DRILLSBALL HANDLING & FORM DRILLSTHROWING DRILLTHIRD AND COVER: Hit to third, third throws to second, second throws to first, first throws to catcher, catcher throws to third and third back to home.SHORT AND COVER: Hit to SS, SS throws to second, second throws to first, first throws to catcher,catcher throws to second base with SS covering base, SS throws to third and third throws home.SECOND AND COVER: Hit to second, second to SS at second base, SS to first, first to catcher, catcher to second base with second baseman covering, second throws to third and third throws home.FIRST AND COVER: Hit to first, first to second, second to third, third to catcher, catcher to first and first back to homeNOTE: Repeat drill if more then one player per position.4-CornersEven divide players at each base or on 4 corners of a square that represents the diamond. Ball starts at home. On command the first player in line at 1st base runs to 2nd base. Catcher throws to second and runs to 1st. Note: Throw throws where runner is going and then runs to next base. Emphasize showing window, throwing with feet. This is a good drill during tryouts to see who supports their teammates.CirclesPartner up, start going clockwise after 30 seconds switch direction for 30 more. Start with Roll, Bounce, and Toss. 1 minute each. Concentrate on out in front, funnel in, drawing 7's, knob to ball, no waist bend.LateralsThe drill has one tosser and one player, who are 6-7 feet apart facing each other. (Pairs) Drill can have as many groups as desired. The tosser rolls a ball about 5-6 feet out to the side. The player moves laterally to field the ball. After picking-up the ball, the player throws the ball back to the tosser. The tosser then rolls a ball about 5-6 feet out to the opposite side, and the player fields the ball in a similar manner and rolls back to tosser. When fielder gets back to middle the tosser becomes the fielder. Do for 1 minute, then switch to bounce, then toss.Throw and ReplacePartners face each other about 60 ft apart, person with ball rolls to partner who uses good form to field the ball and runs toward partner, the tosser runs toward partner also. After ball is fielded, they roll ball back and forth twice. Now, the fielder has the ball where the tosser starter. The process continues for 1 minute. Then switch to bounce and toss.5-MANStart with 1-2-2 alignment: 5-->4, then 5 runs to right of 3 and 4-->5->3->5 after 5 rolls to 3, then 3 takes of towards 1, then 5--->3->1->3--->1->2->1--->2->4->2--->4. We still go roll 1 min, bounce 1 min, and toss 1 minute. You can turn this into a race12 34 55 Star5 fielders align in good fielding form in a circle. Players roll the ball left, right, or straight at a player in the circle. Players must stay down, draw 7's, knob to ball, and funnel in. Variations include no gloves or 2 balls.POSITIONAL DRILLSCATCHERBlocking drillCoach in front of catcher who is in proper stance to receive a pitch, throws pitchs left, right, and in front of catcher in the dirt. Catcher must jab, drag, scoop, and bounce up on balls left and right. Balls in front the catcher should drop knees to block. Note, the block is more important than the catch. Funnel toward plate.Fun team drill when every player gets a ball, halfway between home and the mound and throw 1 after another at the catcher.FramingCoach in front throwing high, left and right. Catcher needs to frame balls slightly outside of the strikezone, and not ones that are to far out. Umps tend to be insulted if you frame an obvious ball, but if you are selective with close pitches things go your way more.Shift to throwsCoach in front of catcher in his stance for runners on. Coach will throw balls as catchers works mechanics of throw. He doesn't need to throw especially if indoors. Throwing into the batting cage is a good option though.Fielding the buntCoach stands behind catcher who is in his stance for runners on. Coach will roll a ball between his legs straight, right, or left. Catcher should execute proper approach. All throws can be towards 1st to start with. Then coach should change to calling the base as the ball is rolling.Feeding the pitcher on pass ballsCoach can stand about 10 feet in front of catcher and throw passed balls. Catcher should execute a proper slide, pop to 1 knee, throw to plate where coach is covering.Fielding the pop flyCoach can stand 10 feet in front of catcher and throw pop ups. Catcher should locate ball, throw mask opposite direction, turn back to infield, and make 2 handed catch overhead with glove pointed up. If catcher can't find ball, the coach should direct him.Tag drill (blocking the plate)Coach should stand 30-40 ft away (vary position around diamond) and throw cut offs to catcher who should execute proper pivot, knee drop, and tag in direction of third. Coach should vary throw position.Drop third strikeCoach in front should throw balls that catcher drops in various directions. Catcher should execute proper inside and outside throws. To be more realistic it can be done with batter and 1st baseman.Shadow blocking (no ball)Coach stands behind the catcher. Catcher assumes their stance. The coach tells the catcher what pitch is thrown and where. The coach will give the catcher a few seconds to get ready. When the coach claps their hands, the catcher will assume the blocking position and hold. The coach or other players will check their form to make sure the catcher is in a good position. The drill can be varied