Title
First baseman practices receiving and picking short hops off the ground at the bag during infield exchanges.
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: Soft hands and proper glove angle for picking low, short-hopped throws out of the dirt.
Builds toward Confidently scooping low or short-hopped throws at first base, securing outs on inaccurate throws from infielders.
What it is
A first baseman stands at the bag and receives throws from various angles that bounce or arrive as short hops. The player fields the low hop cleanly and demonstrates proper footwork and glove positioning to secure the ball before the runner arrives.
What it practices
Short-hop receiving, glove work on low bounces, footwork at first base, and the catch-to-tag transition on plays at the bag.
Focuses on improving
Targets the glove-to-catch exchange for first basemen who struggle fielding short hops on throws from infielders. Builds confidence and clean receiving technique on low, difficult throws that are common in double-play situations.
How to run it
5-10 reps for each variation (front, glove side, backhand, knee-down).Setup
- 1Player stands in a ready stance, resembling a first baseman stretched toward a throw, with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent.
- 2Hold one baseball in the throwing hand, glove on the non-throwing hand.
Run the drill
- 1Drop the ball directly in front of the glove, letting it take one short hop.
- 2Attack the ball with the glove, getting the glove down early to meet the ball cleanly.
- 3Secure the ball and bring it to the chest for a simulated transfer.
- 4Repeat, dropping the ball to the glove side, then the backhand side.
- 5Repeat, dropping the ball and going down to one knee on the glove side to field it.
Coaching cues
- Soft hands through the ball.
- Glove down early.
- Eyes on the ball all the way to the glove.
- Get your body behind the ball.
- Fingers down, scoop through.
Common mistakes
- Stabbing at the ball with a stiff glove.
- Standing too upright, not getting low enough to the ground.
- Bringing the glove up late, missing the short hop.
- Pulling the glove away from the ball rather than through it.
Progressions
- Use a partner to throw short, controlled hops from 5-10 feet away.
- Vary the speed and direction of the tossed hops.
- Increase the distance of the drop or toss to simulate longer short hops.
Coach notes
transcript
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