3 FIELDER DRILLS BY POSITION
42 Chapter 3 3-1 PITCHER FIELDING DRILLS
The pitcher is the fifth infielder covering the middle of the diamond. The highest percentage of batted balls go through the center of the diamond. Hitters are told when they fall behind in the count, shorten the bat and think "middle." If the hitters are thinking middle and are hitting that way, the pitcher must work hard at being that fifth infielder. It is scary to think that the pitcher is only 60 feet from the hitter, consequently, his reaction time to the batted ball has to be better than that of the third baseman. The third baseman's position is called the "hot corner," the pitcher's defensive position probably should be called "suicide alley." In pitching mechanics drills we placed a great deal of emphasis on the pitcher's glove hand and the finish position in the delivery of the ball. The glove hand must be in front and ready for the ball. If pitchers are careless and let their glove hands fly behind them, they are going to get seriously hurt somewhere along the way. Pitching absolutes are:
• have good control • keep the runners on 1st base by having a great pick-off move • be an outstanding fielder • concentrate • concentrate some more
These "absolutes" can be taught by emphasizing the following drills.
P-1. DRILL: TWO MAN PEPPER
Purpose: To continually play the ball off the bat. I believe that if it is played properly pepper is the best drill in baseball.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two pitchers, gloves, a bat and several baseballs.
Description: The hitter and fielder stand 30 feet apart and play pepper. Several balls are needed so that the fielder is not continually shagging balls. Players have to work hard to become good at playing pepper. It's not as easy to play as it looks at first, but it's well worth the effort. Two man pepper is best because you get more fielding work. Players change positions every 15 hits. 0 0000090906000 00000000000000 0 43
p.2. DRILL: SMASH PEPPER
purpose: To improve the reaction time of the pitcher in fielding hard it balls. Excellent drill, but players have to use their heads and not h K ill each other.
yers and Equipment Needed: Two players, fielder wearing catcher's shin pl a guards and mask, gloves, several balls and a bat.
Description: It is just like two man pepper, only the hitter is hitting rd smashes (within reason, of course) at the pitcher. The pitcher's ha leg s and face are protected by the catcher's gear. The players are 30 feet apart, take 15 hits and exchange. It is better to have an outfield fence behind the fielder, because more balls are apt to get by the fielder. This will cut down on the distance to chase the balls......
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P-3. DRILL: SMASH FUNGOE DRILL
Purpose: To improve the reaction time of the fielding pitcher.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two man drill, gloves, and several "softie" L baseballs. Softie balls are squeezable and regulation size. There are several brands on the market.
Description: Two man drill, one hitter, and one fielder, 50 feet apart. 9 Fungoe hitter drives the softie balls, within fielding range, at the s pitcher. Pitcher gets 15 tries and then exchanges. Excellent indoor drill, with basketball bleachers behind the fielder. The balls will not e hurt the gym floor or bleachers. Ten to fifteen minutes can be spent on this drill. You can have three or four stations in a gym area. This is also a good drill for third and first basemen.
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P-4. DRILL: PEPPER - DOUBLE PLAY DRILL
Purpose: To have the pitcher work on starting the 1-6-3 double play. To develop quick feet in the turn to second base and to deliver a good throw, chest high to the middle infielders.
Players and Equipment Needed: Three pitchers, gloves, bat and balls.
Description: There are three players needed: one is a hitter, a second is the pitcher throwing to the hitter from a distance of 30 feet, and the third is 40 feet behind the pitcher acting as a middle infielder. The pitcher fields the ground ball, wheels and throws to second base. The middle infielder returns ball to pitcher and they repeat the procedure. Take 10 opportunities and rotate players. Give each pitcher 20 opportunities to make the play and get the pitchers to "speed up the drill."
P-5. DRILL: SITUATION PEPPER
Purpose: To create bunt situations, double play situations, pitcher covering first base on double plays and throws from first baseman and second baseman.
Players and Equipment Needed: Second baseman, first baseman, two pitchers, gloves, balls, bat.
Description: The pitchers alternate between being the hitter and the pitcher. The pitcher throws to the hitter from a distance of 30 feet. The hitter hits a variation of balls back to the pitcher or to the right side creating game situations, including bunts between the first baseman and the pitcher. He can work on 3-6-1 double plays by placing the second baseman at second base. Bases should be shortened to about 40 feet to keep the drills moving rapidly. I would change the pitcher and hitter after 10 opportunities. It's important to have the pitcher field bunts in this drill and react to the call of the batter: "first" or "second." 0
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p.6. DRILL: INFIELD PEPPER
purpose: To create all fielding situations for the pitcher with a full infield. players and Equipment Needed: complete infield, pitcher, hitters, gloves, balls, bat.
Description: The coach calls out bunt situations, squeeze play S ituations, double play situations, etc. From 40 feet the pitcher delivers a soft throw to the batter who hits or bunts at the coach's direction. Work on infield situations with the pitchers alternating defensively on the mound and as hitters. If enough pitchers are available the hitter can run to first base after he hits the ball in the infield. Shorten the bases to 75 feet to get more repetitions and lessen the fatigue factor. If you wish you can use a catcher and you can use outfielders as hitters. The key is to keep the hitting in the infield and create every possible situation. I would suggest a 40 minute time limit on the drill.
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P-7. DRILL: HAND PEPPER
Purpose: To improve the pitcher's hands in fielding ground balls and tough hops.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two players, gloves, ball.
Description: Players are 15 feet apart and they try to throw the ball through the legs of their partner. He throws one hops, bad flops, anything he can to make it difficult on his partner. Three minute time limit is fine for hand pepper. Players can add to the drill by keeping track of errors made and declaring a champion.
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P-8. DRILL: WALL PEPPER
Purpose: To develop the "good hands" a pitcher needs to be a good fielder. (All city kids have played wall pepper.)
Players and Equipment Needed: One player, rubber balls, and a wall where the ball will bounce back.
Description: Pitcher is 30 feet from a wall and throws a rubber ball against the wall in such a manner that he is fielding all sorts of ground balls. The key to the drill is that in his mind he is creating various baseball situations. He can wheel back for the imaginary double play, he can field bunts and throw to imaginary bases. Great fielding pitchers have played wall ball along the way, especially city kids who have had to play on the streets. It's a great drill for every player whether he's from the city, a suburb or an outpost.
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p.9. DRILL: V PICK-UPS
purpose: To improve lateral quickness, to field balls and work on the foo twork of wheeling and throwing to a base. It's also a great car diovascular conditioner.
players and Equipment Needed: Two pitchers, gloves and ball.
Description: Two players stand 15 feet apart and alternate between fielder and thrower. Mark off a reasonable width for the fielder to cover, say 10 feet to his right and left. The fielder gets ready and the thrower
ro lls balls to his right or left, firmly, without letting the fielder kn ow which direction he is going to roll the ball. As he rolls the ball he calls out a base first, second, third, or home and the pitcher- fielder, when scooping up ball, wheels and feigns a throw in that direction. The thrower may drop a bunt straight ahead and have the fielder charge and throw where directed. The fielder returns to the middle after every chance. Take 15 chances and exchange. Keep the drill moving and after three sessions of fielding, players will be dragging.
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P-10. DRILL: TWO MAN PICK-OFF DRILLS
Purpose: To work on pick-off moves to first, second, and third bases. Pitchers strive hard to perfect their accuracy, quickness and footwork to each base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two pitchers and a ball.
Description: Pitchers work at a distance of 50 feet. Make 10 throws to each base. They should pride themselves on developing quick, accurate and deceptive throws. This drill can be done quickly so it can be worked on every day.
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P-11. DRILL: PICK-OFFS WITH INFIELDERS
Purpose: To involve the infielders on pick-off plays. Good defensive teams have pick-off plays at each base. This is an important drill because pick-off plays need a lot of practice to be successful.
Players and Equipment Needed: Ample balls, gloves and infielders at their positions, pitching staff around the pitcher's mound.
Description: Four pitchers are working at the same time delivering balls to each base with the baseman working on pick-off signs, moving to the bag to receive the throw and returning the ball to the pitcher. Timing is paramount. Home base is considered another first base station and the catchers act as first basemen. If you wish to use the outfielders they can stand in as lead-off runners. They should not attempt to get back to base on pick-off throws because of the potential of getting hit with the ball. I suggest 6 throws to each base and rotate. Depending on number of pitchers, you can take two or more rounds of pick-offs.
P-12. DRILL: PHANTOM PICK-OFFS WITH INFIELD
Purpose: To practice the mechanics of pick-off throws with no balls to save wear on the pitchers' arms. All of the signs, footwork, tags, etc. are done with pitchers concentrating on their mechanics.
Players and Equipment Needed: Gloves and infielders at their positions, pitching staff around the pitcher's mound. 49
Description: Same as the previous drill but base runners can now "get back" to the base without the fear of being hit with the ball, or they can break for the next base. This is a fun drill. Coach must demand concentration because at first players don't take it seriously. Timing especially can be improved in phantom drills. The nice thing is that i f it is done on a baseball field, no one has to shag the baseballs. p-13. DRILL: PHANTOM PICK-OFFS TWO MAN DRILL purpose: Work on footwork, quickness, concentration on making the pick- offs without a ball and saving the arm, especially if the pitcher has recently pitched. It reinforces proper technique. players and Equipment Needed: Two pitchers with gloves.