by giving the catcher less time between pitch and location and the crap, or the catcher will go on verbal commands only.Sit and get hitCoach gets on one knee from a short distance. The catcher assumes the blocking position. The coach will throw the ball in the dirt and off the chest of the catcher. The catcher gets the feeling of balls coming off their body.Medium tossCoach stands half-way between the mound and home plate. The catcher assumes their stance. Coach will throw balls in the dirt and the catcher will block, retrieve, and get their body in a position to throw.Up-downsLayout five balls five feet apart. The catcher will shuffle to each ball, assume the blocked position, get up and shuffle to the next ball. The object is to work on quickness down to the ball and up from the ball. Make sure the catcher's hands are moving in the correct position on the way up. The drill can be varied by having the catcher not only go down all five, but moving to the other side and returning to where they started.Hands drillThe catcher should start in the down position with a ball placed in front of them. When the coach says go, the catcher fires their hands out to the side and away from the ball, gets to their feet quickly, rakes in the ball and gets their body in a position to throw the baseball.Zone blockingAcceptable activity for when practice is getting monotonous and the catchers need a change of pace. Assign three zones and points for each (5, 3, -5). The first zone should be 3 feet by 3 feet starting at the catchers feet, the second zone should be 5 feet by 5 feet starting at the catchers feet, the third zone is anything outside zone two. Catcher assumes stance while the coach stands on the mound. The coach will throw balls in the dirt. The catcher should block. retrieve the balls in a zone and then get their body in a position to throw. Each catcher gets an established number of trials. Add up points and assign a winner.Batting practiceThere is no substitute for blocking live during an established period of time during batting practice. This prevents the catcher from sitting back and creating bad habits during batting practice.ShadowCatcher starts out in their stance. Coach holds a ball in front of the catcher and moves it around the strike zone. The catcher follows the path of the baseball and frames the area. The catcher should work on body movement and catching the ball in halves.INFIELDERS1 hop crossover drill (Back hand Drill)Tosser faces fielder. Tosser 1 hops a ball to the fielders backhand side. Fielder fields and moves back to middle. Mix up going both ways to keep fielder honest. Do 3 sets of 20.Square up drill 1 Tosser and line of fielders facing him. Tosser rolls slow ground right and left of fielder who arcs to field the ball in proper position. Concentrate on arc to maintain a square position on ball.Fielding out front1 tosser and line of fielders facing him. Tosser rolls slow ground right, center, and left of fielder who arcs to field the ball or approaches head on. Fielder concentrates on fielding out in front. Know to ball.5 star drill5 fielders align in good fielding form in a circle. Players roll the ball left, right, or straight at a player in the circle. Players must stay down, draw 7's, knob to ball, and funnel in. Variations include no gloves or 2 balls.Crow hop drill2 lines facing each other 70 ft apart and shagger perpendicular to lines. Tosser rolls to fielder who fields proper and moves to proper throwing position. Concentrate on the crow hop.Relay drill2 lines(relayers and receivers) about 60 ft apart and an OF 30 ft from relay line. Relay man run to spot arms high, OF throw to relay. Use proper body position and throw to receiver. Sprint to opposite lines.Slow grounder drillSame set up as Crow Hop. Tosser roll slow so fielder must charge to field. Concentrate on throwing from down low. Altnerate between barehanding ball and scooping.Short hop drillPartners face each other. One player is tosser and the other the fielder. Tossers will try to short hop the fielder from about 10 ft away. Do reps of 15 then switch roles.DP pivot drill SS and 2nd Base assume position. A tosser will roll balls away from the bag that fielders must use a pivot to make the throw. Work on form and approach to the base when covering.DP flip drillSS and 2nd base assume position. A tosser will roll balls near the bag that fielders must use a flip(note this more of a push than a flip) to make the throw. Work on form and banana approach to the base when covering. Once pivot and flip have been done, then the tosser may mix up the rolls.Short wall drillsIndividual drill where players face a wall and throw grounds to them selves. The closer they are to the wall the quicker they must be.Get it out! DrillToo often, young players make the mistake of fielding ground balls with their mit on the ground, directly below their crotch, rather than extended out in front of them. This drill helps ensure proper extension.Lay a bat on the ground perpendicular to a line of players. The first player in line should be 6-8 feet from the bat in a ready position. Coach is 8-10 from the bat, opposite the players. Coach rolls ball toward the bat. Player must approach the ground ball and assume a good fielding position right at the bat, without his feet touching or going over it. In order to prevent the ball from rolling into the bat the player must have his glove extended, rather than hanging directly down below his