Wide Receiver Drill for Outfielders

A Challenging Drill to Improve Tracking, Footwork, and Over-the-Shoulder Catches

The Wide Receiver Drill for Outfielders is designed to push 10-12-year-old players to become elite outfielders by practicing over-the-shoulder catches while running. This drill mimics tracking fly balls in deep outfield situations, sharpening reactions and building confidence.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (or softer training balls for safety if preferred)
  • Cones or markers to establish starting positions and target areas
  • Space in the outfield or a large field area
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Players should start about 20-30 feet away from the coach in a straight line or semi-circle, with ample space around them.
  • The coach stands in front of the players, with a bucket of baseballs, ready to throw in different directions.
  1. Target Area:
  • Designate a large area behind the players for the balls to be caught. Mark specific zones with cones to direct players where to run, allowing them to track balls on the run.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand about 20-30 feet in front of the players, holding a bucket of balls, with a clear path to throw into the designated zones. Make sure the players are spread out for safety and ready to track fly balls over their shoulders.
  1. Drill Execution:
  • The coach calls out a player’s name, then quickly throws a ball over the player’s shoulder, aiming for different directions each time (left, right, or straight back). The throw should go high enough for the player to track it while running.
  • The player must turn, locate the ball, and run while keeping their eyes on it, ultimately catching it over their shoulder or adjusting to make the catch.
  • Repeat this process with different directions and heights, so players practice adjusting to different throws. Make each throw challenging, pushing players to improve reaction time and tracking ability.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should get 5-6 throws per round. Rotate through the group, allowing each player to recover between turns. Run the drill for 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of players.
  1. Variations:
  • For more advanced players, add unpredictable elements like spins or varied throw heights to increase the challenge. You can also call out directions at the last second to simulate game-like unpredictability.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Wide Receiver Drill for Outfielders helps players develop critical outfield skills, including tracking, quick reactions, and footwork. In the outfield, catching fly balls on the run is common, especially when covering deep hits. This drill pushes players to focus on their ability to locate, track, and adjust to balls over their shoulders, similar to a wide receiver in football.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Tracking and Reaction: By focusing on tracking high throws over their shoulder, players improve reaction time and tracking ability for fly balls.
  • Footwork and Balance: The drill encourages players to move quickly and adjust their footwork on the run, which is essential for successful outfield play.
  • Confidence in Catching on the Run: By practicing difficult catches, players build the confidence needed to handle tough fly balls in game situations.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Quick Reactions: Encourage players to turn, locate the ball quickly, and maintain focus as they track it. Remind them to avoid hesitation and trust their instincts.
  • Keep Hands and Glove Ready: Players should practice keeping their glove hand up and eyes on the ball. The goal is a smooth catch with minimal adjusting at the last second.
  • Stay Light on Feet: Good footwork is key, so remind players to stay light on their feet and avoid crossing their legs. Small, quick steps will help them adjust as they track the ball.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player struggles with tracking the ball?
  • Start with shorter throws at a slightly lower angle to build confidence. As they improve, gradually increase the height and distance of the throws. Encourage players to turn quickly and keep their head steady.
  1. Can this drill be used with younger or less experienced players?
  • While it’s more challenging, you can modify it for younger players by slowing down the throws and reducing the distance. Keep the intensity appropriate for the age and experience level while still providing a challenge.
  1. How can I make the drill even more challenging?
  • For advanced players, throw the ball to different zones with very little notice or even mix in ground balls to keep them alert. You can also add a time limit for players to reach the target area, emphasizing speed and accuracy.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill is ideal for outfielders to practice once or twice a week, especially in preparing for game situations. It pairs well with other tracking and reaction drills to provide a complete outfield skill workout.

The Wide Receiver Drill for Outfielders is an engaging and challenging way to prepare players for elite-level outfield performance. With regular practice, players will develop the ability to handle difficult, on-the-run catches, giving them the confidence to track and catch deep fly balls in real game scenarios.