Description: Same as the previous drill, without a ball, but with just tw o players. This drill serves as a good workout for a pitcher who cannot participate in the other drills going on at that particular time because he has a sore arm or has thrown extensively a day or two before.
P-14. DRILL: RIGHT SIDE DRILL
Purpose: To teach the first baseman, second baseman and pitcher to coordinate while making the plays on the right side, especially in hitting the moving target, the pitcher, when he covers first base. The pitcher must hustle to his aiming point on the first base line, catch the ball before he gets to the base, and tag the bag with the right foot. This play takes work and timing.
Players and Equipment Needed: Three players, gloves and a ball.
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Description: Coach continually hitting fungoes to right side and the pitcher getting over to first. The pitcher runs to his aiming point, 8 feet in front of first base, and then he runs up the line to first base. He stays on the inside of the baseline looking for the ball before he reaches the bag. He then tags inside of base (keep head down to make sure of tag), and then pivots back into the center of diamond to see if there is another runner trying to advance. The coach should include the drag bunt in this drill between the first baseman and the mound. Both the pitcher and the first baseman must go for the ball. If the pitcher fields the bunt, he knows that the first baseman has gone for the ball and he, the pitcher, must beat the runner to first. If the first baseman fields the ball (it has gotten past the pitcher) he shovels the ball to the pitcher who races to beat the runner to the bag.
P-15. DRILL: GLIDE - STEP DRILL
Purpose: To work on quickness of getting the ball to home plate with a runner in a stealing situation. The pitcher should get the ball to home (from the time he breaks his hands from the stretch position to the time it reaches the catcher's glove) in 1.3 seconds or less. This can only be accomplished if the pitcher has a good glide step.
Players and Equipment Needed: Three players, gloves and a ball.
Description: Pitchers form a triangle, each 45 feet apart from the others. The pitcher with the ball stretches and then can wheel and use pick- off to first base, or use glide step and throw to home. The player who receives the ball becomes the pitcher. He goes into a stretch and can go either to home or first. The drill is continuous and should be timed by the coach. The pitchers have to realize the importance of being quick to home and quick to first. A right handed pitcher should get the ball to first base in 1 second. Left handers rely more on deceptiveness but a snap throw should be in 1 second. 51 p-16. DRILL: POP-UP DRILL purpoSe: To learn how to handle a pop fly in the infield and also to ca ll out the proper infielder to field a pop fly over the mound. players and Equipment Needed: Infielders including catchers, pitchers, coach, fungo bat, and balls.
Description: Coach fungoes pop-ups in the infield area, including foul territory. Priorities are established and decisions made as to who is going to catch ball. The pitcher calls out who he wants to take it if the ball is above the pitcher's mound. He must make good judgements. on short pop-ups the pitcher may be in the best position to catch the ball and he should call out his name and make the play. If the catcher loses the ball in the lights on pop foul, or in the sun, the pitcher should be ready to make the catch. Every out is the biggest out in the game.
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P-17. DRILL: PASSED BALL DRILL
Purpose: To have the pitcher receive the throw at home plate from the catcher who has gone to the backstop after a passed ball and is throwing the ball to the pitcher to get the runner who is coming in from third base. Pitcher has to learn to apply the tag without getting the ball kicked out of his glove. He also has to learn how to concentrate on the throw, to not take his eyes off the ball, and to not try to make the tag before he catches it.
Players and Equipment Needed: catcher, pitchers, baseball, gloves.
Description: From a distance of 30 feet the pitcher throws the ball in the dirt to the catcher, catcher allows ball to get by him, races for the ball, slides next to ball, and from his knees throws the ball to the pitcher covering home plate. The pitcher should straddle home plate leaving a portion of the plate for the runner to slide into. Upon catching ball he slaps the tag onto the imaginary runner and gets his glove hand up and out, as quickly as possible. The pitcher must be careful not to block the plate without the ball. The runner will bowl him over and could cause serious injury. That is why this play must be practiced.
P-18. DRILL: MENTAL GAME WITH PITCHING STAFF
COACHES BE REDUNDANT! Constantly remind pitchers on what it takes to be successful. Good control, good move to first base, be a great fielder and concentrate on every phase of your game. Great fielding pitchers have always got a ball in their hands and are working on some fielding drill if they are not practicing the mechanics of pitching. Coaches do not tolerate loafing in the bull pen. Time is precious and must be utilized to its fullest. An athlete doesn't stand still at his ability level, he either gets better or worse. That depends on his work ethic and the work ethic demand of his coach. 53 3-2 CATCHER DRILLS
The catcher is the quarterback of a baseball team. He is the team leader.
He sets the tone of the game because the rest of the defense is looking at him. He knows the strengths and weaknesses of each pitching staff member and he calls an intelligent game with each pitcher. He thinks like a quarterback and plays like a middle linebacker. He is always rting, but never shows the pain. His uniform is always caked with dirt. hu H e will undoubtedly make John Madden's all-pro team, and finally, he is Charlie Brown's hero.
C.1. DRILL: "PLAY CATCH LIKE A CATCHER" purpose: To teach catchers to act, throw and receive like a catcher, the moment they step onto the field or gym floor to practice. players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full catcher's gear and a baseball.
Description: I want catchers to play catch with each other in their gear. They should start out throwing at 60 feet apart and work back to 100 feet. They should catch in a semi-crouch position (athletic position), getting their bodies and gloves behind the ball, catch it and with a short arm throw return it to their partner. This method of playing catch will greatly improve catching form and throwing ability. Catchers have to be concerned about the quickness of ball transfer from glove to throwing hand. As they torque their upper body to throw (load position) , have them use the quick short arm method of throwing. They, too, like pitchers, must learn to "load and explode", keeping their glove hand tucked and not flying out as they throw to second base to get runners trying to steal. When catchers are having trouble with throwing accuracy, it usually is because of lead arm and glove hand problems. The Gillespie hitting and pitching vest should be worn by catchers in warm-up drills to remind them to keep their front side closed. All of this is constantly reminded to the catchers as they play "catch like a catcher."
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C-2. DRILL: SELF-CATCH AND BALL TRANSFER
Purpose: Catcher throws ball into glove and returns it to throwing hand as quickly as possible. He is working on his quickness of getting to the "load" or "trigger" position and turning the ball so he can grab it across the seams. Teach your catchers to throw cross-seamed balls so they will not sail.
Players and Equipment Needed: Catcher by self with baseball and glove.
Description: Catcher continually fires baseball into glove, brings ball out of glove and into his throwing position. This is a very important drill to get the "feel" of the baseball, and to learn to get to the throwing position as quickly as possible.
C-3. DRILL: BEND-OVER-PHANTOM BALL
Purpose: To stretch prior to throwing a baseball by continually going through the throwing action without a baseball. This drill reinforces good throwing mechanics while warming up before actually throwing a ball.
Players and Equipment Needed: Catcher in gear, no baseball, with glove on and a small hand towel in the throwing hand.
Description: Play catch like a catcher as described in the previous drill. Concentrate on stretching back muscles and good wrist action. Have the catchers explode their throwing arms and pop their wrists. Hand and wrist action are extremely important in gaining velocity on the throw. You can hear the hand and towel cutting through the air. The hand towel will help the catchers "hear" their hand and arm speed as their throwing arm slashes through the air. This will help them gauge their own improvement in arm speed.
C-4. DRILL: UNDERLOAD THROWING
Purpose: To work on throwing mechanics with less strain on the arm by throwing two-ounce and three-ounce balls.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, gloves, catchers equipment on, underload balls, net.
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Description: From 30 feet one catcher fires an underload ball into a target marked onto the netting while the other catcher retrieves ball at the foot of the netting and throws it back to the thrower who rapidly fires the ball back at the target. Fifteen throws and exchange. Do 30 throws total. Check for accuracy and throwing form (load and explode, short delivery, grip across the seams, quick footwork). arm C.5. DRILL: BLOCKS - NO HANDS
purpose: To teach catcher to block wild pitches with his body. Catcher must develop lateral quickness by working on his abductor and adductor thigh muscles as he slides to his right and left, never letting the ball get past him. The key is to try and get squarely behind the ball with the body angle towards home plate. The catcher is trying to funnel all balls back to home plate.
players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers in full gear without gloves, baseballs and home plate.
Description: Receiving catcher gets behind the plate, tucks his hand behind his back, gets in his receiving stance and proceeds to block balls thrown into the dirt to his right and left, funnelling balls back towards home plate. The other catcher throws from a distance of 25 feet from the plate and throws fairly hard one hoppers. The catcher is being taught to block without using his hands. He should be taught to cushion the ball as he "catches" it with his body. Check the angle of the catcher's body (chest) . If it is parallel to the pitching rubber or if it angles towards first base on throws to his right, the ball will bounce too far away from him to keep the runner from advancing. This is unnatural and takes practice to learn. Once he conceives of this idea, blocks will become easier. Take 15 throws and exchange. Take a total of 45 throws. You can mix in the next two drills to reach this total.
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C-6. DRILL: BLOCK WITH HANDS
Purpose: To teach a catcher how to block pitches in the dirt with his body as in the previous drill but in this drill he also uses both hands.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers in full gear with gloves, baseballs and home plate.