crotch. Once player secures the ball he sprints forward and places the ball at the feet of the coach who is already rolling a ball to the next player. Continue until all players have had sufficient reps.Lateral pick-up drillPurpose:1. To improve the players overall conditioning.2. To improve the player's ability to move laterally and to assume a good defensive position in fielding a ground ball.Procedure: The drill has one tosser and one player, who are 6-7 feet apart facing each other. (Pairs) Drill can have as many groups as desired.The tosser rolls a ball about 5-6 feet out to the side. The player moves on a semicircular path to field the ball. After picking-up the ball, the player throws the ball back to the tosser. The tosser then rolls a ball about 5-6 feet out to the opposite side, and the player fields the ball in a similar manner. The drill sequence is repeated from five to 10 times depending on the players conditioning level.The number of repetitions is increased as the the players conditioning level improves. It is important for the player to field the ball by moving on a semicircular path in order for the drill to be effective.Field throw and run drillThis drill helps with the basic fundamentals such as getting into a proper fielding position, lateral movement, throwing, and lots of running. It also has the advantage of working indoors as well as outdoors.Have three players line up about 70 feet from the rest of the group (everybody can participate) and give the first player in the line a ball. The rest of the group should line up slightly to the side so the fielder can run left or right. Then the player with the ball throws it on the ground to the first player on the other side, who fields it properly, throws it to the second player in the first line, and runs over to join the first line. The player who threw the grounder should run to the other line after his throw. This then continues until everybody is dead tired.We usually first throw the grounders to the left, then right, then straight on so the fielder has to run in and make an underhand flip. We usually round off with both sides throwing the ball back and forth instead off rolling it. In short: throw grounder and run; field, throw, and run. You can vary the distance as well as putting only two players in the first line, which will force the players to really run unless they want the ball in their neck.Backpeddle drillI use groups of three players to aid in conditioning. The first player moves forward under control from the starting line. Coach rolls a ball to him and the player breaks down and fields the ball. The player then BACK PEDDLES as fast as he can to the starting line and flips the ball to players on the side waiting their turn. When he reaches the starting line, he moves forward again and breaks down to field the second ball. The player BACK PEDDLES again and repeats for the third ball. Coach won't roll the balls until the player is moving.Charging drillPurpose: To improve the player's ability to charge a softly hit ground ball.Procedure: The drill can have as many tossers as desired. Drill can have three or more players in the lines, which are about 70 feet in front of the tossers.The tosser throws a ground ball so that the player has to charge the ball at about midway between the tosser and the player. The player then throws the ball back to the tosser, turns to the right, and jogs back to the end of the line. A variation of this drill would be for infielders to start about 70 feet in front of the tossers, outfielders should start about 90 feet in front of the tossers. The tosser still attempts to throw the ground ball so that the player has to charge the ball at about midway between the tosser and the player. Rotation can also be varied so that the player replaces the tosser who in turns goes to the end of the line.Fence drillThis drill is designed to quicken reaction time to grounders and line drives using lateral movement. At the end of each practice the entire team competes in a contest to see which player can keep the most out of ten balls from hitting a chain link fence at his back. The fungo hitter stands only thirty-five or so feet from the fielder. The fielder has 20 feet of fence to cover. The fence is 6 feet tall. We hit to the left and the right, up and down. The pace between fungos quickens. A clean catch is not necessary to score. The player need only keep the ball from hitting the fence to his rear. By the end of the summer players need from between 8 to 10 out of ten to win. Lateral pick-up with mimic drillI use three, one is the feeder, the second is the fielder and the third mimics the fielder in all motions. The feeder starts by announcing the direction at first, and both rolls and short hops the ball to the fielder who must field the ball by funneling it into his glove showing "softhands", come to a throwing position and return the ball to the feeder. The mimic follows all of the fielders motions. Places are switched after 10-12 tosses. This gets more fielders involved and enables me to watch the fielding fundamentals of two players.Soft hands drillWe took a ping-pong paddle and cut the handle off and stapled a batting glove to the back. The player puts his glove hand in the glove and fields ground balls from a fungo. The drill emphasizes the use of the top hand, to ensure the ball doesn't become loose and so that the throwing hand is there to throw or flip the ball.OUTFIELDERS Toe crow drillLine up out fielders hit grounds left, center, and right of them. They must charge the ball and pick the ball off their glove hand toe and pull up into a crow hop. This is a do or die play.Over the shoulder crossoverBalls are hit or thrown over the shoulder of the outfielders who must execute a proper crossover step to get to the ball. Concentrate on no false steps and proper read of ball.Ball off the fence Work in partners. One player throws the ball over the head of his partner, who executes proper form in fielding off the fence.Cutoff drillWork on hitting the cut off man in the proper side.Playing the fenceWork in partners to help communicate where the fence is at.1 knee block drillKeeping singles from being doubles. 