Major League fielding drills cover advanced strategies like backhanding a grounder on a bad hop, or turning a double play with the bases loaded. Youth drills on the other hand focus on basic fielding fundamentals, like keeping your glove in front of you or making sure to take the correct angle on fly balls. These drills build baseball skills through repetition and positive reinforcement from coaches.
Bucket of Balls
The bucket of balls drill works on general fielding and throwing accuracy. Start with a player at each infield position, including catcher. Place an empty bucket next to third base in foul territory. Hit ground balls to the third baseman, who fields the ball and throws it to the first baseman, who then throws it to the catcher, who throws it back to third base. If nobody drops the ball during the "go-round," the third baseman drops the ball into the bucket. Repeat the process with every position.
Fly Ball Communication
This drill instills the "call for the ball" fundamental into young players. Have a player at every fielding position, including catcher. Have the outfielders play shallow, and stand on the first-base side hitting pop flies to the infield and shallow outfield. This forces players to call for the ball before catching it. Have another coach stand on the third-base side and perform the same drill on the other side of the field.
Glove Extension
The glove extension drill teaches players to keep their glove out in front of them while fielding ground balls. Have one player in every position in the field, except for catcher. Place a baseball bat on the ground in front of every player on the field. Hit ground balls to each player and have them run up to the bat, stopping before it. They should field the ball with their glove in front of the bat, then throw to first.
Goalie
This drill teaches young players to shuffle side to side and stop balls, rather than turning their hips. It also works well with a catcher. Place two cones 10 feet apart and have the player stand in the middle with his glove on and in the "ready" fielding position. Hit or throw ground balls to either side of the player but keep it between the cones. If the drill is done with the catcher, have him concentrate on blocking the ball with his chest protector.
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