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Description: The catcher does the same as in the previous drill but he also uses both hands to protect the opening in the center of the body between the legs. The hands should not try to catch the ball, merely to block the opening. Chin is down, pressed onto the throat to protect the ball from hitting his Adam's apple. Here is an added teaching point: think of "catching" the ball with your belly button and chest and spitting it back towards home plate. Again, 15 and exchange positions. Keep them moving!
C-7. DRILL: BLOCK AND SCRAMBLE DRILL
Purpose: To block a wild pitch in the dirt, scramble to the ball and throw out the runner who is trying to advance from first base to second base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers and a third player receiving catcher's throw at second base or third base. Full gear, gloves and baseballs.
Description: Do the same as in the previous drill but add the scramble to the ball and the throw to second base. I suggest 15 no hands, 15 blocks with hands, and 15 block-and-scrambles for your total block drills. Keep them working with no rest except on the exchange of players. With two catchers hustling and working all-out for 30 to 40 minutes, it's the best catcher's drill I know of. This superb drill is a great teacher of what it's like to be a catcher. It has it all and is a physically grueling drill. Some love it, some hate it. Here's where you'll find your catcher, your team leader.
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C-8. DRILL: GOALIE DRILL - HOCKEY GAME
Purpose: To create competition in the blocking drills, set up boundaries to the left and right of catcher and have game of 30 throws with a "goal" scored if the ball bounces by the catcher.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear, baseballs and some sort of goal as in a hockey net.
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Description: Thrower stands 40 feet from the catcher and throws hard, try in g to score a goal with thrown balls. Ball must hit the dirt within the boundaries to count. Score a goal if the ball is blocked but bounces
too far from the catcher. Add the scramble on the last ten throws. Give a bon us point for an accurate throw to second base. Give a prize to the Winner! (Maybe a candy bar, no practice on Sunday night, or extra hitting
if your catcher is a bomber.)
c .9. DRILL: BUNT DRILL - TWO MAN
purpose: To teach catchers to field bunts correctly and make a quick accurate throw to the bases. Important fundamental is to use the glove in scooping the ball into the throwing hand. Don't try to bare hand the ball unless it's the only play you have. If you try to bare hand the ball you often fumble it.
players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear and couple of baseballs.
Description: Catcher rolls his own bunt in various locations, pounces on ball and throws to the other catcher who is 60 to 80 feet away. The fielding catcher can set up the situation he wants. He can position himself in such a way that he practices throwing to first base, second base or third base. After the fielding catcher throws the ball to the other catcher, they exchange roles. Have your catchers work a dozen throws to first base, six throws to second base, and six throws to third base.
C-10. DRILL: THROWS TO THE BASES
Purpose: To receive ball and fire ten throws to each base. Quick, accurate throw knee high and on the bag. Use the exact baseline distances (90 feet) in this drill.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers (perhaps with another player or student manager throwing baseball acting as a pitcher). Full gear and baseballs.
Description: You can have a manager throw from a distance of 25 feet from receiving catcher, or it can be done without one. Players stand 90 feet from each other. One catcher has a ball in his glove and he feigns receiving a pitch and fires the ball to other catcher at first base. The other catcher turns his body and sets up the same drill, feigning catching a throw from the pitcher and throws to first. Throw to each base ten times, in this sequence: 10 to first base, 10 to third base, and 10 to second base. Do a second round with 5 throws to each base for a total of 45 throws. 58 Chapter 3
C-11. DRILL: FIRST AND THIRD - TWO MAN DRILL
Purpose: To have catcher gain feel of looking at runner who is on third, trying to freeze him and then throw out runner stealing second base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers in full gear and baseballs.
Description: Receiver feigns reception of a pitch, looks at third, freezes runner and fires to the other catcher at second base. You can blend the previous two drills with this one into one continuous drill. You call out, "first and thirds", and the catchers will finish the drills with ten throws with this situation in mind.
C-12. DRILL: FIRST AND THIRD - PITCHER CUT OFF
Purpose: To teach and practice one of the pick-off plays used in first and third double steal situations where the pitcher cuts off the catcher's throw to second base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers in full gear, a pitcher and baseballs.
Description: Catcher receives the pitch from the pitcher who is on the pitcher's mound. The catcher looks at third base to freeze runner, then fires the ball at the pitcher's head as if he is throwing through to second base to get the runner who is stealing second. This is difficult because you must make a good fake that you are throwing the ball through to second base. The pitcher cuts off the throw and snaps a throw to third base to catch the runner at third base. The play takes work because of the coordination of the three players.
C-13. DRILL: FIRST AND THIRD - INFIELD CUT-OFF
Purpose: To practice another play to combat the first and third double steal situation. The defense must be able to become the aggressor in these situations. First and third situations and bunt situations demand a lot of practice time.
Players and Equipment Needed: A full infield, including a pitcher and catcher. You can also add outfielders acting as base runners.
Description: With the double steal a possibility, the catcher signals the middle infielders that he wants a special double steal defensive play. If there is a right handed hitter in the batter's box, the catcher works the play with the second baseman. When the catcher receives the pitch he goes through his normal first and third check points: he looks to 59
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third, and then fires the ball past the pitcher's mound to the second
ba seman, who has raced in from his normal position to the lip of the grass to receive the throw. (The second baseman does not go towards second base because he would then be receiving the throw with his body turned away from home, making it an awkward catch and return throw.) If the runner on third base does not notice the change in alignment of the throw to the second baseman and breaks for home, he should be an easy out on the return throw from the second baseman to the catcher. The second baseman should also practice throwing to third base, behind the runner, in case the runner broke for home momentarily, but then saw the play developing and ran back to third base. That slight break might be all the second baseman needs to nail him at third base. If there is a left handed hitter in the batter's box the same procedure takes place, except that the catcher's throw is directed to the shortstop instead of the second baseman. This drill needs a great deal of practice, but it is well worth it. Adding runners can add fun and more reality to the drill.
C-14. DRILL: FIRST AND THIRD - LOOK TO THIRD, FAKE TO SECOND, THROW TO THIRD
Purpose: To pick of f the runner at third who is taking too large a lead off in the first and third double steal situation. If the third baseman feels that the runner is too far down the line, he signals the catcher when he looks to third base. The catcher then rifles the ball to the third baseman who makes the tag on the runner returning to third base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Pitcher, catcher, third baseman, catcher's gear, gloves and baseballs.
Description: On the first and third double steal situation, the catcher is told to freeze the runner at third base by taking a short look that way. Then, depending on which play has been called, the catcher throws ff 60 Chapter 3
through to second base, to the pitcher, or to the charging second baseman or shortstop. But before he throws the catcher must read his own third baseman. If the third baseman feels that the runner is too far down the line, he throws both hands in the air and moves to a position 3 feet inside the baseline parallel with the bag. If the catcher sees the third baseman's hands raised, he must throw to the third baseman who tries to make the tag. The catcher must throw to the inside of the base to avoid hitting the runner in the back. The catcher can throw directly to third base or he can fake a throw to second base, take short crow hop, and fire the ball to third base. Please note that in all of the first and third plays being described, we can play phantom baseball (no baseball) and go through all the signs, footwork, imaginary throws, tags, etc. Do not think this is foolish because the catcher's arms will get tired and heavy. Take the ball out of play and perform. We do this frequently. Teams profit from phantom ball.
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C-15. DRILL: TAG PLAY AT HOME
Purpose: To teach catchers to block the plate properly, to apply the proper tag on the sliding runner and to bounce up and make a throw to second base to get the batter who has just singled and is trying to advance to second on the throw to the plate.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers in full gear and baseballs.
Description: Two catchers are about 100 feet apart. One catcher starts the drill by taking the throw from the other catcher, he has his left shin guard about a foot in front of home plate blocking the plate, but leaving to outside position of the plate for the runner to aim at with his slide. This is to convince the runner that it is easier to slide than to bowl over your catcher. As he receives the ball the catcher gets quickly to a kneeling position with his right knee. He has ball in his bare hand, but has covered both the bare hand and ball with his glove to protect them from the runner's spike shoes. He makes the swipe tag 61
(get the tag in and out as fast as possible) on the outside portion of the plate that was offered to the runner. He then springs up and fires ba ll to the other catcher who will go through the same procedure. I would suggest that the catchers learn to keep masks on for plays at the plate. Collisions at the plate often cause serious injury. Protection is paramount as you teach catchers this important fundamental skill of
b locking the plate and making the tag.
C.16. DRILL: FORCE PLAY AND THROW TO FIRST BASE FOR THE DOUBLE PLAY
purpose: To teach catchers to make proper tag of the plate on the force- ou t at home, explode toward the pitcher's mound and throw to the first baseman who is giving a glove target 3 feet inside the base.
players and Equipment Needed: First baseman, two catchers in gear, baseballs, home plate.
Description: One catcher is at home plate, other catcher is 30 feet in infield and first baseman is 90 feet from home base. Infield catcher starts drill by throwing the ball to the catcher at home plate. The catcher is taught to place his right foot on the edge of home plate towards the infield, his left is in front of home in a comfortable position, the receiving catcher is in a semi-crouch and wants the force play throw about chest high. He gives a glove target to the thrower. As soon as he receives ball, he pushes off the plate with a crow hop and fires the ball to the inside of the bag at first base. If the throw to home is wild, he will have to make the adjustment, tag the plate as best he can and decide on whether he has a chance to complete the double play. If he is off balance after tagging home, I suggest he not throw the ball to first base. Have each catcher makes 10 plays and then exchange.