1 line, use proper form, don't let outfielders hold the ball in the outfield.Two hand catch drillOnly repitition will help make using 2 hands a habit.Hook momentum forward drill1 line and a cut off man. Work on proper forward momentum when fielding a fly with runners ready to tag.PITCHERS3 count drillCoach calls a 3 count as players go from start to pivot (1), fly away (2), and follow through (3) nice and slow. This gives a chance to program that muscle memory.Balance drill From Set or Wind up pitchers stop motion with leg parallel to ground and hold for a 3 count, then move to the fly away position and hold for a 3 count. Concentrate on balance and hiding the ball in the T position.Fly away drill Slowly and repeatedly going through the fly away motion.Pivot drillSlowly and repeatedly going through the pivot.Set drillSlowly and repeatedly go into your setSquare up fielding drillCoach line up at home, have pitcher go through his deliver at 3/4's speed and deliver the ball home. Coach immediately fire ball back at pitcher or slightly to his left or right. Work on squaring up after the pitch and being ready to field the ball. You could at situations to the drill and tell pitcher where to go with the ball.Pickoff move drillWork pick offs to each base. Best done with runners and catcher, then everyone gets a work out. Stagger throws (soft, quick, a 3 count, step off, etc.). Have each pitcher work a series with a runner. Can double or triple up on mound area to work all bases and concentrate more on how to stagger your moves.Follow thru drillUse a player at home so pitcher can throw. Work on running to the plate, follow the ball. Watch for flying off, plant foot in wrong direction. Can be done without a ball.Covering first drillEmphasis coming up the line, fielding the throw, step on bag (not over it). Can do live or just run pitchers through the motion.Long TossStart Short and work to 120 feet or max if you can still use proper mechanicsFlat Surface Workout(On flat surface, 45-60 ft apart, 8 pitches from each position below)One kneeTwo kneeTwo feet squareStretch PositionWind-UpHITTINGSimulated (Without ball)1. Bottom hand-Assume proper stance and weight distribution, hold bat only with bottom hand. Snap down through swing. Start with slow reps and slow speed. Concentrate on mechanics. Move to a rapid set of 10-15. Do on an aerobic step, bleacher, or bench to help with balance.2. Top Hand-Assume proper stance and weight distribution, hold bat only with top hand. Snap down through swing. Start with slow reps and slow speed. Concentrate on mechanics. Move to a rapid set of 10-15. Do on an aerobic step, bleacher, or bench to help with balance.3. Both Hands-Repeat as above but use both hands concentrate on follow through with chin and shoulder exchange.Simulated (With Ball)1. Bottom Hand2. Top Hand3. Both Hands-Same as set up as without ballsSlap the JoeAssume proper stance with lower body, place lead (bottom) hand at bottom of swing and out like you are ready to shake hands, place the top hand in the starting position. On coach's command player will simulate swing by starting trigger, swing through, slap bottom hand, transfer weight, and follow through properly. This will help train the muscles the proper swing mechanics. Also, the coach can easily inspect many swings at once. Watch for of balance, overstriding, poor follow through etc.CageDon't forget to work your pitchers in the cage versus live hitters also. Players should only concentrate on one technique at a time in the cage. To cage up things you can divide up into teams and have players hit against one pitch situations; such as, sac fly, squeeze, hit and run, bunt to hit, protect the plate, bunt pull back, etc.You may have 1 hitter execute a series of specific hits; such as, hit and run, bunt to 2nd, move runner to 3rd, Sac fly, bunt to 3rd, bunt for base hit, 3 hits, and a squeeze buntSoft toss buntingTosser kneels in front, he should toss balls flat and give time for bunter to get ready. Practice various bunts:1. Regular (try to place ball in differing locations with the bunt)2. Squeeze3. Drag4. Pop (2 hand as ball approaches take execute a half swing, popping ball by infielders)Tee standUse 2 players, so that one player can quickly place balls on the tee.Tee stand chairPurpose: to decrease the length of the batter's stroke.We have the player's hit off of a tee and place a tall cone or short chair right behind the tee. The idea is to get something that is about up to the hitter's waist or slightly above and make them swing "down" to hit the ball off the tee and not swing "up" and try to "pick" the ball off of the tee. It is really quite challenging and will be immediately rewarding to the hitter. Also, the feedback is instant