Title
Fielders practice moving laterally to field ground balls and execute quick glove-to-hand transfers into throws.
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: Smooth lateral movement to field, quick glove-to-hand transfer, and efficient throwing mechanics from a fielding stance.
Builds toward Making quick, accurate throws after fielding ground balls from various positions, improving defensive reaction time and range.
What it is
Fielders begin in a ready position and move laterally across the field to field ground balls hit or rolled to them. After fielding, they perform a quick glove-to-hand transfer and throw to a base or target. The drill emphasizes footwork, lateral range, and minimizing the time between catch and throw release.
What it practices
Builds lateral footwork and range for ground-ball fielding. Trains the glove-to-hand transfer and throwing mechanics to reduce exchange time on plays.
Focuses on improving
Targets infielders who need to improve lateral mobility and their catch-to-throw transition, specifically reducing dead time during the exchange.
How to run it
Perform 10-15 reps per side for each player, then switch directions or rotate players.Setup
- 1Players line up in a single file or staggered line, each with a glove.
- 2Place two cones about 3-5 feet in front of each player, one to their left and one to their right.
- 3Place a tennis ball on top of each cone.
- 4Designate a target for throwing (e.g., a net, a bucket, or another player).
- 5Ensure adequate space behind each player for a full throwing motion.
Run the drill
- 1Player starts in an athletic fielding stance, glove ready.
- 2Coach calls out 'Left' or 'Right'.
- 3Player shuffles laterally to the called cone, getting their body in front of the ball.
- 4Field the tennis ball cleanly off the cone with two hands, using proper ground ball fielding technique (glove down, eyes on ball).
- 5Immediately transition the ball from glove to throwing hand.
- 6Quickly rise to a throwing position and make a compact throw toward the designated target.
- 7Return to the athletic fielding stance for the next rep.
Coaching cues
- Glove down, eyes on the ball!
- Stay low through the ball!
- Quick hands, fast transfer!
- Short arm, accurate throw!
- Athletic base!
Common mistakes
- Scooping at the ball instead of getting the glove out front and through it.
- Standing up too tall before transferring the ball.
- Slow transfer from glove to hand, leading to delays.
- Long, looping throwing arm path instead of a compact, quick release.
- Not moving feet to get in front of the ball, reaching instead.
Progressions
- Increase the distance between cones to challenge lateral agility and range.
- Use real baseballs for a more game-like feel.
- Have a coach or partner roll a tennis ball to each cone instead of placing it, adding a read and reaction element.
- Add a quick shuffle step after the throw to simulate getting back to position.
Coach notes
transcript
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