One-Hop Fielding Drill

A Challenging Drill to Improve Fielding Skills on Short Hops and Bounced Grounders

The One-Hop Fielding Drill is designed to help players master the technique of fielding tough, bouncing grounders. This drill challenges players to stay low, time their glove work, and handle one-hop balls with precision, building skills that separate elite infielders.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (or softer practice balls, if preferred)
  • Gloves for players
  • Bat and/or bucket of balls for the coach to hit or throw
  • Cones or markers to position players in the infield
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Position players at infield spots (typically shortstop or second base, though any position can work for this drill).
  • Use cones or markers to set up the starting point for each player, around 20-30 feet away from where the coach will hit or throw.
  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach stands 20-30 feet in front of the player, prepared to either hit or throw one-hop balls toward the player. Adjust the distance based on age, skill level, and desired difficulty.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach’s Hit or Toss:
  • Start by hitting or throwing ground balls that intentionally bounce once before reaching the fielder. The goal is to make each ball skip or “one-hop” just before it reaches the player, simulating a tough grounder.
  • Vary the angle, speed, and direction of the one-hop to keep players engaged and ready for anything. Mix in both softer one-hops and harder skips to mimic real game conditions.
  1. Fielding Technique:
  • Instruct players to stay low with their knees bent, keeping their glove hand down and ready. They should focus on timing their glove work to field the ball as it skips or takes the short hop.
  • Encourage players to move forward into the ball whenever possible, keeping their momentum toward the target for smoother transitions.
  1. Repetitions and Rotation:
  • Give each player 5-6 attempts before rotating to the next fielder. Repeat for several rounds to provide ample practice with different angles and speeds.
  • Increase the difficulty over time by speeding up the hits or tosses or by adding lateral movement, requiring players to range left or right before fielding.

Why You Run This Drill:

The One-Hop Fielding Drill is essential for teaching players how to handle challenging, bouncing ground balls. Infielders often face unpredictable hops in games, and this drill allows players to practice staying low, adjusting their timing, and mastering tough short hops. The drill also emphasizes proper fielding technique and body positioning, both of which are critical for handling more advanced plays.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Glove Timing and Control: Players develop the ability to time their glove work to the ball’s hop, improving control and reducing errors.
  • Footwork and Positioning: The drill reinforces the importance of staying low and moving forward into the ball, which leads to smoother transitions and quicker releases.
  • Reaction and Adaptability: By varying the speed and angle of each hop, players learn to adjust and react to different bounces and play conditions.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Stay Low: Remind players to keep their knees bent and stay low to the ground. Encourage them to keep their glove down and bring it up to the ball rather than dropping their glove at the last second.
  • Forward Movement: Encourage players to approach the ball, stepping forward into the hop. Moving into the ball allows for better control and quicker transitions.
  • Focus on Timing: Remind players that timing is key. The ball should be fielded smoothly with the glove in sync with the ball’s bounce, rather than reaching or stabbing at it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player keeps missing the ball on the hop?
  • If a player struggles with timing, slow down the speed of the toss or hit and encourage them to watch the ball closely. Remind them to stay low and keep their glove ready. You can also position them closer to give them more time to adjust.
  1. Is this drill suitable for younger players?
  • This drill is more challenging, so it’s best suited for players with some fielding experience, typically 10-12 years old. For younger players, start with slower or softer hops until they are comfortable with the motion.
  1. How can I make the drill more challenging for advanced players?
  • For advanced players, increase the distance and speed of the toss or hit, or add lateral movement. You can also mix in high hops, shorter skips, or even combine it with a double-play drill to increase difficulty and prepare them for various in-game situations.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This drill can be incorporated into fielding practice 1-2 times per week, especially if focusing on handling tricky ground balls and improving overall infielding skills. It pairs well with other drills focusing on footwork and quick reaction.

The One-Hop Fielding Drill is an engaging and challenging way to help players become more confident and skilled infielders. By practicing one-hop situations in a controlled environment, players will develop the timing, footwork, and glove control needed to handle tough grounders and elevate their fielding game.