if they do "loop" and hit the object behind the tee. 2 teesUse two "T's." Place a ball on the front "T" about two inches lower than back "T." Swing to hit ball on front "T."Soft toss machineUse two players, so that one can activate the balls one after another for the hitter. Concetrate on mechanics.Soft tossHave tosser kneel in front to one side slightly. Have balls handy and mix up ball location to help hitter find his hit zone.Regular soft tossUse regular soft toss to warm the hitter up: 30 reps. First, I rotate my hands holding two balls and toss them in an inconsistent sporadic pattern. Batting glove For a player that sweeps, stick a batting glove under the front arm pit to ensure that the swing stays closed and the batter doesn't fly open.Rapid fire Use three balls and soft toss them immediately upon contact, one right after the other. This develops quick hands.Drop ball Have a batter and tosser stand parallel with each other with the left foot in line with the left foot of each. The tosser drops the ball from eye level and from a knee. You may think that the players may be too close to each other, and that is a legitimate thought. If the batter doesn't swing correctly, he will hit the tosser. A little encouragement for the batter.Fastball drill It is soft toss but from a distance and with more speed. Tosser stands to the side of batter and about 10 feet away and tosses underhand with a little bit more on the ball.Backfeed It is soft toss from behind the batter. Stand about 5 feet directly behind the batter and toss ball into strike zone. The batter can look at the tosser the first few times, but then must do it blindly. Develops quick hands.Kneel bill Batter kneels and tosser throws ball to bill of cap to emphasize that the batter chops down at the ball.Stand nose Batter stands and same drill as above, except tosser throws to nose level and out in front.Hanging ball short wall backShort wall facingThe player stands with a bat facing a fence. He should then take the bat and put the end against the fence lightly. The end of the handle should make slight contact with the player's mid-section. He can now take his normal batting stance at that distance from the fence and take about ten or fifteen swings. If the bat is making more than light contact with the fence, the batter is not bringing his hands through first, which he should be. To get a player to bring his hands first, have him take his normal step as if to swing, only have him "throw" the end of the handle of the handle towards the ball. If he continues to do this, it will increase his bat speed and he will probably hit the ball harder.Lead and follow hand swings drillPurpose: The lead hand swings allow a hitter to establish proper timing and power with the lead side of the body, giving the hitter proper contact with the ball. The follow hand swings establish the feeling of throwing the bat at the ball.Procedure: Hit off a tee, imaginary ball, or soft-toss. When executing swings with the lead hand, you should concentrate on keep the hand above the plane of the ball. If the lead hand drops under a pop out, strike out, or fly out will usually occur. The hitter must also turn the hips quickly for proper timing and power. The lead elbow should not extend fully before contact with the ball, since that will promote a slow bat due to an excess of arm arc in the swing. By concentrating on keeping the lead hand on top of the ball and turning the hips quickly, a hitter can establish proper timing and power with the lead side of the body. The lead hand/follow hand action creates timing and power. Both hands should snap straight into the ball precisely the same instant. This will help you establish proper bat speed and control.Hip turner drillPurpose: Development of quicker hips and the relationship of hip speed to the entire swing.Procedure: Place a bat behind the waist, horizontal to the ground, and use a glove as home plate. While holding the ends of the bat in the hands, assume a normal batting stance and watch an imaginary pitch being delivered. Execute a stride and quick turn using the bat to help turn the hips faster. Finish in the proper contact point position.Bat speed drillPut a weighted donut on your regular baseball bat and hit eight baseballs.(overload)Hit eight baseballs with a fungo bat.(underload)Hit eight baseballs with your regular bat.I conduct this drill in a soft toss situation and do 2 sets 2-3 times a week. Over the course of 4 to 6 weeks you should see a positive increase in bat speed.Shorter stroke drillPurpose: to decrease the length of the batter's stroke.The first way is to have them "pinch" their elbows together and hit the ball in this position. What this does is eliminate that long front or "lead" arm before the swing. It emphasizes the hands more during the swing which will help shorten the stroke. Try it first off of a tee or soft toss to get the player comfortable.BASE RUNNINGOut of boxSlap the Joe, crossover dig in a straight line just in fould territory.Lead offWork your lead off under control, do with pitcher. Read cues. Can be done with coach at 3rd giving signs.Beating out singleSlap the Joe, crossover dig in a straight line, check over right shoulder to see if ball went to fence. If so plant on right foot and make bee-line for second. Don't round.Check for double Slap the Joe, crossover dig in a straight line, half-way down grab grass by bellying out, hop step with forward body lean facing the outfield