Quick Feet Fielding Drill

A Fun and Challenging Drill to Improve Footwork and Fielding Positioning

The Quick Feet Fielding Drill focuses on developing fast lateral movement and proper fielding positioning for infielders. This high-intensity drill is designed for players aged 10-12 who aim to elevate their skills and work toward elite-level fielding.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseball gloves for each player
  • Several soft baseballs or tennis balls for quick handling
  • Cones to mark lateral movement boundaries
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Set up a line of cones about 8-10 feet apart, marking a boundary within which players will shuffle laterally.
  • Position the player in the ready stance at one end of the cone line, with the coach or partner about 6-8 feet directly in front of them.
  1. Drill Space:
  • Ensure there’s enough room for players to move laterally without colliding with other players. Ideally, set up one station per player or pair of players.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Starting Position:
  • The player begins in an athletic, ready position—knees bent, glove low, eyes forward. Feet should be shoulder-width apart to prepare for lateral movement.
  1. Lateral Shuffling and Fielding:
  • The coach rapidly tosses ground balls to the player’s left and right within the boundaries marked by the cones.
  • The player shuffles quickly to each side, focusing on keeping their feet and body square while receiving the ground balls in front of their body.
  • After fielding each ground ball, the player should immediately transition back to the ready position, preparing for the next throw.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should perform this drill for 30-45 seconds, followed by a brief rest period. Complete 3-4 rounds, focusing on speed and accuracy.
  • For added challenge, the coach can increase the speed of tosses, slightly widen the lateral boundaries, or mix in slow rollers and faster ground balls.
  1. Variations:
  • To increase difficulty, coaches can throw balls of varying speeds or angles, forcing players to react quickly to unpredictable bounces. You could also add a second coach or player for simultaneous tosses to increase the challenge.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Quick Feet Fielding Drill is essential for infielders who want to excel at the elite level. It builds rapid lateral movement, crucial for reaching ground balls hit to the left or right. The drill also reinforces proper fielding positioning—players learn to stay low and move fluidly, which is vital for effective fielding. Additionally, quick transitions between fielding and the ready position teach players to stay alert and prepare for multiple plays, a valuable skill in fast-paced game situations.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Lateral Quickness: By shuffling side-to-side, players develop the agility needed to reach ground balls quickly.
  • Proper Fielding Positioning: This drill reinforces the “low and ready” position required for clean fielding mechanics.
  • Transition and Focus: Players improve their ability to transition rapidly between plays, maintaining focus and readiness for the next ball.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Staying Low: Encourage players to stay low throughout the drill, bending their knees and keeping their glove down. This helps prevent errors and ensures they are ready to field every ground ball.
  • Quick Recovery: Make sure players transition back to the ready position after each toss, as this reinforces proper form and focus.
  • Controlled Movements: Remind players to stay balanced, especially when shuffling quickly. Emphasize controlled footwork rather than large, unsteady steps.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if players are struggling with the speed of the drill?
  • If players are having trouble, reduce the speed of the tosses and give them slightly more time to reset. As they get comfortable, gradually increase the speed to build their confidence.
  1. How can I make the drill more engaging?
  • You can turn the drill into a friendly competition by timing players and challenging them to improve their speed with each round. This adds a fun element that helps motivate young players.
  1. Is this drill appropriate for players new to fielding?
  • This drill is better suited for players with a foundation in fielding, as it emphasizes quick movements and advanced positioning. For new players, start with basic footwork and positioning drills before progressing to the Quick Feet Fielding Drill.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This drill can be part of a regular infield practice routine, running it 1-2 times per week. It’s a great warm-up drill for practices focused on fielding or agility training.

The Quick Feet Fielding Drill is a fun, challenging way to help young infielders develop the speed, agility, and focus needed for elite-level play. With regular practice, players will improve their footwork and fielding skills, becoming more dynamic and reliable infielders.