Pitcher’s Fielding Drill

A Challenging Drill to Build Fielding Skills and Situational Awareness for Pitchers

The Pitcher’s Fielding Drill is designed to teach pitchers how to handle ground balls and bunts, make accurate throws to multiple bases, and develop situational awareness. This drill is great for young pitchers looking to elevate their defensive skills and build confidence on the mound.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Challenging)
Time Estimate: 15-20 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs for rolling or hitting grounders and bunts
  • Four bases (first, second, third, and home plate)
  • Pitching mound or designated pitcher’s area
  • A glove for each player
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Position the pitcher on the mound or designated pitcher’s area.
  • Set up fielders at each base (first, second, third, and home) to receive throws.
  • The coach stands about 10-15 feet away from the pitcher, with a bucket of balls ready for rolling or soft hitting.
  1. Drill Area:
  • Make sure there’s enough room around the pitcher’s mound for rolls or soft bunts to be fielded and thrown to different bases.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach’s Role:
  • The coach rolls or lightly bunts balls to different areas near the mound, requiring the pitcher to react quickly, field the ball cleanly, and make an accurate throw to a designated base.
  • Alternate between rolling ground balls and bunts to keep the pitcher guessing and prepare them for various fielding situations.
  1. Execution:
  • Start with grounders to practice quick reaction times and build comfort with fielding near the mound. For example:
    • Roll a ball slightly to the pitcher’s left, simulating a weak grounder to the mound. The pitcher must field the ball and make a quick throw to first base.
    • Next, roll a ball directly in front of the mound to simulate a bunt play, requiring the pitcher to field the ball quickly and make an accurate throw to first or second.
    • Vary the placement of rolls to simulate different fielding situations, including plays to second base for double plays or throws to home to prevent a run.
  • As the drill progresses, increase the difficulty by adding a mix of faster rolls, tougher bunt placements, and throws to different bases.
  1. Rotations and Repetitions:
  • Each pitcher should complete 8-10 fielding plays per round, rotating through various throw targets (first, second, third, or home).
  • Rotate players as needed to ensure each pitcher has an opportunity to field different plays and work on throwing accuracy under pressure.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Pitcher’s Fielding Drill is essential for young pitchers looking to build defensive skills and confidence. By practicing fielding grounders and bunts, pitchers gain awareness of the entire field, learning how to handle pressure and make accurate throws to multiple bases. This drill also reinforces quick decision-making, teaching pitchers to evaluate the situation quickly and respond appropriately based on game scenarios.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Fielding Mechanics: Teaches pitchers to approach, field, and throw ground balls and bunts correctly, building confidence and technique.
  • Situational Awareness: Enhances the pitcher’s understanding of different defensive plays and the importance of making the right throw.
  • Accuracy and Speed: Emphasizes making quick, accurate throws under pressure, which is crucial for preventing runs and getting outs.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Stay Low and Ready: Remind pitchers to stay low and in an athletic stance, ready to field the ball with quick reflexes.
  • Footwork Matters: Emphasize proper footwork when moving to field the ball and setting up for throws. Encourage pitchers to get their feet set quickly for an accurate throw.
  • Situational Awareness: Talk through each play with the pitcher. Explain why a particular throw is being made, reinforcing their understanding of field positioning and situational plays.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the pitcher struggles with accuracy?
  • If accuracy is an issue, slow down the speed of the rolls or tosses and focus on consistent, controlled throws. Break down the throw mechanics to ensure they’re moving their feet and using proper form.
  1. How can I increase the difficulty for more advanced players?
  • For more advanced pitchers, vary the speed and placement of grounders and bunts. You can also add live baserunners to simulate game pressure and force the pitcher to make quick decisions.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • Incorporate this drill 1-2 times per week as part of regular pitcher workouts. Repetition is key to building muscle memory and confidence in fielding skills.
  1. Is this drill beneficial for all pitchers, or just starters?
  • This drill is beneficial for all pitchers. Even relief pitchers benefit from fielding practice, as in-game situations often require pitchers to make plays on the field.

The Pitcher’s Fielding Drill is a valuable tool for teaching young pitchers to field their position effectively, improve accuracy, and develop quick decision-making under pressure. With consistent practice, pitchers will become more confident, capable, and game-ready defenders.