drill with more than six players. This results in too much standing around, which is the death knell of a youth softball/baseball practice.
The player with the ball creates momentum towards the base they are throwing to by “Moving Their Feet to Throw”, after throwing the ball they “Follow Their Head” and rotate to the next base.
The player receiving the throw stands in a “Ready Position” facing the player throwing the ball and with their feet in a proper relationship to the base to make the catch and then apply a tag (the relationship of the feet to the bag is different in the 12U game, than at the teen, college or pro levels – this will be covered in detail as the Coaching Guide is updated in Jan-Feb).
The receiving player then starts towards the next base and the drill continues.
STEP 2
While sitting in the figure-4 position we have the kids rest their hands on their knees. Then we all pretend we are on a roller coaster going down a big, steep drop. Everyone throws their arms up over their head and yells “wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee”.
This is silly-time for the kids and they love it. Repeat this 3-4 times and really egg them on to be loud and have fun with the exercise.
STEP 3
This is the important step. We are still playing roller coaster, but now as the kids throw their arms up and yell we ask them to lean back at the same time and continue leaning back until they are lying flat on their backs. When they complete this action their arms should be extended above their heads, but not allow their hands to touch the ground.
Repeat this 3-4 times…or more if they are having fun.
PRACTICE
Set out three or four bases, all on a line about 15’ apart. Bases can be a cone, a throw down base, a cap, hoodie, etc. Break the kids into 3-4 groups and line them up about 50’ from the bases, and get ‘em ready to run!
(Ideally the kids practice sliding with no shoes on; socks don’t get caught in the ground. Catching a cleat while practicing sliding can cause a serious leg injury! At worst have the kids wearing sneakers – NO CLEATS ALLOWED!!! There has to be advanced planning and communication with parents if the kids are going to need to bring an extra pair of shoes to this particular practice.
Teaching Points While Running the DRILL:
1. Stay on the kids to run as fast as they can and to keep running full speed into the slide. This is very important. The more momentum they have the easier it will be to slide. Part of the sliding action involves leaving the feet and dropping down on the bent leg and butt. If a player drops straight down it is going to be painful. The more momentum a player has the less impact there is from dropping down because the impact occurs at an angle more parallel with the ground.
2. Constantly remind the kids to start leaning back during their last couple of steps prior to the slide. This lean lowers their hips closer to the ground and gets the body in a better angular position for sliding. This action, combined with momentum greatly reduces the impact when the legs and butt meet the ground.
3. Stay on them to remember to throw their arms up while leaning back. And to keep their hands off the ground throughout the slide. Many ball players (of all ages) slid on the side of their bent leg hip (there is not as much padding on the sides). A base runner wants to land squarely on the bottom of their bottom, where there is padding.
This makes for a softer landing, but also enables the player to keep their hands up off the ground. When a player leans to the side during a slide they invariably put a hand down to help break their fall. Unfortunately it sometimes is their thumb breaking the fall.
4. Keep the foot of the extended leg off the ground. The slide takes place on the bent leg with the extended leg and foot off the ground. This is serious business for safety reasons. If a player allows the lead foot to touch the ground and a cleat catches, if the ground doesn’t give something in the leg has to have to give.
The lead foot should make its impact with the side of the base the player is sliding into, not the ground. Again, momentum (along with leaning back) is a big key in helping the sliding player keep their front foot off the ground throughout the slide. The good news for those players who don’t build up much momentum is that if the front foot does catch the ground there isn’t much force involved and a much lesser chance to cause any damage.
I have no science to back this up, but my observations are that kids weighing less than 60 pounds are light enough that the chances of suffering a significant injury is pretty slight. The point is, let’s teach kids how to slide when they are young, so they can develop good technique before their bodies get bigger and heavier.
Fielding (INF)
‘Cover The Base With Your Eyes’ - Receiving a Throw, Tag Play
fielding (OF)
Fly Balls Three Toss Drill
How can we improve our players’ fly ball catching skills in a short amount of time? The ‘Three Toss Fly Ball Drill’ is part of the solution. It is great for infielders as well as outfielders; is challenging and fun.
This is a drill that is run at a lightning fast pace. The player is moving at full speed throughout. The pace, coupled with the changes of direction, conditions, builds agility, and develops a variety of catching skills. It applicable to any age ...including teens and high school players.
