Title
Players navigate a cone grid, field a ground ball, and make a quick throw, focusing on agile footwork and a clean exchange.
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: Quick lateral movement, efficient ground ball fielding, and a fast glove-to-throw exchange.
Builds toward Making clean plays on slowly hit or difficult ground balls and turning double plays with speed.
What it is
A player shuffles laterally through a cone grid, then quickly moves forward to field a rolled ground ball in the center. After fielding, the player quickly gets their feet set and makes a throw to a partner standing opposite the grid. This drill emphasizes quick footwork into a fielding position and a clean glove-to-hand transfer.
What it practices
This drill trains lateral agility, quick burst acceleration, proper ground ball fielding mechanics, and a fast glove-to-throw exchange, critical for infielders.
Focuses on improving
It targets slow footwork and sluggish fielding actions, improving an infielder's ability to get to the ball quickly and make an accurate throw.
How to run it
Perform 5-8 reps per side (shuffling left, then right), then switch partners.Setup
- 1Set up two rows of 3-4 cones each, spaced about 2-3 feet apart, forming a grid.
- 2Place a fielder at one end of the cone grid, facing the opposite end.
- 3A partner stands about 15-20 feet away from the fielding side, ready to roll balls.
Run the drill
- 1The fielder shuffles laterally through the cone grid, moving around each cone.
- 2When the fielder reaches the end of the grid, the partner rolls a slow ground ball into the center of the grid.
- 3The fielder charges and fields the ground ball cleanly, maintaining a low athletic position.
- 4After fielding, the fielder quickly sets their feet and makes an accurate throw back to the partner.
Coaching cues
- Quick feet, low hips
- Attack the ball
- Glove out front
- Clean transfer
- Throw through the target
Common mistakes
- Standing too tall while shuffling or fielding
- Stopping feet before fielding the ball
- Slow glove-to-throw transfer
- Throwing off-balance or without proper footwork
Progressions
- Increase cone spacing or add more cones to extend the agility portion.
- Roll balls to different sides (left/right) of the fielder, requiring more dynamic movement.
- Use tennis balls or wiffle balls for faster fielding responses and reaction time.
Coach notes