Drop Step Drill

A Fun Drill to Help Young Outfielders Improve Their Tracking and Depth Perception

The Drop Step Drill is designed to help 8-9 year old players develop the fundamental skills needed for tracking fly balls and building depth perception. This drill introduces young players to proper footwork and the basics of getting into position for catching fly balls.

Difficulty Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (or softer balls for younger players, such as tennis balls)
  • Cones or markers for starting positions
  • Glove for each player
  • Optional: Bat for coaches to hit fly balls
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place cones or markers on the field to designate starting spots for each player, with at least 10-15 feet of space between players.
  • Players should stand facing the coach, ready to react and drop step.
  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach stands approximately 20-25 feet in front of the players, ready to toss or hit fly balls in different directions to simulate game-like conditions.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Demonstrate the Drop Step:
  • Start by demonstrating a proper drop step. Show the players how to pivot on one foot and take a step back with the opposite foot (right foot back for a right-handed pivot and left foot back for a left-handed pivot).
  • Explain that this movement helps them get behind the ball quickly when tracking fly balls.
  1. Toss or Hit the Ball:
  • Call out or point to the direction you want the player to move (left or right).
  • Toss or hit a fly ball in that direction, challenging the player to perform the drop step, move quickly to get into position, and track the ball with their eyes.
  1. Execution:
  • The player performs a quick drop step in the called direction, turns their hips, and runs back to get under the ball. Their goal is to read the ball’s flight, adjust their speed, and make the catch in a balanced position.
  • After each attempt, provide positive feedback or adjustments to help them refine their drop step and tracking.
  1. Rotate Players:
  • Have players rotate after each attempt so each gets several repetitions. Focus on both left and right drop steps to ensure balanced development on both sides.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Drop Step Drill is essential for teaching young outfielders how to track fly balls accurately and move effectively to catch them. Many young players tend to move forward on fly balls, leading to poor positioning and missed catches. This drill emphasizes the drop step as a key movement for getting behind the ball, allowing players to adjust to fly balls hit over their head and improving their depth perception.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Tracking and Depth Perception: This drill improves the player’s ability to judge the flight and speed of the ball.
  • Proper Footwork and Agility: Learning the drop step helps players get into a better position to catch fly balls while maintaining balance.
  • Fielding Confidence: As players practice and improve, they gain confidence in their ability to handle fly balls, which is crucial for young outfielders.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize the First Step: Remind players that their first step is crucial in getting behind the ball. A quick and strong drop step will help them get to the right spot faster.
  • Encourage Patience: Young players may want to rush forward instead of taking a proper drop step. Remind them to trust their initial step back and keep their eyes on the ball as it comes down.
  • Use Softer Balls if Needed: For young players who are new to tracking fly balls, using softer balls like tennis balls can help build confidence without the fear of getting hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if a player struggles to judge the ball’s flight?
  • Encourage them to stay calm, watch the ball closely, and move with small steps as they get closer to the ball. You can start with shorter, easier tosses and gradually increase the distance as they improve.
  1. How can I make the drill more fun for young players?
  • Turn it into a game by setting up a point system for each successful catch. You could also let them catch in pairs or set up mini “competitions” to make it more engaging.
  1. Should I always use real baseballs for this drill?
  • For younger players, start with softer balls like tennis balls or safety baseballs, especially if they’re just beginning to learn the drill. As they become more comfortable with tracking, you can gradually switch to real baseballs.
  1. How often should this drill be run in practice?
  • The Drop Step Drill can be run 1-2 times a week, depending on the focus of your practice. It’s a quick drill that’s perfect for helping young players build outfield skills without requiring too much time.

The Drop Step Drill is an excellent way to teach young outfielders the fundamental skills of tracking and catching fly balls, building confidence, agility, and proper fielding habits. With consistent practice, players will feel more comfortable and confident handling high fly balls, setting a solid foundation for outfield play as they advance.