Having quick hands is crucial for any infielder. This video, featuring Coach Maddon from YouGoProBaseball.com and former Brewer Nick Shaw, explains how to develop soft, quick hands through specific drills and techniques.
Having soft hands looks cool and also impresses coaches. It will not happen overnight. Nick shares his routine and tips that helped him excel as a middle infielder.
Key Takeaways for Quick Hands
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Racquetball Drill: Throw a racquetball against a wall to train soft hands and quick reactions.
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Stay Loose: Keep your wrists and hands loose while fielding to avoid stiffness.
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Glove Forming: Use a mallet to form your glove, ensuring the ball consistently hits the same spot for quicker transfers.
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Footwork: Maintain active feet to prevent body tension, allowing for smoother fielding.
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Glove Usage: Use the glove primarily to stop the ball, not to close around it, facilitating a quick transfer to the throwing hand.
Nick emphasizes the importance of attacking short hops by pushing through the ball’s path rather than funneling, which can lengthen the hop and create an awkward bounce. Incorporate quick-hand drills into your daily catch routine, dedicating a minute to rapid exchanges and footwork at close range.
Developing soft, quick hands requires consistent practice and attention to detail. Focus on these drills to improve your infield skills and overall game.
For more tips on improving your baseball skills, visit BaseballSkillsHub.com.