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C-17. DRILL: PASSED BALL DRILL C Purpose: To teach catchers how to nail a runner trying to score from third base on a passed ball. The catcher races back towards the backstop, F slides into ball and from kneeling position make a snap throw to the f pitcher covering home plate. F Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers in full gear, home plate and baseballs. C h Description: Catcher starts in catcher's box with baseball. He should t assume his catcher's stance and flip the ball behind him about 20 feet, I race back, slide on his knees along the side of the ball, scoop the ball into his throwing hand and throw to the other catcher covering home plate. The catcher retrieving the passed ball always approaches the ball C with the glove hand side ready to open up to home plate. The throw should be a snap throw and knee high to home plate. The secret to a "good scoop" F of the ball is to have the catcher slide along the side the ball and use the glove hand to scoop the ball at the same time. F C-18. DRILL: POP FOUL DRILL - ONE MAN
Purpose: To go through catching pop foul fundamentals by throwing a pop foul to yourself.
Players and Equipment Needed: One catcher with gear, baseball and home plate.
Description: Catcher throws pop fouls above home plate and works on the C proper fundamentals. He turns his back to the infield if the ball is directly over home plate. This is done because a foul fly coming off F the bat has back spin and will drift toward the pitching mound. If he V is facing the infield the ball will tend to glide away from him, whereas if he is facing away from the infield the ball comes into him. He will F remove his mask, find the ball and throw mask far enough away so that k he would not trip over it. If he wishes to work on shading his eyes from the sun he uses his glove to screen sunlight while catching the ball. He can also use the bare hand method of screening sunlight. Some catchers prefer the bare hand screen because they then have their glove hand free to go after the ball. We teach our catchers to approach pop fouls as if they are outfielders. The single break glove enables the catcher to get the thumb portion of glove parallel to ground and underneath the ball. The hands are extended from the chest about 18 inches. Always catch the ball in front of the body. We tell our catchers to stay behind the ball and catch it chest to head high. C r 63 I C-19. DRILL: TWO MAN POP FOUL DRILL r purpose: To practice catching pop foul fundamentals by throwing a pop fou l to another catcher.
players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear, baseball.
Description: Catcher gets in receiving stance, other catcher throws a hig h pop foul and yells to alert the fielding catcher that the ball is hrown. We say "Now" to alert catcher. They can alternate on every throw. t , su ggest they take 10 to 15 balls with this drill. Work on screening sun light every chance you get. If possible, fungo pop fouls.
C-20. DRILL: FRAMING THE STRIKE ZONE, POINT DRILL
purpose: To teach catcher to frame and keep borderline pitches in the trike zone without a ball. s
players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers and home plate.
Description: Catcher gets in receiving stance, partner points at various locations on the perimeter of the strike zone. Catcher extends his glove and catches the "phantom ball. " This helps the coach see that the catcher is working his glove properly and holding pitches in the strike zone. Take a few minutes on the point drill on a daily basis in the early stages of training your catchers.
C-21. DRILL: FRAMING THE STRIKE ZONE, BALL DRILL
Purpose: To teach catcher to frame borderline pitches in the strike zone with a ball.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear, gloves, home plate, baseball.
Description: Catcher gets in receiving stance, partner stands 20 feet away and throws balls to various locations on the perimeter of the strike zone. The catcher concentrates on proper reception of the ball. The catcher must learn to hold his glove steady for a second, thus letting the umpire get a good look at the location of the pitch. Don't jerk tjze glove over the plate to try to "fool" the umpire. Even if you fool him once you'll never get another close call. This concept is extremely important in a catcher's development. He must develop soft hands. It can make a difference in 25% of the pitches thrown. A catcher's framing ability keeps strikes in the strike zone and is the difference in winning many games. 64 Chapter 3
C-22. DRILL: SIT-CATCH, TWO MAN
Purpose: To concentrate on loading upper body. The same principles apply that were used with Sit-Catch Drill for pitchers. The only difference is the catchers throw with a shortened arm delivery.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear, gloves, baseball.
Description: Sit on floor, 2 5 to 3 0 feet apart and fire away. Concentrate on the upper body rotation - "Load and Explode," high elbow with the throwing arm, keep the glove side tucked. Don't let the glove hand fly out. Our catchers wear the Gillespie hitting and pitching vest as a constant reminder to keep the front side closed and the glove hand tucked.
C-23. DRILL: KNEE CATCH - TWO MAN
Purpose: Concentrate on upper body torque and explosion (refer to pitcher's Knee Catch Drill). Excellent drill for catchers in loading front side and throwing.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear, gloves, baseball.
Description: Catchers are 40 feet apart. They kneel and play catch. Same as in the Knee Catch Drill for pitchers. Wear pitching vests on glove hand arm.
C-24. DRILL: DUGOUT GOALIE DRILL
Purpose: To teach catchers how to protect against a throw from an infielder that gets by the first baseman from going into the dugout (assuming there are no runners on base).
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players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, full gear, baseball, and a cou ple of red cones to mark off a hypothetical dugout area. i Description: Catcher starts in his receiving stance. On a "now" call, he 0 br eaks on a 45 angle for the dugout area in back of first base. (If yo u shorten the distance so the catcher has a shortened run you can do mo re repetitions.) Then the other catcher rolls a ball towards the dugout and the receiving catcher protects the dugout, thus preventing the batter from advancing to second base. You can add to the drill by having the catcher scramble to his feet and throw to second base. I like this drill because it helps catchers realize the importance of protecting the ball from leaving the playing area and costing the team a key base.
C-25. DRILL: STOPWATCH DRILL
purpose: To make catchers aware of their delivery time on their throw to second base when a runner is stealing. The goal is to have his throw from home to second base take no more than 2 seconds.
players and Equipment Needed: Two catchers, pitcher, two plates, baseball, and stopwatch with coach.
Description: Pitcher throws to catcher and the coach times the catcher's throw to second base. Catcher at second throws to pitcher who repeats the procedure. Time 5 to 10 throws once every few days to make catchers cognizant of their release time. You can time throws to first base and third base as well. A good time for throwing to these bases would be about 1.7 seconds. Time the throw from the point when the ball touches the catcher's glove to the time the fielder receives the ball. This emphasizes that "loading", moving the ball from the glove to the throwing hand and rotating the shoulder, is just as important as the speed of the actual throw.
C-26. DRILL: GIVING SIGNS DRILL
Purpose: To make sure that the entire pitching staff is on the same page with the catchers in understanding the system.
Players and Equipment Needed: All catchers in gear and pitchers.
Description: Catchers alternate giving signs: all pitches, location of pitches, pick-offs, and first and third signs. All pitchers are spread out across the pitching mound area and reading the signs from each catcher. Catcher will give ten signs and alternate. Pitchers must all agree that signs are being clearly given and are universal. Do this drill several times before the season begins. 66 Chapter 3
C-27. DRILL: VERBAL COMMANDS FROM CATCHER
Purpose: To have catchers take a leadership role in getting the defense in the right place at the right time.
Players and Equipment Needed: Entire team.
Description: The catcher has the entire field in front of him and can best see if the team is lined up properly for specific plays. The coach calls various situations and the catcher in turn calls out commands to the infield, outfield and pitchers. For example, the coach calls out "bunt situation", then the catcher calls out bunt defenses and checks to see if everyone lines up properly; the coach calls "ground ball between first and the mound" and the catcher calls "get over there," reminding pitcher to get to first base; the coach calls out infield depths with a runner on third base and the catcher makes sure everyone is in the proper position; the coach calls "right handed pull hitter" and the catcher places the outfielders in their proper positions; the coach calls "base hit down the left field line runner scoring from second" and the catcher lines up relay men, calling out relays "cut second base," "relay home," etc. Make the catcher cognizant of his many duties behind home plate and the proper verbal commands he must use. Emphasize that he is your coach on the field.
C-28. DRILL: WRITTEN DRILLS
Purpose: Catchers, like the coach, have to be able to place all players in their proper positions on every defensive play. Catchers should take a written exam to ensure they know their stuff.
Players and Equipment Needed: Catchers with pencil and paper.
Description: Three times prior to the season catchers should take written exams on defensive situations and positions. The coach should prepare 50 situations, and the catcher has to score 100%, or continue to take test until he answers all questions correctly. All the catchers take the test and the coach grades the papers and returns them. Emphasize to the catchers why they are taking the test. This is part of their leadership role. Forget the old "tools of ignorance" reference to catchers, catchers have to be the most cerebral players on the field. The whole team should take some test prior to the season as well as the catchers. 67 I .29. DRILL: LINEUP AND PITCHING CHARTS x
purpose: Pitchers and catchers meet with coach and discuss the use of pitching charts, including how they are kept and what the results mean.
players and Equipment Needed: Pitchers and catchers with coach and pitching charts.
Desc ription: Coach organizes these meetings and is the leader in pointing ou t the importance of the "mental side of the game." Review various lineups of teams played in the past and the importance of knowing how to pitch to the various hitters. Go over your most important upcoming games. Review some "easy" teams and remind them of how easy it is to
ha ve a letdown with these teams. It is their responsibility to not let that happen by keeping mentally in the game. C-30. DRILL: BULL PEN CATCHING
p u rpose: To emphasize to catchers that their attitude in the bull pen is going to be the difference in whether they improve as catchers or
no t. Their attitude will also be the difference in whether the pitchers improve. They have to approach bull pen catching as if they were catching the "last game of the World Series."