to look for any errors. If not hustle back into 1st base.DoubleSlap the Joe, grab grass immediately, drive off the inside of bag in straight line with second. Execute one of our slides.Second to homeWork primary lead under control 3 feet in back of base line, on delivery get secondary lead and find the ball, on hit get depth in order to drive off third in a straight line with home. Don't round.Lead off thirdGet primary lead in foul territory, CAREFULLY read the pitcher, on delivery get secondary lead, lean and find the ball. If catcher has it cross over into fair territory and hustle back to base. DO NOT fool around. Know the situation, less than two outs get back to base on fly ball and be ready to tag.Secondary leadAfter ball is delivered take two-three big hops while watching ball, have a forward lean so that you can keep going on a hit or past ball. DO NOT just stop all momentum and be heading back to the bag. If catcher has the ball don't fool around get back to the bag.1st and 3rdDelayed steal 1 we will have runner on first go on a "very slow" jog to 2nd as soon as the pitcher steps on the rubber. We want to get the ball in a run down out toward 2nd as far from home as possible. The runner on 3rd will be very alert. Don't fall for a quick move to the other runner and back to you. Get a safe lead as the ball moves farther away increase your lead. Once the fielder commits to the other runner at least 3/4 the way to second, then you can make a break for home.The second delayed steal we will use involves the pitch being thrown, which the batter must take. Runner on first make a hard move to second, pretend to change your mind and when you plant to return to first you will fall. Hopefully, the catcher throws done and gets you in a hotbox situation. Runners on first should keep extra deep when taking your intitial lead. This draw the ball farther away from home.Wolverine drill We always end our group sessions of practice with base running drills. This is one of our finest.1) Start all the players at home. Swing the bat run through first base as if it was a double, then hustle back to the base. At this point the next batter goes. They wait at first base until all are done.2) Lead off first, dive back to base as in a pick off. Then lead off again, coach says go run towards second picking up the third base coach 1/2 way to second as he waves you around to third. As you pass second pick up ball. When the runner takes off to second the next runner leads and dives back to first.3) When all players are at third, we lead off into foul ground and dive back to third getting used to the proper length lead. Then we will lead again and tag up. The coach says tag, you hustle back to third and pick up the ball as the coach says go you hustle to home plate and the next players takes their lead.We do this 2 to 3 times and the kids really get the feel for their leads and the way different coaches coach bases.TEAM DRILLSTEAM INFIELDMULTIPLE BALL INFIELD PRACTICEFIRST PHASE: Third baseman fielding grounders and making throws to second base with SS covering and putting balls in bucket. Second baseman fielding grounders and making throws to first base with first baseman putting balls in bucket.SECOND PHASE:SS taking grounders tossing to second baseman working on DP pivots with second baseman putting balls in bucket. First baseman taking grounders throwing to third with third baseman putting balls in bucket.THIRD PHASE: Second baseman taking grounders making tosses to SS working on DP pivots at second base and putting balls in bucket. Third baseman taking grounders and making throws to first base with first baseman putting balls in bucket.FOURTH PHASE: SS fielding grounders making throws to first base with first baseman putting balls in bucket. Second baseman fielding grounders and making throws to third base with third baseman putting balls in bucket.NOTE:We have two buckets with 20 balls in each bucket. We have a coach along with our catcher hitting balls during this drill. We have our outfielders working on drills at this time such as ( cutoffs,balloff the fence,blocking the ground ball,crossovers steps and toe crow throws).SituationsRun through different situations, use OF's as runners. Keep it real and live it is good practice for both offense and defense. Use a script that is planned before practice with points of emphasis to speed things up and help you from forgetting an important detail.Double play drillThis fielding drill is caned the "Double play drill" . You will need a catcher, two players at 1st base, and the remaining players evenly divided at the shortstop and 2nd base positions.The coach hits a ground ball to the SS position, the 2B player runs to 2B and then pivots and throws to 1B. The two players then go around to the end of the opposite line they came from.Once everyone has had a chance to field at the SS position the coach then hits the ball to the 2B position, the SS covers 2B, then pivots and throws to 1B.Once everyone has had a chance to field at 2B the coach then randomly hits the balls to either the SS or 2B position. The two players at 1B rotate positions every three catches. The second player at 1B acts as a backup for overthrows.Fungo repWe use this drill at the beginning of the season. It gives players a lot of reps at fielding ground balls and fly balls. It is a great drill at the beginning of the season as a judge to see which players are outfielders and which are infielders.The