The Box Drill, demonstrated by Bill Ripken, is designed to perfect the underhand flip, especially for infielders. It emphasizes footwork, target presentation, and accurate ball delivery—critical skills for quick plays.
Mastering the Underhand Flip with the Box Drill
This drill uses a shortstop-to-second base setup to train players in making accurate underhand flips, a valuable technique for infield play. The focus is on moving efficiently, presenting a good target, and ensuring the ball goes where the hand directs.
Key Tips for the Box Drill:
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Footwork: Move your feet towards the target, using either a crossover or shuffle step to maintain momentum.
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Target Presentation: Present a clear target for the throw, ensuring the receiver has a good visual.
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Hand Position: Keep your hand up high during the flip; where your hand goes, the ball goes. This helps with accuracy.
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Catch First: Always catch the ball first before focusing on footwork and the subsequent flip.
This drill simulates game-like scenarios, such as fielding a two-hopper and executing a quick underhand flip from shortstop to second base. The Box Drill is a fantastic way to instill these essential skills in players.
For more tips on improving your baseball skills, visit BaseballSkillsHub.com.