Charge the Ball Drill For 8-9 Year Old Players

A Drill to Teach Young Fielders to Approach Grounders with Aggression and Confidence

The Charge the Ball Drill encourages fielders to approach ground balls with speed and momentum, building confidence in their fielding skills and preparing them for game situations. This drill is ideal for helping 8-9 year olds learn to field aggressively.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Challenging but fun)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (or tennis balls for less experienced players)
  • Cones or markers to define starting points and target zones
  • Gloves for each player
  • Bucket for extra balls
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place a cone or marker about 15-20 feet away from where the coach will roll or hit the ball. This cone marks the starting point for each player.
  • Set a target zone 5-10 feet in front of the cone, where the player should field the ball aggressively as they “charge” toward it.
  1. Fielding Area:
  • Clear an open area free of obstacles, with enough room for players to approach the ball without obstruction. Ensure a safe distance from other players to avoid collisions.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand opposite the player, about 20-25 feet away, with a bucket of balls. You will be rolling or hitting grounders toward the player.
  1. Execution of the Drill:
  • Instruct the player to start at the cone and prepare to “charge” the ball as it comes toward them.
  • Roll or hit a ground ball toward the player’s starting position. The ball should be rolling slowly enough that the player must step forward and “attack” it to field it correctly.
  • As the ball approaches, the player should move toward it aggressively, field it cleanly, and complete the play with a throw back to the coach or a nearby target.
  • Emphasize staying low, moving quickly, and using good footwork to position themselves properly behind the ball.
  • Repeat this for each player, ensuring they rotate quickly to keep up the pace and excitement.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should perform 8-10 repetitions per round, adjusting the pace based on their skill level. Rotate players in and out to keep energy high and allow for brief rests.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Charge the Ball Drill teaches young fielders the importance of approaching ground balls with speed, confidence, and momentum. By charging the ball, players learn to take control of fielding plays, reducing the chance of errors and getting rid of any hesitation they might have when approaching a grounder. This aggressive approach improves overall fielding ability, boosts confidence, and helps players develop muscle memory for proper footwork and body positioning.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Aggressive Fielding Approach: Teaches players to move forward to meet the ball instead of waiting for it, reducing the likelihood of errors.
  • Improved Footwork and Body Control: This drill emphasizes getting into position quickly, keeping a low center of gravity, and maintaining control while fielding.
  • Confidence in Fielding: Regularly charging grounders helps players gain confidence in their ability to handle fast-moving plays and enhances their readiness for game situations.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Stay Low: Encourage players to keep their knees bent and stay low as they approach the ball. A low center of gravity allows for better control and quicker reaction time.
  • Eyes on the Ball: Remind players to watch the ball all the way into their glove. Young players may have a tendency to look up too early, resulting in missed grounders.
  • Footwork Matters: Teach players to take controlled steps forward rather than lunging. They should approach the ball in a balanced stance, ready to field and throw in one fluid motion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player is hesitant to charge the ball?
  • Start by using tennis balls or soft baseballs to help them build confidence without fear of injury. Gradually encourage them to be more aggressive as they get comfortable.
  1. Can I modify this drill for beginners?
  • Absolutely. For younger or less experienced players, start with a slower-paced roll, and reduce the distance they need to charge. As they improve, increase the speed and distance.
  1. How do I make this drill more challenging for advanced players?
  • For more experienced players, try hitting faster grounders or using a mix of speeds to keep them on their toes. You can also add a throw to first base or a nearby target after fielding to simulate real game situations.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • The Charge the Ball Drill is ideal for infield practice and can be included 1-2 times per week to reinforce aggressive fielding and footwork skills. It works well in combination with other infield drills focused on body control and ground ball technique.

The Charge the Ball Drill is a fun and effective way to teach young players to field grounders aggressively, improve their footwork, and build confidence in fielding plays. With consistent practice, players will become more comfortable approaching the ball and making quick, controlled plays.