drill requires two fungos, one on the first base side of home and one on the third base side of home about half way between the bases. The drill works best with 10 players. Each fungo has a shagger. Align four players at the infielder positions. The other four players should play outfield, with a LF, LCF, RCF and a RF. The 1B fungo hits ground balls to the third baseman and shortstop who return the ball to his shagger. He then hits fly balls to the LF and LCF who relay to the 3B and SS respectively. The 3B fungo hits ground balls to the 28 and 1 B who return to the third base shagger he then hits fly balls to the RCF and RF who relay to the 2B and 1 B respectively. After three reps the players rotate.The 1B becomes shagger for the third base fungo, while the 3B shagger moves to LF. The RF becomes shagger for 1 B fungo, while the 1B shagger moves to 3B. All other player rotate to the position on their left.If you have more than 10 players this is also a great time for you to have your pitchers and catchers working off to the side, out of the way of badly thrown balls.This can be a little dangerous if not done with caution since two balls are going at once, but it is a great way to evaluate the players and the rotating keeps them from getting bored.Perfection game drillThis drill makes infielding fun and competitive and puts the players in pressure situations.Put your infielders in their positions with 2 players at each spot.Rule is you must make play correctly and make good throw. If you don't do everything right, everyone on your infield team does push-ups and the next group goes.Start with infield in and come to plate for force.Next is infield in with runner on third.Next is regular depth, nobody on.Next is runner on first.Next is runners on first and second.Finally, move infield deep with nobody on.You can allow for balls to be blocked as long as when they pick it up, they immediately throw it and don't pump it in their gloves.If they do make a mistake, you start all over with that team on the step they were on. The team that loses does sit-ups while the others go home.TEAM OUTFIELDMulti ball OutfieldPhase 1:LF and CF work cuts to 2nd with the SS and 2B, RF is working cuts to home with 1B, Catcher will throw down to 3rdPhase 2:LF and CF work cuts to 3rd with SS, RF is working cuts to 2B (use extra SS or 2B to cover 2nd), Catch is working throws to 1st basePhase 3:LF and CF work cuts to home with SS, 3B, and 1B, RF is hitting a cut to 3rd base by the 2B who is short to stay out of CF and LF's wayPhase 4:One ball is hit in Left Center alley, LF and CF will communicate to make play together, hit SS as a cut off (he will have a bucket), RF will field balls down the line and hit cut off at 1st who has a bucket, Catcher will make throws to 2B at 2nd basePhase 5:One ball is hit in Right Center alley, RF and CF will communicate to make play together, hit 2B as a cut off (he will have a bucket), LF will field balls down the line and hit cut off at 3B who has a bucket, Catcher will make throws to SS at 2nd base.Optional Multiball drill: While working the outfield to second base have your catcher hit grounders to the third baseman and first basemanOptional Multiball Drill: While working the outfield to third base have your catchers throwing down to second base with second baseman covering base. Also this is a good time to have catcher block balls in the dirt or have the rest of the team throw to them at the end of practice.Perfection game drillFungo repWe use this drill at the beginning of the season. It gives players a lot of reps at fielding ground balls and fly balls. It is a great drill at the beginning of the season as a judge to see which players are outfielders and which are infielders.The drill requires two fungos, one on the first base side of home and one on the third base side of home about half way between the bases. The drill works best with 10 players. Each fungo has a shagger. Align four players at the infielder positions. The other four players should play outfield, with a LF, LCF, RCF and a RF. The 1B fungo hits ground balls to the third baseman and shortstop who return the ball to his shagger. He then hits fly balls to the LF and LCF who relay to the 3B and SS respectively. The 3B fungo hits ground balls to the 28 and 1 B who return to the third base shagger he then hits fly balls to the RCF and RF who relay to the 2B and 1 B respectively. After three reps the players rotate.The 1B becomes shagger for the third base fungo, while the 3B shagger moves to LF. The RF becomes shagger for 1 B fungo, while the 1B shagger moves to 3B. All other player rotate to the position on their left.If you have more than 10 players this is also a great time for you to have your pitchers and catchers working off to the side, out of the way of badly thrown balls.This can be a little dangerous if not done with caution since two balls are going at once, but it is a great way to evaluate the players and the rotating keeps them from getting bored.SituationsRun through different situations, use IF's as runners. Keep it real and live it is good practice for both offense and defense. Use a script that is planned before practice with points of emphasis to speed things up and help you from forgetting an important detail.Alley ContestUse a Leftfielder, 2 Centerfielders, and a Rightfielder. Align players in position, each center can cheat toward their respective alley. Coaches working from around the mound will