Infield Drills
5x5x5 Throwing (Warmup)
This is the drill we want to do every practice and game day to start the players throwing. Each player completes five throws, and then they move on to the next one.
First, the players start with their feet facing their partners. Their feet remain anchored to the ground, and they turn their hips to throw. The players must focus on having a strong front arm and engaging their core in the throw.
Second, the players start with their off-foot forward. Both feet remain anchored to the ground on this drill as well, but having their opposite foot forward forces them to use their torso more. They need to have a strong front side and finish over their front leg.
The final throwing drill is rock and throw. The players start sideways with their hands together and rock forward, then backward and throw. They should follow thru to create momentum.
Infield Progressions
The first infield progression (for groundballs straight on) begins with the athlete on their knees. The first one is groundballs (rolling, not shorthops) with an emphasis on getting the ball out in front and using two hands to receive the ground ball.
Following that progression, athletes do the same thing but step with their left knee forward as they receive the ground ball. This puts an emphasis on having the left foot going towards our throw as we receive the grounder.
Lastly, infielders get on their feet and do the same progression while taking a forward step with their left foot simulatenously as they receive the ground ball. The left heel (for a right handed thrower) is about even with the right toe of the athlete.
An emphasis must be made on being good teammates, essentially bowling the ball directly to the middle of their teammates body.
Infield Rebounder #1
Using the rebounder is a great way for players to get their own infiled work.
This first drill is more about getting players used to the process. They need to set the rebounder up at a 90-degree angle and be 6-10 from the front. They need to underhand the ball and try to hit the red target. That will give them a nice one or two-hop ground ball that they can work on staying below the baseball and field it out in front of them.
The process of them getting comfortable using the rebounder is the most important thing and will let us progress to more complex things this tool can be used for.
Infield Rebounders #2
This will progress off of the rebounder #1 drill. In this, the players are going to work on their forehand and their backhand.
The players will start with their bodies turned to the side, so it is easier if a coach or partner throws the ball off the rebounder.
The players should do 4-6 reps on each side, and then their partner should go.
Infield Rebounders Force Out
Set up the rebounder to take a groundball from either SS or 2B.
The players should throw the ball off the rebounder, field it with good form and work on turning their bodies and gaining momentum to get a force out.
Have a base where the opposite-side fielder can meet the ball and get it out. You can progress to double plays eventually but use this to focus and work on the force-out play.
Paddle Progression #1
For this drill, the players need to use flat paddle gloves. Their partner will be 6-10 feet from the fielder and roll them a ball. T
he players need to move their feet and focus on fielding the ball off their left foot and create rhythm through the play. They then toss the ball back to their partner and do another rep.
They should always move their feet to the ball and create a good temp through the ground ball.
Triangle Drill
To set up this drill, you should have two cones where the fielder's feet should be and one in front of them where the players should field the ball.
There are two ways to do this. One is barehand with the ball on top of a cone; players should step into their fielding position and field the ball off the cone. This will work on their rhythm and fielding the ball in front of their eyes.
The other setup is with a glove. The player sets his feet, and the ball is rolled at the front cone in front of them. The fielder needs to get the ball in front of them and make the play before the ball reaches the cone.
Prep Step
The main thing to get players to understand is that we want their feet moving as the ball is delivered.
We prefer them to have two short steps, end in a field position, and be on their toes as the ball enters the hitting zone.
Players should not be flat-footed when the ball is put in play, and their prep step is what gets them ready to react.
Bare Hand Short Hops #1
Players need to be 6 feet from their partner; one person is throwing, and one is fielding.
The throw needs to throw a catchable low short hop so the fielder and work on staying under the ball and catching up and through the ground ball like a short hop they will get in a game.
We prefer these bare-hand drills to be done with the smoosh balls since they are softer and give a different feel to the fielder. The fielder's feet remain stationary the entire drill in a good fielding and athletic position.
Est. 1987
