One-Two

Equipment Needed:
Softballs and gloves

Purpose:
This drill helps players learn proper positioning when fielding ground balls and help them check themselves as they are provided feedback while performing the drill.

Explanation:
Set up players on one side of the infield or split into two sides (first and third base sides) depending on the size of the groups. One player sets up a few feet to the right or left of the bag depending on which side of the field you are using. The other players stand in line from foul territory and cheer their teammate.

A coach standing at home plate rolls a ball to the player at a moderate speed.

The player runs to the ball with no glove. The player receives the ball with her hands in proper position under her face or forehead. Make sure the player fields the ball with a low backside and one foot slightly in front of the other depending on which hand she uses to throw. This is position one, and the player shouts "One!" while staying in this position. At this point the coach will look at the stance and give feedback to all the players as they watch and learn.

The coach then shouts "Go!" and the player then shouts "Two" as she jumps into throwing position. The player should make sure that her body is pointed at the target which will be the coach or another coach who is receiving the throws.

Players should show flexibility in their joints, an athletic stance with good balance and foot work, and the arm out in scare crow position ready to throw. The coach again shouts "Go!" and the player proceeds to throw the ball to the target.

This drill is a stop and go drill that is intended to teach players to think and feel their positioning and technique. With enough repetition, it will help players develop muscle memory.

Once players have run through this dril a couple of times, coaches can then do something we call the "Flow" drill. It is a one-two flowing fast pickup drill where players sprint to a faster rolled ball with gloves on. The players shout "One!" as they contact the ball. As the players come up into body with ball, they are moving into throwing position and shout "Two." The players throw the ball and then run to the back of the line in foul territory and cheer on their teammates.

Coaches should emphasize to players that this is a drill where exaggeration is a must. Eye contact is exaggerated to the point where the chin comes into the chest while bringing the ball into the body. Total focus is essential until the drill is completed. Encourage players to strive for perfection as best as possible during the drill. Players can let go and encourage teammates when they run to the end of the line.

We do this drill every practice after warmups. It gives great results.