Mastering the Art of the Backhand: Fielding Drills for Infielders

Become a Vacuum at Shortstop: Mastering the Backhand

The backhand play. It’s often the difference between an out and a runner reaching base, a highlight-reel play and a costly error. For infielders, especially shortstops and third basemen, a smooth, reliable backhand is absolutely essential. This isn’t just about flashy plays; it’s about fundamentally sound fielding that consistently converts tough chances into outs. This post will give you drills and tips to sharpen your backhand, helping you become a more complete and confident infielder.

Why the Backhand is So Crucial

• Range Extension: The backhand allows you to cover more ground, reaching balls that would be impossible to get to with a forehand approach.
• Quick Transfers: A clean backhand sets you up for a fast and accurate throw to first base.
• Versatility: It’s essential for handling slow rollers, hard-hit balls in the hole, and everything in between.
• Confidence Booster: Knowing you can confidently make the backhand play improves your overall fielding ability and mental game.

Drills to Develop a Flawless Backhand

1. The Soft Toss Backhand Drill

Purpose: Develop soft hands, proper glove positioning, and a smooth fielding motion.

How to do it:

1. Have a partner stand a short distance away (10-15 feet) and softly toss underhand balls to your backhand side.
2. Focus on fielding the ball with your glove out in front, using soft hands to cradle the ball.
3. Stay low to the ground.
4. Work on a clean transfer from glove to throwing hand.
5. Start with stationary drills, then progress to moving laterally to simulate game situations.

2. The Short Hop Backhand Drill

Purpose: Practice fielding those tricky short hops that often occur on backhand plays.

How to do it:

1. Have a partner stand a short distance away and throw or bounce balls to your backhand side, creating short hops.
2. Focus on reading the hop and adjusting your glove position accordingly.
3. Try to field the ball at the peak of the hop or just before if possible.
4. Stay down, and move to the baseball.
5. Work on securing the ball quickly and making a strong throw.

3. The Cone Drill

Purpose: Improve footwork, agility, and range when fielding backhand ground balls.

How to do it:

1. Set up a line of 3-4 cones about 5-10 feet apart.
2. Start at one end of the cones.
3. Have a partner roll or hit ground balls to your backhand side, forcing you to move laterally between the cones.
4. Focus on quick footwork, staying low, and fielding the ball cleanly while moving.
5. Make a strong, accurate throw after fielding each ball.

4. Rapid Fire Backhand

Purpose Build muscle memory, and quick reaction timing.

How to do it

1. Have a partner about 20 feet away.
2. As fast as you can, your partner will keep rolling balls to your backhand.
3. Do not throw the balls. The focus is just on fielding.
4. Keep going for 30-60 seconds.

Key Tips for Backhand Success

• Stay Low: A low center of gravity is crucial for quick reactions and smooth fielding.
• Glove Out in Front: Extend your glove towards the ball, fielding it out in front of your body.
• Soft Hands: Cradle the ball gently; don’t stab at it.
• Quick Transfer: Practice a fast and efficient transfer from glove to throwing hand.
• Footwork is Key: Use short, choppy steps to move to the ball and get into a good fielding position.
• Watch the Ball All the Way In: Keep your eyes focused on the ball until it’s securely in your glove.

Practice these drills regularly, and you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your backhand fielding. You’ll be making those tough plays look routine in no time! Go get ’em!