Baseball players must repeatedly practice defensive skills such as catching, throwing, and fielding ground balls and fly balls to perform them proficiently. A coach should conduct drills during each practice session that emphasize each of these skills. A variety of drills can be used for all ages and ability levels.
Turn-and-Catch Drill
This drill teaches players to react appropriately to balls hit or thrown at them. Have a group of players form a line. Stand about 15 yards in front of them. Tell the first player in line to turn around so he can't see you. Throw a ball toward the player and say "turn," so he knows to turn back around. The player must then react quickly to catch the ball. After three chances, have the first player move to the back of the line, and start the drill over with the next player. Do not use this drill with young children until they can easily catch the ball while facing you the whole time.
Two-Part Throwing Drill
This drill teaches players how to use their arms properly during the throwing motion. Sort the players into pairs, and line them up about 10 yards apart. Give each group one ball, and have both players get on their knees, with their chest facing their partner. Say "separate," signaling the players with the ball to turn their shoulders and move their hands down, away from each other, and upward so their glove is pointed at their partner and throwing arm is pointed away from their partner, with the ball at ear-height. Once all the players are positioned correctly, say "throw," signaling the players to rotate their chest toward the target, tuck their glove toward their shoulder, and throw the ball, all in one fluid motion. Repeat the drill multiple times so each player makes several throws.
Chair Drill
When infielders field ground balls, they should approach the ball from right to left to build momentum toward first base. The chair drill teaches players how to do this properly. Position a chair between second base and third base, and have a group of players form a line about five yards behind the chair. Stand about 15 yards in front of the chair with a bucket of balls. Roll a ball toward the chair and have the first player in line move around the right side of the chair, field the ball directly in front of the chair, and fake a throw to first base. Repeat the drill with the next player.
Drop-Step Drill
Outfielders should try to move behind fly balls and catch them while moving forward, to build momentum into their throws. Use the drop-step drill to teach players how to do this correctly. Stand about 30 yards in front of a group of players. Have one player move away from the group. Throw a fly ball over either of his shoulders. For balls thrown over his left shoulder, the player should step straight back with his left foot --- called a drop step --- then run to where he anticipates the ball will land, turn around, catch the ball while moving forward, and throw it back to you. For balls thrown over his right shoulder, he should repeat the same process, but perform the drop step with his right foot instead of his left.
References
- "The Baseball Drill Book"; Bob Bennett; 2004
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 1999
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