Published: April 1997
Categories: Infield Defense Outfield Defense Mental Game
Type: Drill
Purpose: Get lots of reps while requiring mental focus.
Equipment Needed:
Four softee balls, any number of players with gloves (over seven) so the coach can structure the groups according to the numbers at hand
Explanation
No. 1 rolls the ball to No. 2 who fields it. No. 1 then runs to the No. 2 position. No. 2 throws the ball to No. 3, who catches the ball. No. 2 then runs to the No. 3 position. No. 3 rolls the ball to No. 4, who fields it. No. 3 runs to the No. 4 position. No. 4 throws to No. 5, who catches the ball. No. 4 then runs to the No. 5 position. No. 5 rolls the ball to No. 6, who has stepped up into the No. 1 position and fields the ball. No. 5 runs to the back of the line. The cycle begins again. No. 6 fields and throws to the No. 2 position, etc.
Variations
- Have the No. 5 player sprint to the end of the gym and get back to the line in time to field and throw.
- Have the No. 5 player do sit-ups or push-ups and be done in time to field and throw.
- Add a second softee ball
Immediately after the No. 1 position has run to the No. 2 position, have the No. 6 position step up and roll the second softee ball to the No. 2 position. The drill really moves, it's fun and it requires total concentration.