Title
First baseman practices fielding low throws and short-hop scoops at the bag with footwork and stretch technique.
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: First base scooping technique, glove-down approach, and proper stretching footwork.
Builds toward Consistently fielding short hops and low throws at first base, securing outs and preventing extra bases.
What it is
A first baseman stands at the bag and fields thrown ground balls and low throws arriving at various heights—some short-hopping into the base, others slightly off target. The player scoops low balls with glove transfer and executes a stretch across the bag to catch throws while keeping a foot anchored on the base. Reps train the footwork and body positioning needed to frame throws and maximize reach without leaving the base.
What it practices
Glove scooping on low and short-hop balls, footwork at first base, stretch technique to extend reach toward thrown balls, and the glove-to-body transfer on exchange plays.
Focuses on improving
Builds short-hop fielding and stretch-and-reach mechanics for first basemen who struggle with low throws or arrive at the base off-balance. Reps the footwork and positioning needed to frame errant throws and stay anchored while extending.
How to run it
5-8 scoops per side (righty/lefty), 2-3 sets.Setup
- 1Place a base marker (or small mat) on the ground to simulate first base.
- 2Have a bucket of baseballs ready next to the coach.
- 3The player stands facing the coach, about 2-3 feet in front of the base marker, with their back foot near or on the base.
- 4The coach kneels near the bucket, a few feet from the player.
- 5Scatter 3-5 baseballs on the ground in front of the base marker, slightly to the player's glove side, simulating short hops.
Run the drill
- 1Player assumes a ready fielding position with their back foot anchored on the base marker.
- 2Player identifies a baseball on the ground.
- 3Player steps and stretches their lead leg towards the ball, keeping the back leg anchored on the base.
- 4Player extends the glove out, getting the glove face below the ball, and scoops it cleanly.
- 5Player brings the scooped ball into the glove and then places it in the bucket.
- 6Player resets to the ready position for the next scoop.
Coaching cues
- Glove down!
- Work below the ball!
- Get low!
- Anchor the foot!
- Stretch to the ball!
Common mistakes
- Glove coming up to the ball instead of getting below it.
- Not stretching far enough, leading to reaching or an awkward body position.
- Taking the back foot off the base too early.
- Trying to 'pick' the ball with fingers instead of scooping with the heel of the glove.
Progressions
- Easier: Coach rolls balls gently directly to the player at a closer distance.
- Harder: Coach throws short hops from a farther distance, increasing unpredictability and requiring quicker reaction time.
- Harder: Add a second base runner to simulate game pressure and a quicker glove-to-throw exchange.
Coach notes
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