Infielder Charge the Ball Drill

A Drill to Build Confidence and Control When Fielding Ground Balls

Charging The Ball teaches players to approach ground balls aggressively, helping them improve confidence, timing, and control on their throws. This drill is essential for infielders to master the art of charging and smoothly fielding grounders.

This drill is an invaluable tool for teaching infielders how to approach ground balls with confidence and control. With consistent practice, players will gain the skills to handle ground balls effectively and make accurate throws, turning challenging plays into routine outs.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (about 10-12 for quick resets)
  • Gloves for each player
  • Cones or markers to set up fielding lanes (optional for added structure)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The players line up in the infield, at either shortstop or second base positions, about 15-20 feet back from the coach.
  • The coach or partner stands near the pitcher’s mound with a bucket of baseballs, ready to hit or roll grounders.
  1. Area Layout:
  • Clear a fielding lane for each player. If you have multiple players running the drill, use cones to define the lanes and prevent collisions.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand near the pitcher’s mound or slightly closer to the player with a bucket of baseballs. Make sure you’re in a spot to deliver ground balls consistently into each player’s lane.
  1. Executing the Drill:
  • The coach rolls or lightly hits ground balls toward the fielder, making sure they’re within reach but requiring the player to charge forward.
  • The player should approach each ground ball aggressively, moving forward with short, controlled steps while keeping their body low and balanced.
  • As the player reaches the ball, they should field it cleanly, staying low, and quickly transition into a throwing position to make an accurate, controlled throw to first base (or a target).
  • Repeat the drill for each player in a rotation, aiming for 10-15 reps per player.
  1. Repetitions and Flow:
  • After each rep, the player should quickly reset to the starting point, ready to field the next ground ball. Rotate players frequently for rest and focus.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Charge the Ball Drill is designed to help players overcome hesitation when approaching ground balls. Infielders often wait for grounders to come to them, which can lead to errors and rushed throws. This drill teaches players to be proactive, moving forward to meet the ball, fielding it smoothly, and setting up for a controlled, accurate throw. By charging the ball, players gain confidence, reduce the likelihood of bad hops, and improve the timing of their throws.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Aggressive Fielding Approach: Players learn to charge ground balls rather than waiting for them, which improves control and reduces errors.
  • Footwork and Balance: This drill emphasizes controlled footwork and balance, essential for smooth transitions from fielding to throwing.
  • Throwing Accuracy: By controlling the ball quickly, players gain better positioning for accurate throws, improving their consistency.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Builds Confidence: Helps players feel more comfortable approaching ground balls with speed and control.
  • Enhances Timing: Improves reaction time and helps players gain a better feel for approaching the ball effectively.
  • Reduces Errors: Encourages players to get in front of the ball and handle it under control, reducing last-second adjustments.

Cons:

  • Can Be Intimidating for New Players: The aggressive approach may be challenging for players not yet comfortable with ground balls.
  • Injury Risk if Done Incorrectly: Players who dive too early or rush without control may risk minor injuries from awkward positioning or unexpected bad hops.
  • Requires Proper Coaching Guidance: Incorrect form or poor technique can lead to inconsistent throws or unnecessary errors. Coaches must emphasize control over speed at first.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage a Controlled Approach: While charging is the goal, emphasize controlled footwork. Players should take short, balanced steps and stay low to the ground.
  • Focus on Transition Speed: Encourage players to smoothly transition from fielding to throwing. They should avoid excessive hesitation after picking up the ball, focusing on a fluid motion from fielding to throwing.
  • Body Position: Ensure players keep their head down and eyes on the ball as they approach it, staying balanced and avoiding lunging forward too early.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player hesitates to charge the ball?
  • If a player hesitates, start with shorter ground balls that only require a small step forward to build confidence. Gradually increase the distance and speed as they become more comfortable.
  1. Can this drill be adapted for younger players?
  • Yes, but keep the ground balls softer and closer to reduce intimidation. Focus on technique and balance rather than speed for younger players. Shorten the distance between player and coach to allow for a slower approach.
  1. How do I make this drill more challenging?
  • For more advanced players, vary the speed and hop of the ground balls. You can also add throws to a live target (like a first baseman) to simulate game situations. Introducing backhand and forehand grounders will further challenge their reaction and fielding range.
  1. How often should this drill be used?
  • The Charge the Ball Drill can be incorporated 1-2 times per week during fielding practice to build confidence and aggressive play in young infielders. Regular practice will make charging the ball a natural part of their approach.

The Charge the Ball Drill is an invaluable tool for teaching infielders how to approach ground balls with confidence and control. With consistent practice, players will gain the skills to handle ground balls effectively and make accurate throws, turning challenging plays into routine outs.