The player catches three different fly balls in this drill, which takes 7-8 seconds per player:
Ranging Laterally
Coming in
Going Back
Ideally this is run with no more than 3 or 4 players. Once each player has been through the drill, the time spent waiting for their next turn is spent catching their breath. If we start with a bucket of 30 balls, depending on the age and skill level of the players, we can get through 15-20 reps, before having to take a break and pick up the balls.
The best situation for using this drill is as a station in a skills rotation. During a five-minute stop at this station each player will get a chance to make a play on 20-30 fly balls.
Keys for the drill to be most effective
Coach makes low arcing throws – this is Not a drill to train kids to judge high fly balls; we are working on the skill of catching a ball while on the run. Coach is a quarterback throwing passes to a receiver.
Use an underhand arm action when tossing – this is much more accurate than throwing overhand
If there is a left-handed player in the group, and you have younger kids (nine and under), run the left-handed player in the opposite direction for the first toss. Otherwise they are making a backhanded play, which is much more difficult.
Keys for the drill to remain fast paced
Most important – if a ball is not caught the player does not retrieve it; they get ready for the next toss
Coach is constantly reminding the players to ‘sprint full speed’
Have as many balls on hand as possible
Limit instruction to two points:
Run full speed
Catch the ball away from your body – reach out with the glove arm
…this is a repetitions activity, not a teaching activity. Make a mental note of teaching points to share afterwards.
What is Going to Happen?
Coach will make inaccurate tosses – no big deal. Tell the player, “Hey, bad throw, I’ll get better; keep moving”
Players will miss catches – we clearly instruct them, prior to the drill, that when they miss a catch, to not stop to pick up the ball. They are to get to the next starting point asap and get ready for the next toss
The rhythm and flow of the drill, the first time it is run, will be a bit clunky – any new activity is less than perfect the first time around.
Pitcher Defensive Plays
Plays at First Base
Plays at Second Base
Plays at Third Base
Team Drills
Shortstop Overthrow of First
Note: six players are involved. When doing this drill, have the other six players doing another drill. Wiffle Ball Batting in center field is an example.
The drill below would be run later in the season after the kids have ample exposure and an understanding of the Ball, Base, Back-up concept. It is a drill you may not utilize. Teams in better climates, which get in more practices would be more likely to progress to this ‘Fun’ drill. Teams playing in climates that limit their practices would be less likely to progress to this drill. There are three circumstances for using this drill.
Kids aren’t grasping the concept of ‘All Players Have a Responsibility’. They need to Move the moment the ball is put into play and get to where they may be needed (such as an overthrow at first base).
Kids aren’t moving with Urgencey because they ‘don’t think they’ll be involved in the play’. This play involves two throws to different bases. It illustrates how the players’ responsibilities (and positioning) change when the ball is thrown an additional time on a given play.
Give the kids a new experience, different than the drills they are doing each day to build fielding, throwing, and catching skills.
SET UP
Six players at their positions on the field (P, 3b, SS, 2b, LF, RF)
Two coaches --- one delivering the ball to the shortstop; one at the first base bag.
DRILL
Coach delivers a ground ball to the shortstop.
Pitcher “Moves Towards the Ball”, doesn’t field the ball, so moves in a straight line towards their to cover the base, sees the third baseman covering, so continues on to foul ground to back-up a potential throw.
Shortstop fields the ball and throws to first base.
Left Fielder chases the ball at full speed to a point beyond where the short stop is attempting to field the ball. If the ball gets past the shortstop, the left fielder fields the runs the ball in (we are assuming the only base runner is the batter and that the batter stopped at first base) and hands it to the shortstop or second baseman who then runs the ball toward the pitching rubber as they would in a game. That player can then toss the ball in to the coach at home plate.
If the shortstop fields the ball the left fielder moves in to position beyond second base to back up a throw to second from the right fielder who will be picking the ball up following the overthrow of first base.
Second baseman “Moves towards the ball”, they don’t field the ball, so they cover second base (the base to their left; the ball was hit to their left) and gets in a ready position facing the right fielder who is recovering the over throw.
