Infield Drill: 1st Base Flip to Pitcher (Baseball & Softball)
Essential first base and pitcher's fielding drill teaching the 3-6-1 play where the first baseman fields a ground ball and flips to the pitcher covering first base.
How to Run This Drill
- Players is in fielding position at 1st base, pitcher on the mound
- Coach is at home plate with a bucket of baseballs and a bat
- Pitcher goes through a dry rep (without ball) pitching motion
- Coach hits a ground ball to the right of the 1st baseman after pitcher goes through dry pitching motion
- 1st baseman fields the groundball while the pitcher is running to 1st base to cover the bag
- 1st baseman should either flip the ball to the pitcher covering 1st base or run back to the base themselves if they are close enough to the base.
- Focus on good communication between the pitcher and 1st baseman. Players not in the drill should be yelling "Get Over!" when the ball is hit in no mans land. 1st baseman should yell "I got it!" if they will tag the base themselves.
- When far from the bag, the 1st baseman should focus on making a good flip on a line to the pitcher covering 1st base, and the pitcher catching the ball with their foot on 1st base
- Pitcher tosses the ball off to the side and players get reset in their positions
- Coach hits the 1 st baseman groundballs until they have had 10 repetitions (players may rotate if more than one 1st baseman)
Coaching Points
- First baseman: Field the ball cleanly first, then locate pitcher
- Flip should be chest high and on a line - not a lob
- Pitcher: Sprint to the bag calling "Ball! Ball!" loudly
- Pitcher: Catch with foot on inside of bag, give good target
- Time your flip - lead the pitcher to the bag
- This is a critical play - practice until automatic
Quick Actions
At a Glance
- bases
- fungo-bat
- baseballs or softballs
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