Basic Short Hop Handling Drills

A Drill to Build Confidence and Control in Fielding Short Hops

The Basic Short Hop Handling Drill is designed to help players gain control and confidence when fielding challenging, low-bouncing balls, improving their infield skills and minimizing errors on short hops.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs or softer balls for younger players
  • Gloves for each player
  • Cones or markers (optional, for designating boundaries)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The player should be positioned in a ready, athletic stance with their knees bent, weight balanced, and glove out in front.
  • The coach or another player stands about 10-12 feet away from the fielder, ready to roll or throw short hops to them.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The drill can be set up on any infield surface or flat area. You can place cones or markers to designate a small area for each player to work in if you’re running multiple stations.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach or partner stands approximately 10-12 feet from the player, close enough to control the speed and height of the short hops but far enough to give the player reaction time.
  1. Short Hop Execution:
  • The coach should begin by rolling or lightly tossing balls to create short hops that land just in front of the player’s glove. The player’s goal is to time the hop, position their glove correctly, and field the ball with control.
  • Emphasize a low, balanced stance, with the glove open and out in front. Players should try to field the ball with their glove hand only, keeping their body low to the ground and watching the ball all the way into their glove.
  • Gradually vary the speed, angle, and distance of the short hops to challenge the player’s reaction time and adaptability.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should field around 10-15 short hops per round, focusing on maintaining control and consistency. Rotate players every 2-3 minutes to give each player a chance to field different types of short hops.
  1. Variations:
  • To increase difficulty, move the player further back, increase the speed of the toss, or add side-to-side movement by tossing hops to the player’s glove side and backhand side.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Basic Short Hop Handling Drill is critical for infielders to develop control, quick reflexes, and confidence when fielding short hops, which are common in games. Successfully handling short hops can prevent errors, boost fielding reliability, and reduce the risk of misplayed balls. This drill helps players learn to “soften” their hands, stay low, and control challenging bounces, all while maintaining proper fielding mechanics.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: The drill enhances a player’s ability to watch the ball closely and react quickly, improving their fielding accuracy.
  • Soft Hands and Glove Control: Players learn to absorb the impact of the ball by using a “soft hands” approach, minimizing rebounds and improving control.
  • Proper Fielding Mechanics: Emphasizes a low stance, glove positioning, and balance, helping players build foundational infielding skills that translate to game situations.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Stay Low and Balanced: Encourage players to keep their knees bent and weight forward, staying low to the ground with their glove in front of them. This body position improves balance and readiness.
  • Soft Hands Technique: Remind players to “give” with their glove as the ball makes contact, almost like cushioning the ball to avoid hard rebounds.
  • Eyes on the Ball: Players should keep their eyes locked on the ball from the moment it’s tossed until it’s securely in their glove, minimizing the chance of error.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player keeps missing or misplaying the short hop?
  • If the player struggles, slow down the speed of the toss or move closer to them. Emphasize watching the ball into the glove and maintaining a low, stable stance. Repetition is key, so start slow and gradually increase the difficulty as they improve.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill is excellent for younger players. Use softer balls for younger age groups, and start with gentle, controlled tosses. As they become more comfortable, you can increase the speed or distance to challenge them.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for experienced players?
  • For advanced players, increase the speed of the toss, vary the direction, or incorporate side-to-side movement by tossing short hops to both glove and backhand sides. You can also add more difficult hops that require quick adjustments.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be incorporated into practice 1-2 times per week as part of regular infield work. It’s a versatile drill that works well in small spaces and helps develop essential infield skills.

The Basic Short Hop Handling Drill is an essential tool for teaching infielders to handle difficult bounces with confidence and control. By mastering the skills developed in this drill, players can become more reliable fielders, reducing errors and increasing consistency on the field.