Pitcher Fielding Practice

A Fun and Challenging Drill to Teach Pitchers How to Field Grounders and Make Quick, Accurate Throws to Bases

Pitcher Fielding Practice (PFP) is designed to help young pitchers, aged 8-9, learn how to field ground balls and make accurate throws to bases quickly. This drill combines fielding fundamentals with game-like scenarios, helping pitchers develop confidence and awareness on the field.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • Pitcher’s mound or a marked spot for the pitcher’s position
  • Bases set up on the field
  • Cones or markers (optional, to mark where grounders will be fielded)
  • Coach or assistant to hit/toss ground balls
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place the pitcher on the mound in their pitching stance.
  • Position other players or assistants at the bases if possible, to simulate game situations.
  • Set up cones or markers to help guide the pitcher’s movement toward where the grounders will be hit.
  1. Tossing/Hitting Area:
  • The coach stands a few feet away from the pitcher to roll or lightly hit ground balls toward them, simulating different in-game fielding scenarios.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand a few feet to the side of the pitcher’s mound or directly in front, with enough room to roll or hit ground balls to the pitcher.
  1. Drill Execution:
  • Start by having the pitcher field ground balls hit toward the first base side. After fielding the ball, the pitcher should practice a quick turn and make a throw to first base.
  • Next, roll or hit ground balls toward the third base side. The pitcher should field the ball and make a throw to third base or second base, depending on the situation called out by the coach.
  • For variety, mix in short, “bunted” balls that the pitcher needs to charge and make a quick throw to first or second.
  • For added challenge, introduce simulated scenarios where the pitcher needs to field and decide where to throw the ball, helping them learn to react quickly based on where runners would be in a game.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Run each type of fielding situation (first base, third base, charging a bunt) about 3-5 times before moving to the next scenario. Rotate pitchers in if working with a group, allowing for rest and observation between turns.

Why You Run This Drill:

Pitcher Fielding Practice is essential for helping young pitchers understand that their job extends beyond just pitching. In many game situations, pitchers are required to field bunts, cover first base, and react to ground balls, especially those hit near the mound. This drill teaches pitchers to stay focused, field effectively, and make quick decisions, all while having fun.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Fielding Mechanics: This drill teaches proper body positioning and glove work when fielding balls from the mound.
  • Footwork and Speed: Pitchers learn to move quickly from the mound, establish their balance, and position their bodies to make an accurate throw to first, second, or third base.
  • Decision-Making: By practicing different scenarios, pitchers learn to react to game-like situations and make the best decision on where to throw the ball.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Stay Low and Controlled: Remind pitchers to stay low and balanced as they field the ball. Young pitchers may be tempted to rush, but proper control and body positioning will lead to more accurate throws.
  • Aim for Accuracy Over Speed: Emphasize that an accurate throw is more important than a fast throw. With practice, they’ll learn to combine both speed and accuracy.
  • Communication is Key: Encourage pitchers to communicate with their teammates, especially when fielding bunts or grounders where they need to call out where they’re throwing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the pitcher is struggling to throw accurately after fielding the ball?
  • If accuracy is an issue, slow down the drill and focus on balance and positioning before making the throw. Ensure they’re setting their feet properly before throwing. You can also shorten the distance temporarily to help them build confidence.
  1. How can I make this drill more engaging for 8-9 year-olds?
  • You can turn it into a game by awarding points for accurate throws or creating mini-challenges for pitchers who field multiple balls correctly. This helps keep the drill fun and engaging.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • Pitcher Fielding Practice can be done once or twice a week as part of a larger practice session. It’s a great drill to reinforce fielding and throwing fundamentals, especially for young pitchers learning to handle different game situations.
  1. Can this drill be done with multiple pitchers?
  • Yes, if you have a group, rotate pitchers in so each player has time to field and rest. This allows each pitcher to observe and learn from one another’s reps, as well.

Pitcher Fielding Practice is a foundational drill for young pitchers, giving them confidence and readiness for game situations where they need to handle the ball and make smart decisions on the field. With regular practice, pitchers will build the skills to field cleanly, make accurate throws, and stay cool under pressure.