Players and Equipment Needed: Catchers in full gear.
Description: Catchers often feel bull pen duty is like boot camp, a drudgery. Take time out several times a season to emphasize to catchers that this is not true. A catcher's attitude is contagious, especially in the bull pen. An entire team can take on the attitude of a catcher. A catcher must warm up every pitcher enthusiastically. He should block balls in the dirt, give verbal encouragement to the pitcher, and hustle all the time no matter how many pitchers he has to warm up. A catcher can make a dramatic improvement in his catching skills in the bull pen if he does everything correctly and in a positive manner. The way you catch in practice is the way you catch in a game. The coach cannot allow a bad catching attitude in the bull pen. This attitude will fester like a cancer and will disrupt the pitching staff. Don't think of the bull pen as merely a place for pitchers to warm up. The bull pen is an important work area and must be considered the most critical practice area on the field. Positive catching in this area will make for a successful team. It is attention to "small" things like the bull pen that develops a championship program.
68 Chapter 3 3-3 FIRST BASEMAN DRILLS
The first baseman makes the other infielders look good because of his great glove on thrown balls. He can save the game and an infielder's fielding percentage all with one swipe of his glove. These drills will help your first baseman earn a gold glove, at least in the minds of his fellow infielders.
F-1. DRILL: DROP BALL DRILLS FOR FIRST BASEMEN
Purpose: To work on various situations while playing catch with partner.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two first basemen with their gloves and a ball.
Description: One first baseman starts drill by choosing a play to work on; perhaps a bunt, a grounder to his left or right, or a force play at second. He then lags a ball 6 feet from himself. When the ball reaches the proper distance, depending upon which fielding play he chooses to work on, he quickly pounces on the ball and throws the ball to his partner. His partner proceeds to do the same thing. They work on 3-6- 3 double plays, on fielding bunts and making throws towards third, second or first bases, and underhand or lob throws as he would to a pitcher covering first base. They should try and create all the plays they have to make on various ground balls. The key is exploding the body to the ball. Do this drill for five minutes prior to infield practice. It is an excellent warm-up drill for the infielders.
F-2. DRILL: WALL RUBBER BALL DRILL
Purpose: To work on proper reception of ground balls with a rubber ball.
Players and Equipment Needed: one player, rubber ball and wall.
Description: Player at a distance of 25 feet throws a rubber ball at a wall and fields it, creating the type of ground balls he wants to field. He creates balls to his right, left, bunted balls, and one hoppers. He can move close to the wall and work on fielding smashes to develop quicker hands. Ten minutes can provide a good workout. If this drill is done daily it will provide a lot of improvement. First basemen can develop soft hands with this drill. T 69 F-3. DRILL: LOW THROW DRILL
purpose: To work hard at scooping all types of low throws in the dirt. First basemen should always work the drill with a base so that they can develop proper footwork around the bag.
players and Equipment Needed: Two first basemen, a base, baseballs.
Description: One first baseman at the bag, with other 30 feet away, throwing the balls into the dirt for the first baseman to scoop up. Exchange after 15 throws. Try to get 45 throws in as frequently as possible.
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F-4. DRILL: 3-6-3 DRILL
Purpose: To field a ground ball, pivot and throw to second base, return to first base, get the proper foot on the bag and take the return throw from the shortstop.
players and Equipment Needed: Two first basemen, shortstop, bases and baseballs.
Description: First basemen alternate making the play. Take 10 and exchange. The alternate first baseman gets 25 feet from fielding first baseman and rolls balls to the first base coming off the bag. He can vary the type of grounders, right, left, hard, soft. The first baseman can take 5 from in "front of the runner" and then deepen his position as if he was playing behind the runner and work on the same play. I would suggest alternating the first basemen three times for 30 throws each. If you have two shortstops available, alternate them to prevent arm fatigue. Shorten the bases to prevent sore arms. You can fungo the ground balls, but it goes a lot faster with balls rolled a short distance.
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F-5. DRILL: BUNT DRILL
Purpose: To have first baseman field bunts and throw out runners at all the bases, including home in preventing a squeeze play.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two first basemen and a third player to receive balls at various bases, a base, and baseballs.
Description: One first baseman acts as a batter and rolls bunts towards the first baseman. The first baseman breaks in and fields the ball, wheels and throws to the fielder who is at the designated base. The first baseman should make 5 throws to each base, including home plate and then exchange.
F-6. DRILL: RELAY DRILL
Purpose: To teach first basemen to cut off throws from the outfield and relay the ball quickly and accurately to all bases.
Players and Equipment Needed: Three players or more, gloves and baseballs.
Description: The first baseman is the middle man of three player group with the other players 60 feet away. One player starts the drill by throwing to the first baseman who has already turned his body toward his target with his glove facing the target. He catches the throw and quickly fires the ball to the other player. This is the "cut-home" relay drill. The second player immediately fires to the first baseman who again turns and relays to the first player. The drill should be done as fast as possible. The first baseman can make 50 relays in two minutes. The two keys for teaching good fundamentals in this drill are to teach the
O ~~~ 0 E - 0 T 71 firs t baseman to turn his body early (to make a hard accurate throw and no t throw across his body requires good footwork) and to learn to catch bal ls in the heel of his glove, not in the webbing. If he catches it
in the pocket it is difficult to grab and make a quick relay throw. Another phase of the drill is to put the other two fielders at first an d second with the first baseman in his cutoff position area near the pitcher's mound. Have one player start the drill by throwing the ball to the first baseman. The first baseman will then have the option of firin g the ball to either first base or second base. It then becomes a triangle throwing drill. Have one player simulate the catcher's call of "cut-first" or "cut-second" just before the first baseman catches the ball. They then can set up a third and second base situation and work the same kind of throwing situation. In five minutes total, a first
ba seman can make 75 cutoff throws.
F-7. DRILL: SMASH FUNGOES
purpose: To teach first basemen to field hard smashes with softie balls.
players and Equipment Needed: First basemen, a fungo hitter and softie balls. (Never hit hard balls on a gym floor surface, players will get hurt and so will gym floor and bleachers.)
Description: Hit hard smash fungoes from a distance of 90 feet to the first basemen. The first baseman does everything he can to stop the smash and make the play, because he, like the third baseman and pitcher, get a lot of hard hit balls. Teach first basemen to body block hard hit balls to not let them get through. This is where softie balls are effective.
F-8. DRILL: SMASH PEPPER
Purpose: To teach first basemen to field hard smashes with regulation balls.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two players, bat, several baseballs, catcher's shin guards and mask. 72 Chapter 3
Description: Batter hits hard pepper (within reason) at the first baseman, who is wearing catcher's shin guards and mask. A couple of minutes work or 25 ground balls is sufficient. The first baseman must learn to handle hard-hit balls and overcome the fear of the ball. This will help him develop a smooth quick glove hand that will also allow him to dig throws in the dirt.
F-9. DRILL: SMASH PEPPER AND PITCHER DRILL
Purpose: To teach first basemen to block hard hit balls and throw to the pitcher covering first base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Batter, first baseman, pitcher and base- balls.
Description: From a short distance of 30 feet the pitcher throws to the batter who smashes the ball at the first baseman. The first baseman fields, or blocks, the ball and throws to the pitcher covering first base. A lot of times the first baseman may have to make the plays from his knees, because he has to block the ball from that position. He also has to learn to block the ball, scramble to the ball if it gets away, and then hit the moving target, the pitcher, covering first base.
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F-10. DRILL: POP FLY DRILL
Purpose: To have the first basemen practice catching pop flies.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two first basemen, baseballs and fungo bat.
Description: Players can start out throwing high pop-ups to each other. I like to have the fielder in a ready position, looking at the ground, and not look up to his partner, who makes the throw and says "Now." The first baseman makes a lot of plays on pop flies, both in fair and foul territory. He has to work hard to become an expert at fielding pop-ups. If the players are adept at fungo hitting, they should hit pop flies to each other. If the sun is out, always place the fielder in direct line with the sun, so that he practices shading his eyes and making the play. The worst weather makes the best days for catching pop-ups. 73 l F DRILL: CROSS OVER BASE DRILL
purpose: To teach first baseman to shift to the outside of bag and tag the bag while catching a high throw in that direction and to also teach Shifting, leaving the bag, taking the throw and tagging the runner. Both fundamentals take good judgment and quick footwork.
players and Equipment Needed: Two players, a first base, and baseballs.
Description: One first baseman is the thrower from the infield area, 30 fee t away, and throws the ball on the home plate side of first base, aking the first baseman adjust and either tagging the bag with his foot m or making the tag of the runner with his glove. Do 15 of each play and then add a runner to make the drill more realistic, having the first baseman decide which tag to make.
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F-12. DRILL: PICK-OFF THROW AND SHORT RUN-DOWN DRILL
Purpose: To teach the first baseman to make a quick accurate throw to second base after the pitcher has picked off the runner at first base and the runner has broken for second base. The second phase of the drill is to follow the runner, after the throw, in the base path, to receive a possible return throw in a run down and make a quick tag of the runner.
