FIELDING
"Right, Left, Field, Right, Left, Throw"
(opposite for lefties...)
Fielding is one of the most fun parts of practice to coach IMO. There are so many drills that keep the players moving, teach them great fundamentals, and are just straight up fun to do.
A few key fielding tips to consider when coaching:
-
"Softball Ready" Setup - Players are set up in good athletic stance, on their toes, and heels up. "I want to be able to get a sheet of paper under your heels!" Use "softball ready" or another cue to help guide IF during games.
-
Prep Step - A small bounce right as ball crosses the plate to get body ready to move and make a great play
-
Teach "Right, Left, Field, Right, Left, Throw" - By far the easiest way I've found to teach youth players. By focusing on their feet both approaching the ball and into their throw, it's a great way to get the fundamentals taught. Left toe is up when ball hits glove, drop toe to create momentum (video)
-
Glove Open and Out in Front - We want the glove out in front, already open when approaching the ball.
-
Use the "land the plane" analogy! No flicking the glove down at the last minute or waiting until very late to get glove down.
-
Work "Through the Ball" when fielding or "Funnel to Stomach" to control the ball into transfer to throwing hand.
-
"Ball isn't an egg. Go Get it" - Tell players to go "get the ball" with their glove, not wait for it to hit their glove. Small detail but makes a big difference (caveat: except when needing to let the ball travel for tags, etc).
Note: For younger ages, we really suggest using the "windshield wiper" catching drill referenced in the MegRem video
FIELDING / DEFENSE VIDEOS
Players circle 3 cones (in zig zag pattern) and then field ball after 3rd cone circle
Player starts with ball in glove, steps over line of cones into their longer throw
Easy to do quick drill where player use quick feet to move back and forth over PVC before fielding ball
Teaches players how to use quick feet and head into a short hop field & throw
Simple drill with cones forcing player to a back angle to field, then adjust to throw to target
Starting from ball on ground, player learns how to crow hop
Coaches can set up 2-3 versions of this (if you have assistants) to quickly get lots of fielding reps
Helps develop skills for those balls hit (or thrown) right near your feet
Teaches how to change direction in OF for fly ball
Kneeling no-glove work with glove hand -> transfer of ball. Create drill to do with two lines of players with each other
Good drill for how to let the ball travel to the base (advanced)
Smooth motions are the goal!
Showing good youth drill for teaching underhand throwing with Dos and Donts
Player hands ball to coach and takes off running
Simple quick right left field, right left throw type drill
For helping players stay low in their legs when throwing
LOVE THIS! Great way to get your players moving. Don't be discouraged by college players in video. I do this with the 8-10U groups all the time in camps and they love it