Back to Fielding drills

Fielding Drill: 1st Base Flip to Pitcher (Baseball)

Essential first base drill teaching the 3-6-1 play where the first baseman fields a ground ball and flips to the pitcher covering first base.

Instructions

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 (without ball) pitching motion Coach hits a ground ball to the right of the 1st baseman after pitcher goes through dry pitching motion 1 st baseman fields the groundball while the pitcher is running to 1st base to cover the bag 1 st baseman flips the ball to the pitcher covering 1st base Focus on the 1st baseman 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

At a Glance

⏱️
Duration
5 minutes
👥
Players
1-2 players
🎒
Equipment Needed
  • Gloves
  • bucket of baseballs
  • base
  • fungo bat
🎯
Difficulty
intermediate