The second baseman “Moves their feet to catch” the throw from the right fielder, tags the ground in front of second base where the runner would be sliding, then shuffles towards the middle of the infield, in a power position, “Looking for other runners” …then tosses the ball in to the coach at home plate.
The coach at first base gives the short stop a target to throw to; hopefully the result is a strong accurate throw to the coach at the base. The coach, however, steps aside and intentionally lets the ball go past them resulting in an ‘overthrow’ for the right fielder to back-up.
Right Fielder sprints toward a point beyond first base to back up the throw. The right fielder will most likely not get to the spot they need to be in to directly back up the throw. Instead they will play the carom off the fence of the overthrown ball. The right fielder recovers the ball turns, so their glove side is facing their target (second base where the ‘runner’ is headed when they see there was an overthrow. Likely the right fielder will ‘have their back to their target when recovering the ball; if this is the case they “Turn Glove Side” to get their body in position to make the throw. “They move their feet to throw”, then “Follow their head”, in a straight line towards the target, after making the throw.
Pair up the six players (ie 3b & RF | P & SS | 2b & RF) After each repetition, or two, have the kids switch positions.
OBJECTIVES
Right Fielder gets work playing caroms off the fence on overthrows of first base
Shortstop gets fielding and throwing work
Second baseman gets work in ‘Receiving a Throw at a Base’
All players get work executing their ‘Defensive Movement Responsibilities’
Three Players, One Base - Drills
The two drill diagrams below illustrate the drills with the ball fielded by the Middle Infielder (Shortstop or Second Baseman),
Variations:
Ball fielded by a Corner Infielder (Third Baseman or First Baseman). Deliver the ball to a Corner Infielder, to a spot approximately 20’ from the base and 10’ from the base line. Tell the players in advance who will be fielding the Ball. (This allows the kids to anticipate their responsibility and eliminates confusion of who is fielding the ball.) The Pitcher and Middle Infielder both run towards the base. Ther first to arrive (usually the Pitcher) covers the Base, the other player runs beyond the base to Back-up*. (in-line with the direction of the throw)
Ball fielded by the Pitcher. The Corner Infielder covers the Base. The Middle Infielder (Shortstop or Second Baseman) runs beyond the base to Back-up. (in-line with the direction of the throw)
Communication
Fly Ball Communication
We constantly remind our players to ‘Call for the ball’ on pop flies. However, we still have numerous occurrences where two players get in each other’s way trying to catch the ball or they both stop going for the ball at the last second and let the ball drop. Then we holler at them again to ‘Call for the ball!
Simply telling our players to ‘Call for the ball’ is not fully preparing them to deal with a pop fly hit between two players. While it might seem obvious to us (we’ve been on the planet a few decades longer than they have), to ensure that they call for the ball and do so effectively we need to teach and drill them for these situations
Below is information on a Fly Ball Communication System for balls hit between two players. When practiced, this system greatly increases the number of balls that are caught and virtually eliminates collisions. The key to the system is we use two different calls for fly balls. One call is made by the player who is determined to be subordinate; the other call is made by the player who is determined to be dominant.
The subordinate player calls, “Mine”, which indicates that they are confident they can get to the ball. The dominant player calls, “GET OUT!”…this is self-explanatory.
The first diagram illustrates the dominant-subordinate relationship between all players on the field.
The second diagram illustrates the set up for the Fly Ball Communication Drill.
Wild Pitch / Passed Ball Communication
Time Required: 5-10 Minutes
Duration of the drill is dictated by the number of players involved and their familiarity with the drill. Plan an additional five minutes the day the drill is introduced. Can easily be completed in five minutes when the players are familiar with Set-up and Execution. This drill can also be part of the Skill Building Warm-up aspect of practice, during which the players are only involved in the drill for three minutes.
Number of Players Involved: 2-6
Objectives
Pitcher is made aware that covering home plate is their responsibility when the ball gets away from the catcher.
Establish clear (and loud) communication, from the pitcher, to help the catcher locate the ball.
Both players learn correct positioning and footwork in recovering the ball (catcher) and receiving a throw (pitcher)
Set-up
Catcher in their stance, three feet behind home plate …additional catcher off to the side, ready to jump in (gear is not required; wearing shin guards is an idea, so to give them experience moving with them on; efficiency of time is always priority #1. Putting on gear can eat up time very quickly)
Pitcher 4-5 feet in front of pitching rubber (this is where they will be following the delivery of a pitch) …additional pitchers behind the rubber, ready to jump in.
