Over-the-Shoulder Outfield Drill

A Drill to Teach Outfielders How to Position Themselves for Deep, Over-the-Shoulder Catches

The Over-the-Shoulder Drill helps players develop the skills needed to track and catch high, deep balls hit behind them. This drill is essential for outfielders, teaching them to position correctly for difficult catches in deep center field or the gaps.

This drill is an invaluable tool for teaching outfielders how to handle high-pressure catches deep in the field. With consistent practice, players will improve their tracking, positioning, and confidence, allowing them to make game-saving catches.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs or softballs
  • A fungo bat for the coach (optional, for easier, controlled high hits)
  • Open field space, ideally with enough room for players to track deep fly balls
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Players begin in a standard outfield position (about 150-200 feet from the coach).
  • The coach stands closer to home plate, facing the players, prepared to hit or throw high, deep balls over their heads.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure a clear space in the outfield for players to move freely as they track the ball. Use cones or markers to give each player enough space to avoid collisions if working in pairs or groups.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach stands near home plate or closer if needed, equipped with a fungo bat or prepared to throw high, deep fly balls.
  1. Executing the Drill:
  • The coach hits or throws a high, deep ball over the outfielder’s head, encouraging them to turn and track the ball for an over-the-shoulder catch.
  • Players must quickly gauge the direction and speed of the ball, turn their shoulders, and sprint to position themselves for the catch.
  • Encourage players to keep their eyes on the ball while running, using short, controlled steps as they approach the catch zone.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should complete 6-8 catches per round, alternating left and right side positions to practice tracking balls in both directions. Rotate players after each round to allow for a brief rest and feedback on positioning and tracking.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger or less experienced players, start with shorter throws or hits to build confidence. As players get more comfortable, increase the distance and angle of the tosses.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Over-the-Shoulder Drill is essential for outfielders, helping them develop the ability to track balls hit deep into the outfield and position themselves for challenging catches. Over-the-shoulder catches are common in outfield play, especially on balls hit to the gaps, so this drill builds crucial skills for game situations. Players learn to judge the speed, distance, and angle of fly balls, as well as the importance of proper footwork and body control.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Ball Tracking: Improves players’ ability to judge the trajectory and distance of high, deep balls.
  • Positioning and Footwork: Teaches players how to position themselves quickly and accurately for over-the-shoulder catches.
  • Confidence in Deep Catches: Builds players’ confidence in handling challenging, game-like catches hit behind them.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Game Simulation: Mimics realistic game scenarios, allowing players to practice critical skills needed in the outfield.
  • Focus on Key Skills: Emphasizes tracking, positioning, and catching, all essential skills for outfielders.
  • Improves Conditioning: Encourages sprinting and quick direction changes, improving players’ overall conditioning.

Cons:

  • High Difficulty Level: This drill can be challenging for young or inexperienced players, potentially causing frustration.
  • Risk of Injury: Tracking high, deep balls can lead to missteps or awkward landings if players aren’t comfortable with the drill.
  • Requires Ample Space: The drill needs a large, open field, which may be a limitation for some practice environments.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on First Steps: Emphasize taking a good first step to get a jump on the ball. Players should learn to turn their shoulders quickly rather than backpedaling, as it allows them to cover more ground.
  • Eyes on the Ball: Encourage players to keep their eyes on the ball throughout the tracking process. Remind them to avoid looking down until they’ve reached their spot for the catch.
  • Glove Position: Remind players to position their glove high, as if catching the ball on their throwing side shoulder. This helps keep their glove in a natural position for the catch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the player struggles to catch the ball consistently?
  • If players are having difficulty making the catch, try shortening the throws or reducing the height of the toss. This will allow them to build confidence in positioning without the pressure of long, difficult catches.
  1. Can this drill be used with infielders as well?
  • Yes, although this drill is mainly for outfielders, infielders can benefit from it too, especially when learning to track pop-ups or balls hit into shallow outfield areas.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced players?
  • For advanced players, increase the angle and distance of the hits. You can also introduce elements such as side-to-side shuffles before the catch to simulate game-like movement.
  1. How often should this drill be practiced?
  • This drill can be practiced 1-2 times per week, especially with outfielders. It’s an ideal drill for improving deep ball tracking and catching confidence over time.