Title
Players navigate cone patterns to groove footwork and hand placement for ground-ball fielding transitions.
Compilation
If this video stacks several distinct drills back-to-back, split it into individual, draggable drills — each with its own clip, steps, and tags.
Coach's take
Great for building: Lateral quickness, low athletic fielding position, two-hand glove presentation, and efficient glove-to-throw exchange with a powerful crow hop.
Builds toward Making quick, accurate throws across the diamond after fielding difficult ground balls, minimizing errors and enabling successful double plays.
What it is
Players set up in a line facing a series of cones arranged in a specific pattern on the field. Each player moves through the cone course at game speed, simulating fielding footwork and positioning for ground balls. The drill emphasizes quick lateral movement, proper angle approach, and ready position as the player transitions through each cone station.
What it practices
Footwork sequencing for ground-ball approach, lateral movement efficiency, and body positioning during fielding transitions. Players develop the habit of staying low and moving through the ball with proper weight transfer.
Focuses on improving
Builds consistent footwork mechanics for infielders who drift off-line on ground balls or struggle with approach angles. Targets the setup and positioning phase that precedes the actual field-to-throw exchange.
How to run it
5-8 reps per player, then rotate, or 3-5 minutes per station.Setup
- 1Place 3-5 cones in a straight line, 3-5 feet apart, forming a lateral shuffling channel on the infield dirt.
- 2Position a coach 10-15 feet in front of the middle of the cone line, ready to roll or soft-toss ground balls.
- 3Position a target coach or player 30-50 feet away to receive throws.
- 4Player starts at one end of the cone line, in an athletic fielding stance with glove ready.
Run the drill
- 1Player shuffles laterally through the cones, maintaining a low athletic base.
- 2As the player reaches the designated fielding cone, the coach rolls/soft-tosses a ground ball.
- 3Player fields the ball out front with two hands, ensuring the glove is on the ground.
- 4Player immediately transitions into a crow hop, gaining ground toward the target.
- 5Player throws the ball to the target coach, finishing toward the target.
- 6Player shuffles back to the starting point or rotates with the next player for another rep.
Coaching cues
- Stay low!
- Quick feet!
- Glove down, out front!
- See the ball into the glove!
- Work through the ball!
- Crow hop to your target!
- Hit your target!
Common mistakes
- Standing too tall while shuffling or fielding, losing athletic base.
- Waiting for the ball instead of attacking and working through it.
- Failing to get the glove down early and keep it on the ground.
- Bringing the glove up too early, allowing the ball to skip underneath.
- Slow or clunky glove-to-throw exchange, costing precious time.
- No crow hop or a weak, inefficient crow hop, leading to a weak throw.
Progressions
- Increase the distance between cones to require longer, more challenging shuffles.
- Vary the type of ground balls (slow rollers, hard choppers, short hops) to challenge reactions.
- Add a second coach to toss balls from unpredictable angles (backhand/forehand).
- Time the fielding and throwing sequence to encourage speed and efficiency.
- Require players to call out 'Ball!' as they field to improve communication.
Coach notes