Coach stands on one side of the catcher, behind the line across the catcher’s heels
Running the Drill
Coach
Tosses the ball off to left or right side of the catcher (and back at a 45-degree angle). Some tosses all the way to the fence/backstop; some a shorter distance away from the catcher. Most tosses should go to the fence/backstop. …or straight back …the fourth location is to drop the ball directly behind the catcher (‘at their feet’)
Backs out of the catcher’s way, as necessary
Pitcher, the moment they see the ball leave the coaches hand on the toss:
Sprints to home plate
Points to the ball …and continues to point until the catcher has clearly located the location of the ball
Hollers Loudly, telling the catcher the location of the ball
—> First Base Side: One!!, One!!, One!!
—> Third base Side: Three!!, Three!!, Three!!
—> Behind Catcher: Back!!, Back!!, Back!!
—> At Catcher’s Feet: Feet!!, Feet!!, Feet!!
Sets up (1), just in front of home plate (as close to the base path as possible without getting in the runner’s way. Note: on balls to the third base side of the catcher, the pitcher sets up on the same side of the plate as where the ball is coming from (this is to avoid the thrown ball crossing the runner’s path and potentially deflecting away from the pitcher)
Sets up (2), in a ‘Ready Position’ with feet and chest pointing directly at the ball/catcher.
Tags the ground (where the runner’s feet will be during their slide into home plate), Turns to their Glove Side, makes a couple shuffles towards the ‘Middle of the Infield’, in a ‘Power Position’, ‘Looking for Other Runners’. (same routine used in Receiving a Throw at a Base Drill. - find ‘Tag Play (at Third Base) in Table of Contents, under ‘Receiving Throws on the Skill Building Warm-up page)
Catcher
Sprints to the ball
Centers the ball between their feet, just in front of the line across their toes …the ‘Glove Side’ of their body is pointing at home plate
Picks up ‘Both Sides of the Ball’
‘Moves Their Feet to Throw’ …in most cases executing the Underhand Toss technique.
Teaching Points
Communication
Positioning of the feet and body when handling, or preparing to handle, the ball
Footwork when throwing, or preparing to throw
What Will Go Wrong
Coach will get in the catcher’s way 😊
Pitchers will be slow in getting to home plate …we need to instill a sense of urgency
Catcher’s will rush their throw (
Pitcher will rush the tag
Pitcher will forget to, or not move with urgency, ‘Look for Other Runners’
Competitive Drills
Fielding
Mass Ground Balls and Fly Balls
It will take a couple of days for the coaches and players to get a feel for how this drill it is coordinated. The infield portion of this drill is made up of two separate groups working on the same field. In addition to that, the activities of the two groups intersect with each other. Once the participants in each of the groups get a feel for who they are working with the drill becomes quite simple - and very productive
The players are divided into three groups of four, each having their own coach running their group. One group is taking ground balls at third base and second base, another group is taking ground balls at shortstop and first base. The third group is working on fly balls in the outfield. The outfield group should use this time working on angling back to fly balls (they get work angling in during the Skill Building Warm-up).
Three Groups Drills
The concept of 'Three Groups Drills' is based on a team having 12 players and 3 coaches/adults being available to run drills. In cases of younger players (ages 7-8) an extra adult(s) may be helpful to receive long throws, which these younger kids would have difficulty to catch consistently in a fast paced environment.
Given the above numbers we break the team into three groups of four players, each with their own coach/adult running their particular drill.
We run the first segment of the drill for 3-4 minutes, then rotate the groups. Depending on how much time we spend between rotations, the players can work at all three stations in 10-15 minutes.
There are four examples below. Given these examples, looking at the Skill Building Warm-up page and considering the needs of a particular team, a coach can design additional drill combinations.
Third Baseman - Throwing across. Focus: "Wide to Catch" (slow down and come under control when fielding the ball), "Feet to throw", "Follow your head" (When players are throwing across the field it is especially important to train them in the habit of keeping their momentum moving in a straight line towards their target for a couple of steps after they throw the ball. This will make their throws stronger and more accurate. Remember that young legs don't have great strength and continuing momentum forward following a throw is not easy for them, They can get it and do it, but it takes a coach that continues to emphasize the need to 'finish the throwing action' by "Following your head".
