Ground Ball Toss for 4-5 Year Olds

A Fun and Safe Drill to Teach Young Players Basic Fielding Skills

The Ground Ball Toss drill introduces 4-5 year-olds to fielding ground balls by rolling balls to them in a fun, structured way. This drill helps young players learn to approach and field the ball, develop focus, and practice basic fielding mechanics.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Time Estimate: 5-8 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to ensure safety and build confidence)
  • Cones or markers (to designate player positions and create a “safe zone” for fielding)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Line up the players in a single line, each with their own cone or marker to designate their spot. This spacing helps young players stay organized and focused on their turn.
  • The coach stands 5-8 feet away, ready to roll balls gently to each player.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Use cones or markers to create a small “fielding zone” where each player can approach the ball without interference from others.
  • Ensure that players waiting in line are far enough back to avoid getting hit by the ball being rolled.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand about 5-8 feet in front of the first player in line with a bucket of soft baseballs or tennis balls.
  1. Ground Ball Roll Execution:
  • Roll the ball gently toward the player. Encourage them to move forward, get in front of the ball, and use both hands to “scoop” it up.
  • After fielding the ball, the player tosses it back or hands it to the coach, then goes to the end of the line for another turn.
  • Each player should get multiple turns to practice approaching and fielding the ball.
  1. Keeping the Drill Fun:
  • Turn the drill into a game by challenging players to see how many ground balls they can field cleanly in a row or by encouraging them to “scoop up the ball like a bulldozer.”
  • Use fun prompts or names like “Ball Trackers” or “Ground Ball Heroes” to keep them engaged.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Ground Ball Toss drill is designed to introduce very young players to the basics of fielding ground balls in a safe and enjoyable way. Many young players are initially hesitant to approach the ball, so this drill allows them to practice moving forward, focusing, and getting in position to field safely. It’s a key foundational skill that helps players develop confidence, coordination, and basic fielding mechanics.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Fielding Mechanics: Players learn to bend their knees, position their glove on the ground, and use two hands to field the ball.
  • Focus and Concentration: By watching the ball all the way to their glove, players practice focusing and improving hand-eye coordination.
  • Confidence and Approach: This drill builds confidence in approaching the ball rather than waiting for it, teaching players to move forward actively.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Safe and Non-Intimidating: Using soft balls and slow, gentle rolls makes this drill approachable and safe for young players.
  • Basic Fielding Fundamentals: Teaches core skills like getting low, using two hands, and focusing on the ball.
  • Engaging and Fun: Fun elements and lighthearted challenges keep players excited and interested in fielding.

Cons:

  • Limited Complexity: For very young players, this drill is basic and doesn’t introduce much variation. It’s best for introductory skill-building rather than advanced fielding techniques.
  • Short Attention Span Requirements: The drill needs to be kept brief, as young players may lose focus quickly with repeated turns.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Using Two Hands: Remind players to use both hands when scooping up the ball, emphasizing control and stability.
  • Stay Low and Move Forward: Encourage players to bend their knees and stay low to the ground, reminding them to “scoop” the ball instead of reaching down from a standing position.
  • Rotate Turns Quickly: Keeping the line moving helps maintain their interest and ensures each player has enough repetitions without waiting too long.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player is hesitant to approach the ball?
  • Start with a very slow roll to build their confidence and encourage them to take just one step forward. You can also make it fun by encouraging them to be a “ball tracker” or “bulldozer” scooping up the ball.
  1. How can I keep the drill fun and engaging?
  • Incorporate simple challenges, such as counting the number of balls they field in a row without missing, or give them a fun nickname as they take their turn (like “Scooper Champ” or “Fielding Hero”).
  1. How often should this drill be used with 4-5 year-olds?
  • This drill can be included in every practice session as part of their warm-up or fielding practice. Its simplicity and safety make it ideal for daily repetition to build foundational skills.
  1. Can I use this drill with older players?
  • For older players, you can increase the complexity by rolling the ball faster, introducing backhand and forehand rolls, or making it a game of quick reaction time. However, it’s best for very young players as an introductory fielding drill.

The Ground Ball Toss drill is a safe, fun, and essential activity to introduce young players to fielding. With consistent practice, it helps them build confidence, focus, and the basic mechanics they’ll use as they continue to develop as fielders.