Become a Vacuum at Shortstop: Mastering the Backhand
The backhand. It’s the bane of many infielders’ existence, but it doesn’t have to be. A well-executed backhand can be the difference between a routine out and a runner reaching base safely. This post will give you the drills and techniques to turn your backhand from a liability into a weapon. We’re going to build that confidence and those skills to make you a gold-glove caliber infielder!
Why the Backhand is Crucial
Think about it: how many balls are hit *directly* at you? Not many. A significant portion of ground balls require you to move laterally, and often, that means going to your glove side – the backhand. Mastering this play dramatically increases your range and your ability to make highlight-reel plays.
Drill 1: The Short Hop Shuffle
This drill focuses on the most challenging part of the backhand: the short hop. It teaches you to read the hop and react quickly.
- Setup: Have a partner stand about 15-20 feet away with a bucket of baseballs.
- Execution: Your partner will soft-toss balls, intentionally creating short hops in front of you. Focus on shuffling your feet to get in front of the ball, presenting your glove early, and securing the ball with a soft, receiving hand.
- Key Focus: Watch the ball *all the way* into your glove. Don’t stab! Think “soft hands.”
- Reps: 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
Drill 2: The Angle Drill
This drill teaches you to create the proper angle to the ball, ensuring you’re not reaching or lunging unnecessarily.
- Setup: Place two cones about 5 feet apart, forming a line perpendicular to your throwing direction. You’ll start at one cone.
- Execution: Have your partner roll balls to the side of the second cone. Your goal is to approach the ball on an angle that allows you to field it cleanly *between* the cones. This forces you to work *through* the ball, not just reach for it.
- Key Focus: Proper footwork is everything! Stay low, take short, choppy steps, and attack the ball on the correct angle.
- Reps: 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
Drill 3: The “Figure 8” Drill
This drill improves your footwork, agility, and ability to change direction quickly – essential for fielding those hard-hit balls in the hole.
- Setup: Place two cones about 10 feet apart.
- Execution: Start at one cone. Shuffle laterally to the other cone, fielding an imaginary ball with your backhand. Immediately shuffle back to the starting cone, fielding another imaginary ball. Continue this “figure 8” motion.
- Add a Partner: To make the drill more game like, after you master the footwork, add a partner to toss in balls after you reach a cone!
- Key Focus: Stay low, maintain a wide base, and keep your glove out in front.
- Reps: 3 sets of 60 seconds.
The Throw After the Backhand
Fielding the ball is only half the battle. You need a quick, accurate throw to complete the play. After each rep in the drills above, practice your transfer and throwing motion. Focus on a quick, clean transfer from your glove to your throwing hand and a strong, accurate throw to first base.
Practice these drills consistently, and you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your backhand ability. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master it overnight. It takes time and dedication, but the payoff is huge. Now get out there and start practicing! You got this!