Left handed third baseman need the extra teaching point of "Step Across" after they field the ball. When they are under control when fielding the execution of this action is much easier.
Later, and for older players, we can roll balls between the third baseman and the line. This gives right handed throwers a backhand and gives all players a longer and more challenging throw.
Shortstop - roll the ball to their right. This can be a forehand or a backhand for a right handed player. For all players this is an overhand throw. Older players and players with good leg strength can execute this throw without a shuffle of the feet. But they still need to be taught to use their legs to drive their power and momentum straight towards the target. On shorter throws such as this a firm wrist snap is critical for accuracy. "Snap your wrist on that throw"
Second Baseman going back on a pop fly. See 'Toss Drills - Fly Balls' diagram above.
Tech "Step Across": A left handed throwing third baseman or a right handed throwing first baseman, when fielding the ball has their throwing hand side of their body pointing at their target. In order to make a throw these players, after fielding the ball must 'step across; their throwing hand foot with their glove side foot, which will result in the glove side of their body facing the target.
The teaching phrase, "Step Across" needs to be inserted between the teaching phrases of "(Feet) Wide to Catch" and "(Move) Feet to Throw".
SET UP
Use two throw down bases to create two 'second bases'. Position them approximately 5'-10' short of the actual second base and 5'-10' behind the base line. This enables two groups to work on plays going to second base. This positioning of the throw down bases also minimizes the possibility of injury from an overthrown ball given that there is no other player in the line of a given throw.
Use two more throw down bases inside the diamond to indicate second base and first base for the 4-3 play.
Position the first baseman and third baseman close to the foul lines to make up for the change of distance of the positioning of the 'second base' they will be throwing to.
5-4 Play
Coach rolls a the ball a couple of steps to the left of the third baseman and instructs them "(Feet) Wide to Catch" and "(Move) Feet to Throw". The third baseman throws to second base, then follows their throw ("Follow your head"). The player at second base stands in a "Ready Position", "moves their feet to catch" and prioritizes, "Ball first, base second". The players then rotate positions.
3-6 Play
Same as 5-4 play, except we roll the ball to the first baseman's right. The players then rotate positions.
Note: An advanced version of these plays positions the first and third baseman further off the foul line and the coach rolls the ball a few steps to the foul line side of the player. Right handed first baseman allow their momentum to carry their throwing hand foot past their glove side foot resulting in the glove side of their body facing their target. They then "Move their feet to throw" and 'Follow their head". ...the same action is executed by a left handed third baseman.
A ball between the player and the line creates a back hand play for a left handed first baseman and a right handed third baseman. It takes more effort for these players to "Move their feet to throw", so as coaches we need to really emphasize to these players, "Move your feet to throw".
4-3 Play
Roll a ground ball to the left of the second baseman. They get their "(Feet) Wide to Catch" and "(Move) Feet to Throw", then "Move your feet to throw" and executes an underhand toss to the first baseman who "covers the base with their eyes" and gets in a "Ready Position" to prepare to receive the throw. The players then rotate positions.
Third baseman throwing to second base - Focus: "Wide to Catch" (slow down and come under control when fielding the ball), "Feet to throw", "Follow your head"
Left handed third baseman need the extra teaching point of "Step Across" after they field the ball. When they are under control when fielding the execution of this action is much easier.
Later, and for older players, we can roll balls between the third baseman and the line. This gives right handed throwers a backhand and gives all players a longer and more challenging throw.
Second baseman - Underhand toss to the second base bag. "Wide to Catch" (slow down and come under control when fielding the ball), "Feet to throw", "Follow your head". Rotate to covering the bag after the play.
First Baseman and Pitcher, 3-1 Play: Coach rolls a ground ball 10’ to the first baseman’s right.
Pitcher sprints to first and “Covers the base with their eyes”, gets in a “Ready Position”, “Moves Their Feet to Catch”, gets the “Ball first and the base second”, then tags the base witch their foot. Rotate to first base position.
