Banana Route

A banana route is a curved running path, shaped like a banana, used by fielders to approach a base or catch point at the proper angle. Instead of running in a straight line, the fielder arcs toward foul territory or away from the play, then curves back in. This allows them to arrive with momentum going the right direction.

Why Take the Long Way?

Running straight to a spot often leaves you:

• Facing the wrong direction
• Flat-footed when you arrive
• Unable to throw accurately

The banana route solves this by:

• Building momentum toward the target
• Allowing you to receive while moving
• Setting up a natural throwing motion

Common Banana Route Situations

Pitcher Covering First Base

The most common use of the banana route:

The Play: Ground ball to the right side; pitcher must cover first.

The Route:

1. Break toward the first base line (not straight to the bag)
2. Arc out toward foul territory
3. Curve back to hit the inside of the bag
4. Receive the throw while running parallel to the baseline

Why It Matters:

• Arrive facing the throw from 1B or 2B
• Avoid collision with the runner
• Hit the bag in stride, not lunging

Outfielder Under a Fly Ball

The Play: Fly ball hit behind the outfielder

The Route:

1. Turn and run at an angle (not straight back)
2. Curve to get behind the catch point
3. Approach the ball while moving forward
4. Catch with momentum toward the infield

Why It Matters:

• Catch coming "through" the ball
• Already moving toward throw target
• Stronger, more accurate throw

Catcher Fielding a Bunt

The Play: Bunt in front of home plate

The Route:

1. Remove mask, locate ball
2. Arc slightly to get behind the ball
3. Approach with momentum toward first base
4. Field and throw in one motion

How to Run a Banana Route

The Shape

Think of it as three phases:

1. Break: Initial burst at an angle away from the target
2. Arc: Curve around the long way
3. Approach: Come back in toward the destination

Timing

• Start the curve early, you need space to arc
• Hit full speed during the approach phase
• Arrive on balance, not lunging

Adjustments

• Bigger arc for longer throws
• Tighter arc for quick plays
• Adjust based on ball location

Teaching the Banana Route

For Pitchers (Covering First)

1. Set up a cone 10 feet toward foul territory
2. Pitcher must go around the cone
3. Then approach the bag from the inside
4. Practice with and without a throw

For Outfielders

1. Coach hits fly balls over the player's head
2. Player cannot run straight back
3. Must curve to catch while coming forward
4. Emphasize crow hop after the catch

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Running straight and arriving flat-footed
• ❌ Not starting the curve early enough
• ❌ Cutting the arc too tight
• ❌ Slowing down during the approach

Banana Route vs. Drop Step

These are different techniques:

Banana Route	Drop Step
Curved running path	First movement technique
Full route to destination	Initial step only
Used for approaches	Used for getting started

Often used together: Drop step to start, then banana route to complete the play.

Youth Coaching Tips

The banana route feels wrong at first, kids want to take the shortest path. Teach it by:

1. Visual aids: Draw a banana on the field with chalk
2. Cone drills: Force the arc with physical markers
3. Game context: Show video of pros using it
4. Repetition: Muscle memory takes time