Players and Equipment Needed: Pitcher, first baseman, second baseman, bases and baseballs. g Description: Pitcher uses a pick-off throw to first, the first baseman fires the ball to the middle infielder to get the runner who was picked J off, then follows his throw in case of an ensuing run down. He wants to get as quick a tag as possible, that is why he is taught to follow play towards second base. Add a runner to make the drill more realistic. 74 Chapter 3
F-13. DRILL: RUN DOWN DRILL
Purpose: To teach first basemen the fundamentals of run down plays. The first baseman is involved in a lot of run downs because of pick-off plays at first base both from the pitcher and the catcher and so he must become adept at this play.
Players and Equipment Needed: Four players (first baseman, pitcher, runner and middle infielder), a first base, and baseballs.
Description: Set up a situation where a runner is picked off first base. The first baseman runs him toward the middle infielder, makes the throw and stays in the baseline for the quick tag. We practice the quick tag with a first baseman so that the offense won't work a "pick play", where, with first and third, they cause a run down between first and second and try to score the runner from third base during the run down. If you can cut down the runner from first quickly you can get an out and prevent the run, perhaps even get a double play. In close games, we can't give a run for an out.
F-14. DRILL: DRAG BUNT DRILL
Purpose: To teach the first baseman and the pitcher on how to properly make the play on a drag bunt.
Players and Equipment Needed: First baseman, pitcher, and another player or coach rolling balls, first base and baseballs.
Description: Ball is rolled in the area between first base and the pitcher's mound, simulating a drag bunt. The pitcher and first baseman make an instant judgment as to who can better field the bunt. If the pitcher can reach the ball he scoops it up and races to beat the runner to the bag. If the pitcher cannot reach the ball, the first baseman has to race in for the ball, the first baseman fields and shovels the ball to the pitcher who continues on a path to first base to make the out. Do this drill often in preseason. It might produce the key out in a close game. It's also a good conditioner if you keep them moving.
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F- 15, DRILL: PASSED BALL - THIRD STRIKE DRILL
p urpose: To teach first basemen the proper way to set up and receive a thr ow to first base from the catcher after a dropped third strike.
playe rs and Equipment Needed: Catcher, first baseman and baseballs.
: Description Catcher rolls ball behind him in various locations and pr oceeds to throw out phantom runner at first base. The first baseman us ually has to set up on the coach's box side of the bag and give a glove target to the catcher, thus establishing a good angle for the throw so the runner is not hit in the back with the catcher's throw.
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F-16. DRILL: BETWEEN INNINGS DRILL purpose: To have first basemen work hard between innings to improve himself and the other infielders. s players and Equipment Needed: The infielders with an extra first baseman between innings of a game, two baseballs.
Description: Most teams have the first baseman throwing ground balls to each of the three infielders between innings, often in a lackadaisical way. We like to use this time more effectively so we use two first basemen between innings. One first baseman works the bag and takes throws from the shortstop and the third baseman while the other first baseman stands about 15 feet up the line from first base and works with the second baseman. The first basemen concentrate on throwing good ground balls, so that the infielders can work on their infield skills. Fielders should strive to make 6 pick ups and accurate throws per inning. Don't be careless between innings. How you practice is how you play the game, there's no room for nonchalant practice. In a nine inning game, fielders can receive 50 grounders and throw 50 strikes to first base. This is a great opportunity for the infielders to improve throwing accuracy. 76 Chapter 3 3-4 SECOND BASEMAN DRILLS
SB-1. DRILL: DROP BALL DRILLS
Purpose: To, work on various situations while playing catch with partner.
Players and Equipment Needed: Short stop and second baseman, baseball.
Description: The second baseman teams up with a shortstop and they simulate all the plays they are called upon to make in a game while they play catch to warm up their arms. They drop balls to their right, to their left, in front, they pounce on the balls, pivot and make a throw to another middle infielder who feigns a throw to first base to complete the double play. The second baseman can leap in the air to avoid a "phantom runner" in taking the throw from the short stop, and feign a throw to first base. The player rolls the ball 6 to 8 feet away, then explodes to the ball and works on the fundamentals. I like this drill performed at least five minutes a day prior to a team infield practice. It not only warms up the arm but the entire body is ready for infield practice.
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SB-2. DRILL: PLAY CATCH LIKE A SECOND BASEMAN
Purpose: To teach second basemen to work at fielding throws with both hands, with their body behind the ball, and to catch the ball in the heel of the glove so that they can make the quick release to complete the double play at first base. A second baseman has to have quick hands, a quick and strong arm and the ability to throw under the extreme pressure of the oncoming sliding runner from first base. In recent years, infielders have been imitating the great "Ozzie Smith" and his unique fielding style of playing ground balls off center with one hand and running through the ball while throwing to first base. This is good if your Ozzie Smith playing 80 games on artificial turf. This technique has caused a lot of problems for young infielders because they are not centering the ball behind their bodies and using two hands for the scoop and throw. The paddle glove is a piece of 3/4 inch plywood shaped like a glove with straps running through the wood to hold your hand on the paddle glove. Using the glove for fielding ground balls forces you to use two hands and to get your body behind the ball. 77 players and Equipment Needed: Two second basemen, ball and paddle gloves .
Description: Use paddle gloves for playing catch like a middle infielder. I f paddle gloves are not available put a ping pong paddle or a piece of wood in the fielders mit. This forces the infielder to catch with two hands and return the ball quickly by popping it out of the glove. In fielders shouldn't reach for the ball unless it's necessary, but should always get body behind the ball. This is true on both thrown balls an d ground balls.
SB-3. DRILL: QUICK HANDS QUICK FEET DRILL purpose: To improve hands, feet, and quick throwing ability. players and Equipment Needed: Two second basemen, ball and paddle gloves.
Description. Second basemen throw ground balls to each other and work at fielding ground balls with both hands, with their body behind the ball and to catch ground balls in the heel of the glove so it doesn't stick in the webbing and they can make a quick release and throw. As in the previous drill, the use of paddle gloves or a piece of wood in the glove forces the fielder to use both hands and it reinforces the idea of a quick release.
SB-4. DRILL: BAD HOP DRILL
Purpose: To teach second basemen how to field bad hop ground balls.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two players, gloves and ball.
Description: Two players stand about 15 feet apart, facing each other, and toss bad hop grounders to each other, trying to make each other miss. This drill helps second basemen develop soft hands and the ability to handle all bad hop grounders. Allot about 2 minutes to this drill.
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SB-5. DRILL: BAD HOP AND TAG DRILL
Purpose: To teach second basemen how to field bad hop ground balls and make a swipe tag on a phantom runner.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two players, gloves and ball.
Description: Two players stand about 15 feet apart, facing each other, and toss bad hop grounders to each other as in the previous drill, but now they add making a swipe tag after each catch. It is important for second basemen to be able to make a difficult pick up and a good tag on the runner. Allot 1 minute to this drill.
SB-6. DRILL: SMASH DRILL
Purpose: To teach second baseman to go down to one knee on hard smash and make a hard accurate throw.
Players and Equipment Needed: Fungoe hitter, second baseman, another player, baseballs and a bat.
Description: Fungoe hitter stands on the pitcher's mound area, and fungoes hard hit balls at the second baseman. Second baseman blocks the ball, or fields the ball on one knee, and makes the play either to second or first base, depending on which situation has been set up. The block and scramble to the ball is another fundamental for the second baseman to work on. Often the second baseman can still get the out if he scrambles and makes a hard accurate throw to the proper base.
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SB-7. DRILL: PIVOTS FOR THE DOUBLE PLAY
Purpose: To practice the various pivots and throws to complete the double play.
Players and Equipment Needed: Fungoe hitter, third baseman, short stop and first baseman, bat and baseballs.
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Description: A fungoe hitter stands at a distance of 50 feet and hits round balls to the left side infielders, who throw to the second baseman g to start the double play. The second baseman makes the pivot and relays the ball to first base. The coach keeps this drill moving and the second baseman is kept busy fielding throws from different locations. The distance can be cut down if arms get tired.
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SB-8. DRILL: PIVOT AND HURDLE THE DUMMY DRILL
Purpose: To teach the second baseman and shortstop to jump over a sliding runner as they complete the double play.
Players and Equipment Needed: Fungoe hitter, third baseman, shortstop and first baseman, bat and baseballs, and a blocking dummy.
Description: Coach rolls the blocking dummy at the feet of the player making the double play relay. Second basemen learn to skip over the dummy as they make the throw. Teach the second baseman to get his shoulders and body turned towards first base as he is throwing. In this position, his knees will not get hurt if runner gets to them. The knees will flip backward and he wi 11 f a 11, but there shouldn't be any damage to the knee. If the second baseman is caught by the sliding runner in a sideways position, the ligaments and cartilage of the knee joint could be injured.
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SB-9. DRILL: RUN THROUGH DRILL
Purpose: To race in to field a slow hit ball and throw out runner at first base.
Players and Equipment Needed: First baseman, second baseman and fungoe hitter, a first base and baseballs.
Description: A fungoe hitter hits slow rollers towards the second baseman who races in to scoop the ball into his glove and throws out the runner at first base. Teach the second baseman to keep his head down and look the ball into his glove. Play the ball with both hands, unless it has almost stopped, in which case you play it with your bare hand. Use a flip throw to first.
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SB-10. DRILL: RELAY DRILL
Purpose: To teach second baseman to be a good relay man. He has all relays from right center field and the right field corner.
