Day 1 - Practice Plan

Fundamental skills introduced (these are often skipped over or not taught thoroughly):

Catching the Ball with the Feet
The Throwing Action
How to cover a base, and receive a throw at a base, effectively
Infield Base Coverage Responsibilities & The Fourth Baseman
Underhand Toss
Fielding Footwork

Drills

Wiffle Ball Batting Infield Base Coverage Receiving a Throw at Third Base (tag) Receiving a Throw at First Base (force) Underhand Toss 20’/50’ Ground Balls - TEAM DRILLS

Underhand Toss

Explanations

The Glove - Catching a Ball Move Feet to Catch - Receiving Throws The Base Catcher = ‘Fourth Baseman’ Baseball is a Game of Movement (BBB) Throwing Instruction Gb Fielding Technique (read until video after 50' Ground Balls)

Ready Position

Throwing the ball in the infield (and for shorter throws up to 60’-70’ for kids) is more of a ‘Slinging’ action than a throw. (Video of MLB Shortstops throwing: 0:00-1:30 Full Speed; 1:30-3:15 Slo-Mo). The throwing elbow moves ‘sideways’, at shoulder level. It moves forward, as one piece, with the torso. Then the arm is propelled forward as a result of the Wrist-snap action. This is an ‘accelerated’ action; the elbow moves forward at ‘Medium’ speed, then the Wrist snaps at ‘Full Speed’.

Watch this Table Tennis player use the same technique (upper arm and torso move forward as one piece). Video (0:02 - player in red returning the serve; 0:05-0:08 - player in red returning the serve; then the next time he hits the ball.) This is a fundamental action of biomechanics: The arm and torso move forward together, as one piece. The arm Does Not work independently.

‘No Ball’ Drills

(to Train the Basic Throwing Motion)

First Baseman Footwork

VIDEO (Watch 0:20-0:26)

Sprints to the Base
Cover The Base With Your Eyes
THEN turns to face the throw
Ready Position
Moves to ‘Stretch’ Position AFTER the ball is in the air (to confirm the throw is accurate, Before committing feet)

Throwing Action

BACK TO TOP