Rapid-fire ground ball drills are a fantastic way to give baseball players tons of practice in a short time. These drills focus on the proper mechanics of fielding, teaching players when to use two hands versus one, developing soft hands, and quick ball transfers. They also incorporate crossover steps for challenging backhand plays.
Rapid Fire Ground Ball Drills for Baseball Players
Key Takeaways & Drills:
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No Steps Drill: Players move from left to middle to right, fielding balls with one hand to the sides and two hands when the ball is directly at them. Coaches should vary the ball direction to increase the challenge.
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Stay Low: Focus on bending at the knees, not the waist, to maintain soft hands and quick feet.
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Crossover Steps Drill: Add crossover steps to the left and right, ensuring players start with their feet the correct distance apart to avoid wasted movement. Keep knees bent and glove low.
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Backhand Drill (On Knee): Start on one knee to get a feel for staying low and positioning the glove slightly ahead of the foot. This helps players understand the giving action of the glove.
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Backhand Drill (Standing): Replicate the on-knee drill while standing, emphasizing a relaxed glove-side elbow for a pendulum-like action that secures the ball in the glove and facilitates quick transfers.
These drills are great for challenging players and serve as an excellent warm-up, providing numerous repetitions to improve fielding skills.
For more tips on improving your baseball skills, visit BaseballSkillsHub.com.