Baserunning Drill: Dirt Ball Reads (Baseball & Softball)
Train baserunners to recognize balls in the dirt and make quick decisions about advancing, developing aggressive but smart baserunning instincts.
How to Run This Drill
- Runners at each base with helmets on
- Pitcher/coach on the mound with catchers at home plate in full gear, taking turns
- Runners take initial lead from the bases, take secondary lead when the ball is delivered home
- Pitch is delivered in the dirt for the catcher to block. Catcher blocks and recovers, gets in position to throw the ball to a base
- Runners will read the pitch and decide if they can advance to the next base
- Runners can read independently or in unison with the other runners
- Coach has the option to put infield defense in place for catcher to throw to bases
- Each player rotates through the line so that they each lead off of 1st base 5 times
Coaching Points
- Get a good secondary lead on every pitch
- Read the ball into the dirt immediately
- Make your decision before the catcher recovers the ball
- If the ball gets away, be aggressive and go
- If blocked cleanly, get back to the base quickly
- Always assume two outs - be aggressive but smart
At a Glance
- baseballs or softballs
Quick Actions
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