Players and Equipment Needed: Three infielders and a baseball.
Description: Three players start in a line with 70 feet between players. Both end men facing the player (second baseman) in the middle. The player on one end (the outfielder) throws the ball to the second baseman, who is the relay man, and he relays the ball to the other end man (the catcher) . Players on end work on tag plays then come up and throw ball to relay man, starting the drill again in the opposite direction (the catcher becomes the outfielder and the outfielder becomes the catcher). Both end men give low glove targets to the middle man. Man in middle relays 20 balls and players exchange. Allot 5 minutes to this drill. In a short time the each second baseman can make 90 relay throws. 1
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Sg_11. DRILL: DOUBLE PLAY 1-4-3 purpose: To teach the second baseman the foot work necessary to complete the double play started by the pitcher. The second baseman is the middle man in the double play. players and Equipment Needed: Pitcher, second baseman, first baseman, baseballs, bases.
Description: Pitcher drops ball at his feet, scoops it up, throws the ball to the second baseman who makes the proper pivot and throws to first base . Both the pitcher and second baseman work on proper footwork.
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SB-12. DRILL: FORCE AND TAG PLAYS AT HOME
Purpose: To have second basemen practice receiving ground balls and throwing out runners at the plate from a drawn-in infield position.
Players and Equipment Needed: Catcher, second basemen and fungoe hitter, baseballs.
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Description: You can work with as many infielders as you wish. Put the fielders on the lip of infield grass and hit them ground balls to close in on and throw out runners at the plate. On force plays he is throwing chest high strikes to the catcher and on tag plays he should throw a knee high strike to the catcher. He has to make a quick strong and accurate throw, under the pressure of the runner trying to score. I prefer the drill with a full infield because you can have throwing competition with the first and second baseman versus shortstop and third baseman, or each against the others. Anytime you create competition you are going to have better drills.
SB-13. DRILL: TWO MAN PEPPER
Purpose: To improve hands and accurate throwing, as well as improving batting.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two players, bat and several baseballs.
Description: Players stand 25 feet apart and play pepper. Second basemen work on developing good soft hands fielding ground balls. I like two man pepper because you get more work on both ends of the drill, more hitting and more fielding. I believe this is the best drill in baseball to improve hands and accurate throwing, as well as being one of the best batting drills there is. Do this drill daily or as often as possible.
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SB-14. DRILL: THREE MAN PEPPER
Purpose: To have the second basemen practice starting the 4-6-3 double play.
Players and Equipment Needed: Three players (infielders) , bat and several baseballs.
Description: One player is the second baseman, one the batter and the third is the pitcher/fielder who starts the drill by pitching to the batter and then serves as the shortstop, taking the toss from the second baseman. Start with the second baseman to the left of pitcher/fielder and to the hitter's right. The batter hits the ball to second baseman who pivots and flips the ball to the pitcher/fielder as if he was starting 83 1 the double play. The pitcher/fielder then starts the drill again by pitching the ball to the batter. Take 20 ground balls and exchange. Each second baseman can get 60 ground balls in 10 minutes. It's also a good drill for the batter to practice going to the opposite field with the hit and run. (Batters need a lot of work in hitting the opposite way.)
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SB-15. DRILL: DOUBLE STEAL - FIRST AND THIRD purpose: To have the second baseman acting as the relay man on defending the first and third double steal. players and Equipment Needed: A full infield, bases, baseballs and runners.
Description: Runner who is on first starts for second base, the second baseman has coverage of second base, he receives the throw from the catcher, the runner on third has broken for home and the second baseman returns a throw to the catcher to get the runner coming home. The third baseman yells out home if the runner on third breaks for home. The second baseman may snap a throw to third base if the runner bluffs to go home at third base. He might catch the runner too far down the line.
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SB-16. DRILL: V DRILL - BACKHAND, FOREHAND
Purpose: To develop outstanding lateral quickness, so essential in becoming a good infielder.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two players, gloves and ball.
Description: One player is 20 feet from the second baseman and rolls the ball to the second baseman's right and left. The second baseman feigns a throw to another base (first, second, third or home) , flips the ball back to the player and then quickly returns to the center. The thrower tries to get the second baseman to extend as far as he can and as quickly as he can as he rolls the balls. The second baseman will work on his backhand and forehand plays and will feign a throw to a base on every ground ball he receives. The drill is called the "V drill" because of the thrower's position versus the infielder's two positions, left and right. Allot 3 minutes for this drill and then exchange. If the players hustle it can be a great workout.
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SB-17. DRILL: POP UP DRILLS FOR SHORTSTOP AND SECOND BASEMAN
Purpose: To practice catching pop fly balls by the middle infielders.
Players and Equipment Needed: Middle infielders, or all infielders, fungoe hitter and baseballs.
Description: One or two fungoe hitters hitting as many pop fly balls as possible. Put middle infielders in their positions at shortstop and second base and fungoe pop ups in various locations in short-center field, behind first base, behind third base and above the pitcher's mound. Pop ups are difficult and players must become experts at catching them if the defense is going to be successful. Work on calling for the ball - who catches which pop up. The shortstop is the leader but everyone is required to make loud, decisive calls and to listen to their teammates. Try to hit pop ups into the sun so that players can work on shading their eyes. I sincerely feel that you should spend as much time as possible catching pop ups. It's a sickening feeling to watch an "easy out" drop between fielders, especially if it costs you the game. SB-18. DRILL: KNEE WALL CATCH purpose: To have shortstop, second baseman, flank infielders first and third baseman and catchers work on shortening their arm action to make a quicker throw. We use the illustration of football quarterbacks (Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins and Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys) who ha ve that short arm delivery while not losing any distance or strength on their throws. players and Equipment Needed: All infielders, catcher, gloves, baseballs and a wall.
Description: This is a partner drill. One player kneels with his feet pressing against the wall. His back is to the wall and his body is erect and he is prepared to throw ball to his partner, who is 30 feet from him, standing up. The player kneeling and throwing the ball, as he rotates his upper body to throw, his hand will hit the wall or bleacher. This will force him to shorten his backward rotation and throw the ball from "his ear". He will be surprised that with work on this fundamental, he still can get plenty of zip on the ball and yet save valuable time on the throw. This drill is extremely good drill for catchers and second basemen who are having troubleI mastering the short arm throw. SB-19. DRILL: THROWING FROM THE RELEASE POINT
Purpose: To teach the infielders and catchers the proper release point of the throwing motion. Do not let them throw under hand or side arm. This causes throwing errors. Field the ball and bring it into the load position with the same release point on every throw. Even on a run through fielding play we insist that the players raise their bodies and throw from their ears. I guarantee if you adopt this policy you will see a significant decrease in throwing errors.
Players and Equipment Needed: Infielders, baseballs.
Description: No matter what drill is being practiced, insist that the players involved always throw from the same release point. They have to work the body harder to get there, but they will! Again, coaches, you must approach this fundamental with the determination that it will be done "your way". P
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SB-20. DRILL: PLAYING FIRST BASE
Purpose: To have the second basemen practice fielding throws at first base in bunt situations where the second baseman has to cover first base.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two or three players, several baseballs.
Description: Players involved in handling bunts (including pitchers third basemen and first basemen) roll a bunt in front of them, field it and throw the ball to the second baseman covering first base. The second baseman starts in his normal position and runs to cover first. Don't let him cheat and start at first base. We finish the drill by deliberately throwing bad throws, in the dirt, high throws, and wide throws, and have the second baseman make the catch and tag the bag. base. 87 3-5 SHORTSTOP DRILLS
We cover shortstop drills briefly because they are similar to the second baseman drills. For each of these drills we refer you back to the corresponding second baseman drills and occasionally add a small variation in the drill for the shortstop.
SS-1. DRILL: DROP BALL DRILLS - SAME AS SB-1, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
The middle infielders work as a team on this drill.
SS-2. DRILL: PLAY CATCH LIKE SHORTSTOP - SAME AS SB-2, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Middle infielders should always pair up because the skills they need to develop are similar. Since shortstops and third basemen have longer throws than second basemen they should lengthen the distance over which they play catch.
SS-3. DRILL: QUICK HANDS AND QUICK FEET - SAME AS SB-3, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
SS-4. DRILL: BAD HOP DRILL - SAME AS SB-4, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
SS-5. DRILL: BAD HOP AND TAG DRILL - SAME AS SB-5, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
SS-6. DRILL: SMASH DRILL - SAME AS SB-6, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Note that the shortstop doesn't have the luxury of body blocking balls as frequently as the other infielders because of his long throw to first base, but occasionally he can go to his knee on a smash and still get the runner.
SS-7. DRILL: PIVOTS ON THE DOUBLE PLAY - SIMILAR TO SB-7, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
The shortstop is now on the receiving end of throws from the second baseman and first baseman and is continually coming across the base, tagging it and relaying ball. He has to take throws on the inside and the outside of the bag and with proper footwork.
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SS-8. DRILL: PIVOT AND HURDLE THE DUMMY DRILL - SAME AS SB-8, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Shortstop has to tag bag and leap over the sliding runner. We practice this leap on every throw we take in completing the double play.
SS-9. DRILL: RUN THROUGH DRILL - SAME AS SB-9, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Shortstop races to slow hit ground ball and makes play at first base. Shortstops must work continually on run through plays because their throw is harder than the second baseman's.