First Baseman feet “Wide to Catch”, then “Move your feet to throw”, then follow their throw - “Follow your head”. Rotate to the pitcher position.
Run this drill a couple of times with only two of the groups before running it with all three. When running it with two groups have the third group doing a drill in the outfield; maybe toss drills. Still rotate the three groups every three minutes, so that all players get reps in the Pitcher's Fielding drill.
Trying to run it the first time with all three group can be a bit confusing for the players. After they get a couple days of experience working with just two groups they will be comfortable working with all three groups working at the same time.
This is a great drill for getting a lot of practical work in, in a short period of time.
NOTE: The 1-6 Play on the full field (drills, scrimmage and games) the pitcher makes an overhand throw (not to be confused with the 1-6 play in the Skill Building Warm-up version, which is done using Mini Diamond where the an underhand toss).
Relays & Cuts
Coach rolls a ball to the center fielder. Mix up locations between left-center and right center field, so the pitcher gets the idea that they move to different spots depending on the location of the ball.
Pitcher has three responsibilities: 1. Line up between the base and the ball*, 2. move out towards the outfielder to a point midway between the ball and home plate, 3. Calls for the ball. Use the term you prefer for the call (anything except “Cut’ ...we don’t want the cut-relay player using the word, “Cut” because the catcher uses that term. We don’t want two players using the same term to make a call). I like either “Hit me” or “Ball, ball, ball”
When receiving and throwing the ball the Pitcher first gets to the proper spot on the field to catch the ball and gets in a “Ready Position”. They “Move Their Feet to Catch”, “Turn Glove Side”, then “Moves Their Feet to Throw”. After throwing the ball the pitcher follows their throw in a straight line towards their target - “Follow Your Head”
*The key to getting lined up is for the pitcher to ‘look both ways’ (same as they would do before crossing a street). Look to the ball, back to the plate, look to the ball, then back to the plate… this exercise enables the pitcher to identify the ‘line’ between the ball and home plate. They want to get on this line as quickly as possible. Note: young players are resistant to looking away from the ball. It will take them a few days of working in this drill before they start making it a habit of looking both way. Remember, we are asking the pitcher to do a lot of stuff in a short period of time in this defensive situation. Their young brains will require some time to get this…be patient as a coach. The WILL get it after a while.
Catcher moves out to their ‘position’ a foot in front of home plate. As the ball is on its way from the center fielder to the pitcher the catcher hollers, “Cut Four”. After catching the ball the catcher puts a tag down on the ground where the base runner will be sliding into home plate, then makes a shuffle step out towards the middle of the infield, in a power position, to “Look for other runners”.
Outfielder fields the ball and waits for the pitcher to ‘call for the ball’ (In this drill the outfielder will often get to the ball before the pitcher gets into position. In a game the pitcher will get into position on time. In a game we rarely want to delay getting the ball in).
Note 1: Because the players are fairly close to each other in this drill, we have them use an underhand toss to transport the ball.
Note 2: On a full sized field the Shortstop would move out towards the center fielder and the second baseman would cover second base. If the ball is way over to the right field side of right-center field the second baseman goes out and the shortstop covers second base. There is not set rule as to when these responsibilities change. Over time the players will develop and instinct for this (in reality this is an instinct the players develop at an older age).
Note 3: The shortstop and second baseman ARE NOT the cut-relay player on balls hit in front of the outfielders. A common mistake in 12U baseball and softball is the outfielder making a short throw to the shortstop or second baseman (thinking that is the cut-relay player). The infielder is then left to make a very long throw to the catcher.
The shortstop and second baseman get the ball from the center fielder in one of the following two situations:
1 - The base runner(s) stop trying to advance to the next base and/or the runner going home is going to score easily. In this case it becomes a ‘get the ball back in to the infield play’. The outfielder hands the ball to the infielder or gets it to them using and underhand toss. The infielder then runs the ball in to the pitcher.
2 - The ball gets past the outfielder at which point the infielder becomes the lead cut-relay player. They want to position themselves 50’-70’ from the ball (depending on the throwing ability of the outfielder). The pitcher does not go out further than the baseline. If the ball is in straight away center field the pitcher does not go further out than midway between the pitching rubber and second base. The pitcher is now the second cut-relay player)