Partner Ground Ball Toss

A Simple Drill for Practicing Fielding Fundamentals with a Partner

The Partner Ground Ball Toss drill allows players to practice fielding ground balls in pairs, focusing on proper mechanics, footwork, and glove positioning. It’s a great drill for building confidence and consistency in fielding skills.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (preferably soft balls or tennis balls for younger players)
  • Gloves for each player
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Divide players into pairs and have each pair stand 10-15 feet apart from each other on a flat surface, ideally on an infield or similar area.
  • Ensure that pairs are spread out to allow safe space for rolling and fielding the balls.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Players should be on a level fielding surface with enough room between pairs to avoid interfering with each other. Markers or cones can be used to designate each pair’s area if working with larger groups.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Partner Positioning:
  • Have each pair of players face each other, standing about 10-15 feet apart. Both players should be in a ready position, with knees bent and hands out in front, ready to field.
  1. Ground Ball Execution:
  • Player A rolls a ground ball directly to Player B, aiming to deliver a controlled, easily fieldable ground ball.
  • Player B fields the ball with proper form, focusing on getting low, staying balanced, and keeping their glove in front of them.
  • After fielding, Player B rolls the ball back to Player A, and the process repeats.
  • Encourage players to use proper footwork to move to the ball and position their bodies correctly. Remind them to stay low and watch the ball into their glove.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should field around 10-15 ground balls before switching partners or positions. Rotate players as needed to allow everyone to practice rolling and fielding.
  1. Variations:
  • For advanced players, vary the speed or angle of the roll to simulate different types of ground balls (e.g., slow rollers, faster ground balls, or balls to the forehand/backhand side).

Why You Run This Drill:

The Partner Ground Ball Toss drill is designed to develop fundamental fielding skills, helping players build confidence in their glove work and footwork. Working in pairs provides a relaxed, low-pressure environment where players can focus on their technique and form without the intensity of live ground balls hit from a bat. This drill reinforces essential skills that are crucial for infielders, including getting low, staying balanced, and following through with proper footwork.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Fielding Fundamentals: Players learn the basics of fielding ground balls, including getting low, glove positioning, and balance.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: By focusing on watching the ball into their glove, players develop their hand-eye coordination and focus.
  • Footwork and Positioning: This drill teaches players to move to the ball and position their body correctly, improving agility and range.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Get Low: Remind players to stay low as they approach the ball, with knees bent and glove out in front. This helps keep their body behind the ball and prevents it from getting under their glove.
  • Soft Hands: Encourage players to “give” with the ball as they field it, using soft hands to absorb the ball into their glove rather than stabbing at it.
  • Focus on Form: Emphasize proper footwork and positioning over speed. Consistency in technique is more important than rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player struggles to field the ground ball cleanly?
  • If a player is struggling, have them slow down and focus on the basics—keeping their glove down and watching the ball all the way into the glove. You can also shorten the distance between players to give them an easier roll.
  1. Can this drill be used with younger players?
  • Yes, this is a great drill for younger players as it introduces basic fielding skills in a controlled, partner-based format. Soft balls or tennis balls are ideal for younger players to build confidence and reduce any fear of the ball.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced players?
  • To challenge more experienced players, vary the speed or angle of the ground balls, or increase the distance between partners. You can also have them field balls on their backhand or forehand side to develop lateral movement and range.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This drill can be included in every practice session, as fielding fundamentals are essential for all infield positions. It’s a quick and effective warm-up drill that reinforces good habits and builds fielding confidence.

The Partner Ground Ball Toss drill is an effective, simple way to improve fielding skills and reinforce proper technique in a fun, low-stress environment. It’s suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, helping them build the foundation for more advanced fielding skills as they progress.