SS-10. DRILL: RELAY DRILL - SAME AS SB-10, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Shortstop has all relays from the left field corner, left center field and dead center field. He must develop quickness and accuracy. He already has a strong arm or he wouldn't be the shortstop.
SS-11. DRILL: 1-6-3 DOUBLE PLAY - SAME AS SB-11, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Shortstop now coordinates with pitcher and first baseman on making the double play started by the pitcher. The drill can incorporate both middle infielders, alternating on the throws to second base and relays to first
SS-12. DRILL: FORCE OUT AND TAG PLAYS AT HOME - SAME AS SB-12, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Shortstop starts from a drawn-in infield position and works on ground balls with the runner trying to score from third base.
SS-13. DRILL: TWO MAN PEPPER - SAME AS SB-13, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
SS-14. DRILL: THREE MAN PEPPER - SAME AS SB-14, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
The shortstop gets to the right of the pitcher and to the left of the hitter. The hitter hits pepper ground balls to him and he feeds the pitcher the ball as if he were starting a double play. Try to use a left- handed hitter to work on hitting the opposite way.
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- SS-15.00015- DRILL: DOUBLE STEAL - FIRST AND THIRD - SAME AS SB-15, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
SnOrtsto p now has coverage of second base on double steals and works aCC0,ding ly, either returning catcher's throw to home, or snapping a
o ff throw to third baseman. The latter requires a lot of work because Pickp footwork is essential for the shortstop to make the proper pivot third base before throwing. towar ds
SS-1 6, DRILL: V DRILL - BACKHAND AND FOREHAND - SAME AS SB-16, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
!SAME S-17. DRILL: POP UP DRILLS FOR SHORTSTOP AND SECOND BASEMAN AS SB-17, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
SS-18, DRILL: KNEE WALL CATCH - SAME AS SB-18, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL. SS-19. DRILL: THROWING FROM THE RELEASE POINT - SAME AS SB-19,
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3-6 THIRD BASEMAN DRILLS
As with the shortstop drills, we cover third baseman drills briefly because they are similar to the second baseman drills. For each of these drills we refer you back to the corresponding second baseman drills and occasionally add a small variation in the drill for the shortstop. These drills are especially important for third basemen because, based on major league statistics, they have more errors and a lower fielding percentage that the other infielders.
T-1. DRILL: DROP BALL DRILLS - SAME AS SB-1.
Second and third baseman pair up or third baseman can pair up with first baseman and work on their drop balls and specific ground ball plays. Work hard on the run through technique in this drill.
T-2. DRILL: PLAY CATCH LIKE A THIRD BASEMAN - SAME AS SB-2.
Team with a partner and work hard on quick hands, good throw, and body behind ball. The third baseman and short stop always work at trying to lengthen their throws to develop a strong arm. Use a long catch of 150 feet .
T-3. DRILL: QUICK HANDS, QUICK FEET DRILL - SAME AS SB-3.
The third baseman's main asset has to be his quickness. He doesn't have to be a fast runner, but he must have quick feet and a quick accurate arm.
T-4. DRILL: BAD HOP DRILL - SAME AS SB-4.
The third basemen have to make the short hop play more than other infielders, so this is an important drill for them.
T-5. DRILL: BAD HOP AND TAG DRILL - SAME AS SB-5.
I always visualize the third baseman taking the throw and tagging out the base runner diving into third base. Have your third basemen do the same.
T-6. DRILL: SMASH DRILL - SAME AS SB-6.
Third base is called the hot corner. You can't have a faint heart and be a third baseman. Work five minutes daily on the smash drill. IN 91
T-7. DRILL: SMASH DRILL AND SCRAMBLE - SAME AS SB-6 EXCEPT ADD A SCRAMBLE.
A third baseman often has to play the ball from his knees or off his chest, scramble, pick the ball up and throw a bullet to first base. This is baseball at its finest.
T-8. DRILL: RUN THROUGH DRILL - SAME AS SB-9.
This is he third baseman's big play. Work, work and more work. Always bring the ball back up to the ear position before you fire the ball to first base. As he is running through the slow hit ball or bunt he must make the body adjustment on the fly to make the throw. He must not make the throw from his feet and loop the ball to first base.
T-9. DRILL: RELAY DRILL - SAME AS SB-10.
The third baseman is the cut off man on throws coming from left field. He cuts off throws and relays them to home, throws to the shortstop covering third, throws to second base and also to first base. He has an assortment of relay throws to work on.
T-10. DRILL: FORCE OUT AND TAG PLAYS AT HOME - SAME AS SB-12.
The third baseman must work on throws to home plate from a drawn-in infield position.
T-11. DRILL: TWO MAN PEPPER - SAME AS SB-13.
It's the best drill in baseball.
T-12. DRILL: SMASH PEPPER - SAME AS P-2, PITCHER FIELDING DRILL.
The third baseman puts on the catcher's shin guards and mask. The pepper batter declares war and hits smashes. Keep score to determine who wins the war.
T-13. DRILL: SMASH FUNGOES - SAME AS P-3, PITCHER FIELDING DRILL.
The fungoe hitter uses softie balls indoors or, if you use a regulation ball, the third baseman wears catcher's gear. Fungoe hitter should smash ball over bag and have the third baseman back hand smashes and come up the throw. 92 Chapter 3
T-14. DRILL: DOUBLE STEAL - FIRST TO THIRD DRILL - SAME AS SB-15.
The third baseman must read runner at third base, if he is too far down the line on the attempted double steal he throws his hands in air which is the signal for the catcher to throw to third base.
T-15. DRILL: V DRILL - BACKHAND FOREHAND - SAME AS SB-16.
This is an excellent drill for third basemen who have to be very quick to their right and left.
T-16. DRILL: POP UP DRILLS - SAME AS SB-17.
Third basemen will have many opportunities for pop ups. They must become experts at catching pop flies, especially in foul territory.
T-17. DRILL: KNEE WALL CATCH - COVERED IN SB-18.
The third baseman must develop a short snap throw, especially when he is starting the double play at second base. This drill will help him develop this kind of snap throw.
T-18. DRILL: BUNT DRILL - SAME AS F-5, FIRST BASEMAN DRILL.
The catcher rolls a bunt to the third baseman and yells out base to be thrown to - "second" or "first" - and the third baseman fires the ball to the base. This drill can be done with the first baseman and third baseman alternating on every bunt and throw. 93
3-7 OUTFIELD DRILLS i
Great outfielders usually have good baseball instinct, but there is no substitute for drill work. You can make average outfielders good, and good outfielders great. Great outfielders don't start out great, they haVe to work to become the best.
0.1. DRILL: SIT CATCH TWO MAN - SAME AS PM-6, PITCHER MECHANICS DRILL. outfielders need the same "load and explode" drill as pitchers and catchers. Work on their hip, trunk and shoulder rotation.
0-2. DRILL: KNEE CATCH - SAME AS PM-7, PITCHER MECHANICS DRILL.
0.3. DRILL: LONG CATCH purpose: To teach outfielders to make a long accurate throw. players and Equipment Needed: Two outfielders and a baseball.
Description: Outfielders start to play catch from 75 feet apart and gradually work their way to a distance 150 feet apart. Work for accuracy by throwing from chest to chest. Use a crow hop to make a long and accurate throw. Give them 5 minutes of long catch daily while warming up.
0-4. DRILL: LONG CATCH AND DROP BALL
Purpose: To teach outfielders to make a long throw after fielding a ground ball.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two outfielders and a baseball.
Description: Once the outfielders are throwing comfortably from 150 feet they use this drill. After an outfielder catches the ball he drops it in front of him, moves to the ball, scoops it up, uses a crow hop and makes a return throw. This is done to stretch legs and back muscles to prepare for other fielding drills. Do this for 2 minutes.
0-5. DRILL: SHORTSTOP DRILL - OUTFIELDER WITH PARTNER.
Purpose: To make outfielders realize that they must be good at fielding ground balls and come up throwing accurately to the bases. We tell them they must field like a shortstop and practice accordingly.
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Description: The outfielders stand 120 feet apart. One acts as a first baseman and rolls the ball to other outfielder who charges the ground ball, scoops it like a shortstop and throws back to his partner. Take 15 grounders and exchange. It takes about 2 minutes.
0-6. DRILL: V DRILL - SAME AS SB-16, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
Outfielders must work hard moving laterally. This is an excellent drill to develop the skill of cutting off balls in the outfield. Do this drill 5 minutes daily.
0-7. DRILL: BODY BLOCK GROUND BALL COME UP THROWING
Purpose: To teach outfielders how to guard against a hard hit ground ball getting through them for extra bases. Protect against the dreaded bad hop.
Players and Equipment Needed: Two outfielders and a baseball.
Description: The outfielders stand 120 feet apart. One outfielder throws a hard ground ball at other. The fielder moves toward the ball, drops his throwing-side knee to the ground, covers his mid-body opening with his hands and glove and protects the ball from getting past him with his body. As soon as he fields the ball, he vaults to a standing position and throws. Take 15 ground balls and exchange.
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0-8. DRILL: DROP-BALL. DRILLS - SAME AS SB-1, SECOND BASEMAN DRILL.
outfielders drop balls 10 feet from them, charge the ball and make a long accurate throw while working on various ground ball plays.