try to hit the fence in the air or on 1 bounce. Coaches keep track of hits. Players can rob hits to gain points. They need to both hustle for the ball and communicate with each other. A good way to break up practice.TEAM DEFENSESituationsRun through different situations, use extras as runners. Keep it real and live it is good practice for both offense and defense. Use a script that is planned before practice with points of emphasis to speed things up and help you from forgetting an important detail.Offensive SituationsHave hitters and runners execute; hit and run, bunt to 2nd, move runner to 3rd, Sac fly, bunt to 3rd, bunt for base hit, 3 hits, and a squeeze buntHotboxUse pitcher to get player in hotbox at each base. Also, try with runners on 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, etc. Always preach running baserunner back to where they came from. The more throws we make the more chance to make a mistake.1st and 3rdWork your execution on stopping the delayed steal, throwing back to pitcher, hitting the SS short, fake and go 3rd, and throw down to 2nd. Be sure to discuss what signs will be used and how the catcher will relay this information.Bunt CoveragesWork on regular, regular 1, 14, 15, and 16. It is important to work the outfielders so that they know that they are important to help back up and not just stand there.DAILY DOZEN DRILLS/SKILLSFIRST BASE:1. Footwork---Left, right, straight, ball in dirt. Without ball. With the ball2. Throws to pitcher covering first base.3. Receive throws from pitcher covering first base.4. Field bunts and throw to home, 1 b, 2b, and 3b.5. 3-6-3 double play execution.6. Cut off and relay drill7. Tag runner8. Receive pick off throws from pitcher and make tag-back pick and regular. 9. Receive pick off and make throws to 2b and 3b---execute run-downs from pick-off.10. Hold runner and come off base fielding ball11. Pop up drill---In, back, side, and fence "ball down, you're down"12. Receive throw from catcher on missed third strike---inside and outsideSECOND BASE:1. Throws to 2b for double play---straight, left, right and in Without ball. With ball.2. Receive throws from shortstop executing pivot for double play3. Throw to 1b---straight, left, right, and in.4. Receive pick-off throws and make tag J5. Receive pick off throws and make throws to 3b---execute run down from pick off 6. Throws to 3b---straight7. Field bunts from 14 coverage and make throws to 3b and lb8. Cover 1 b and receive throws9. Receive throw from catcher and make tag10. Double play fake and throw backside11. Up the middle backhand and throw to 2b12. Pop up drill---In, back, side, behind 1 b "ball down, you're down"THIRD BASE:1. Throws to 1 b, 2b, and home---straight, left, right, and in 2. Field bunt from 15 position and throw to 3b and 1 b3. Field backhand4. Receive pick off and make tag5. Receive pick and execute run down6. Field ground balls---straight, left, right.7. Cut off and relay drill 8. Dive drill---left and right9. Receive throw from,outfield and make tag10. Receive throw from 2b after fake throw on double play---backside 11. Receive bad throw in dirt and make tag12. Pop up drill---In, back, side, fence "ball down, you're do"vn"SHORTSTOP:1. Receive throw from 2b---make pivot for double play.2. Throw to 2b for double play---left,right,straight, in3. Field ground balls and throw to fIrst base and third base---left, right, straight, in 4. Receive pick off and make tag---execute run down5. Field bunt from 16 position and make throw to 2b and 1 b6. Backhand ground balls7. Charge slowly hit ground balls and throw to home8. Double play fake and throw backside to 3b9. Receive throw from second baseman on up the middle backhand---throw to 1 b 10. Field ball in the dirt and make tag11. Cover 3b on 15 coverage and receive ball for force out and tag12. Pop up drill---In, back, side, behind 3b, and fence "ball down, you're down"CATCHER:1. Receive and throw2. Ball hand transfer3. Framing driIl---no throws---Inside / outside pitch drill4. Missed third strike driIl---throw inside and throw outside5. Passed ball wild pitch driIl---retrieve and throw to home6. Block balls in the dirt---runner on 3b7. Jab / drag / scoop drill---runner on 1 b or 2b8. Force out at home and throw to 1 b9. Tag at home---leg stick--- without throw and with throw 10. Field bunts---l b, 3b, straight---without throw and with throw 11. Pick off signs to pitcher---pick off throws to 2b12. Pop up driIl---In, left, right, back "ball down, you're down"PITCHERS:1. Throw to first baseman covering 1 b 2. Receive throws from first baseman while covering 1 b3. Field bunts from all positions---without throw and with throws to all bases4. Receive throw from catcher and make tag at home on wild pitch and passed ball 5. Cover 1 b on double play6. Cover 1 b on hit to left field---no one on base7. Back up bases8. Pick off drill---Regular, flip it in, set em down---without throw and with throw9. Long toss .10. Mechanical drills---one knee, two knee, two feet squared11. Comeback drill---throw to all bases12. Pop up drill---In, left, right "ball down, you're down"OUTFIELD:1. Field safe grounder---single, no double 2. Go for it grounder---do or die3. Fly ball tag drill4. Footwork drill---right, left, back5. Go to spot drill---throw ball6. Hit and go to the spot drill7. Fly ball at the fence driIl8. Retrieve ball and square up9. Relay man drill10. Long toss11. Fly ball communication drill12. Pop up drill "ball down, you're down"