Fielding Drills for Infielders: 3 Examples

Introduction to Fielding Drills for Infielders

Fielding is a crucial skill for infielders in baseball. It involves not only catching and throwing but also making quick decisions and developing good hand-eye coordination. In this guide, we’ll explore three practical examples of fielding drills that can help infielders sharpen their skills and become more effective on the field.

Example 1: The Short Hop Drill

This drill focuses on improving an infielder’s ability to field short hops, which are common ground balls that bounce just before reaching the player. This drill is particularly useful for players who struggle with fielding balls that bounce unexpectedly.

To set up the drill, you’ll need a partner and a baseball. Stand about 10-15 feet apart. Your partner will throw ground balls that are designed to bounce right before they reach you. As the ball approaches, get into a proper fielding stance with your knees slightly bent and your glove low to the ground. As the ball hops towards you, scoop it up with your glove, ensuring you keep your body in front of the ball to maintain control. After fielding, practice making a quick throw to your partner.

Notes/Variations:

• Start with softer throws and gradually increase the speed and difficulty.
• You can also add a timer to create pressure and improve reaction time.
• Try this drill on different surfaces (grass vs. dirt) to simulate game scenarios.

Example 2: The 4-Corner Drill

The 4-Corner Drill is designed to enhance an infielder’s range and ability to field balls hit to different areas. This drill is great for improving footwork and decision-making skills in various fielding situations.

To set up, place four cones in a square shape, about 10-15 feet apart. Have a coach or teammate hit ground balls to each corner of the square. Start at one cone, and when the ball is hit, sprint to the cone where the ball is going, field it cleanly, and return to the center cone. Repeat this process for each corner of the square, fielding balls from different angles and distances.

Notes/Variations:

• Incorporate different types of hits: ground balls, line drives, or pop-ups to increase difficulty.
• Add a second infielder to practice communication and teamwork.
• Use a stopwatch to track improvement in speed and efficiency.

Example 3: The Reaction Drill

This drill is aimed at developing quick reflexes and reaction time when fielding. It’s particularly beneficial for young players who are learning to anticipate and react to the ball’s trajectory.

For this drill, you will need two players and a baseball. One player stands about 15 feet away with the ball, while the other player stands in a ready position. The player with the ball randomly tosses it in different directions within a short radius (about 5 feet) around the infielder. The infielder must react quickly and move to field the ball. After fielding, they should make a throw to the partner to complete the drill. Repeat the drill, ensuring that the player with the ball varies their tosses to keep the infielder guessing.

Notes/Variations:

• Incorporate a blindfold for the infielder to increase the challenge (make sure it’s safe!).
• Use different types of balls (tennis balls, softballs) to work on different handling techniques.
• Increase the distance as the infielder improves their reaction time.

These examples of fielding drills for infielders are designed to enhance essential skills while keeping practice engaging and effective. Remember, consistency is key in mastering fielding techniques!