Baseball & Softball Fielding Drills: Master Defensive Fundamentals
Build elite defensive skills with our comprehensive collection of baseball and softball fielding drills. From basic ground ball fundamentals to advanced double-play work, these drills develop quick hands, proper footwork, and game-ready defensive skills for youth players at every level.
All Fielding Drills
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Showing 21 drills
1st Base Flip to Pitcher
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.
1st Base Inside Receiving
Teach first basemen proper footwork and positioning for receiving throws from infielders, emphasizing target presentation and adjustments.
1st Base Off Bag
Develop first baseman's ability to field ground balls after breaking from holding a runner, using proper shuffle footwork.
1st Base Receiving
Fundamental drill for teaching first basemen proper receiving technique, footwork, and stretching mechanics for all types of throws.
1st Base Receiving Short Hops
Advanced first base drill teaching how to pick short hop throws, an essential skill for turning errant throws into outs.
2nd Baseman Backhand Flip
Teach second basemen the backhand flip feed to shortstop for double plays, emphasizing ball control and accuracy.
2nd Baseman Drop Step Throw
Develop second baseman's ability to quickly pivot and make short, accurate dart throws to second base on double play balls.
2nd Baseman Forehand Spin
Advanced double play feed where second baseman fields on the run toward second and uses forehand spin to deliver ball to shortstop.
2nd Baseman Underhand Flip
Classic underhand flip feed from second baseman to shortstop, the most common and reliable double play feed.
30 Second Backhand
Partner drill developing backhand fielding technique with focus on staying low, proper glove position, and tracking the ball.
30 Second Backhand Cross
Advanced backhand drill teaching crossover step technique for balls hit further to glove side, developing range and agility.
30 Second Crow Hops
Fundamental drill teaching proper footwork for fielding ground balls on the move and getting into throwing position.
30 Second Grounders
Basic partner drill for developing soft hands and proper glove position on routine ground balls.
30 Second Quick Toss
Hand-eye coordination drill developing quick hands, soft hands, and throwing accuracy at game speed.
30 Second Short Hops
Essential drill for learning to pick short hops, teaching proper glove work and hand position for bad bounce grounders.
4.3 Drill
Competitive timing drill where each infield position tries to field a grounder and complete the throw to first base in 4.3 seconds or less.
Backhand Rake Fungo
Fungo drill teaching backhand fielding technique where players 'rake' through the ball rather than stabbing at it.
Ball in Hand
Advanced drill teaching fielders to secure the ball in throwing hand while fielding, improving transfer speed and preventing bobbles.
Box Drill- 2nd Baseman Double Play Feeds
Stationary drill isolating the second baseman backhand flip feed, building muscle memory for double play feeds.
Box Drill- Shortstop Double Play Feeds
Stationary drill isolating the shortstop underhand flip feed, building muscle memory for double play feeds.
Break Down and Come Through
Fundamental fielding drill teaching players to attack the ball, get their body in proper position, and field the ball on the move.
Why Fielding Drills Are Critical for Youth Baseball Success
Defense wins games in youth baseball and softball—and great defense starts with fundamental fielding drills practiced consistently. Unlike hitting where players control their at-bats, every player must field their position effectively to help the team succeed. Youth baseball fielding drills teach the ready position, proper glove work, footwork patterns, and the quick transfers needed to make plays.
Young players often struggle with fear of the ball, improper positioning, or rushing through fielding mechanics. Well-designed baseball fielding drills address these issues systematically, building confidence through progression from easy to challenging. Starting with soft, controlled ground balls and advancing to harder-hit balls hit with fungo bats creates a natural learning curve.
The best fielding practice balances individual skill work with team defensive concepts. Players need repetitions on ground balls, fly balls, and line drives specific to their positions. But they also need to understand cutoff and relay responsibilities, backing up teammates, and communicating on the field. Comprehensive fielding drills address both individual mechanics and team defensive coordination.
Essential Ground Ball Drills for Youth Infielders
Ground ball fundamentals form the foundation of all infield play. Baseball infield drills should emphasize staying low in the ready position, moving feet to the ball rather than reaching, and fielding out front with soft hands. Start with stationary fielding drills where players in ready position receive slow rollers directly at them, focusing on proper glove positioning and watching the ball into the glove.
Progress to approach and field drills where players start 10-15 feet behind their starting position and move forward through the ground ball. This teaches the crucial concept of playing through the ball with momentum toward first base rather than waiting back on heels. Add lateral movement drills with shuffles and crossover steps to develop range to both sides.
Advanced infield drills include bare-hand plays on slow rollers, forehand and backhand techniques, and quick-release throws. For middle infielders, double-play feeds and pivot work become essential. First basemen need specific drills for receiving throws, stretching to the bag, and picking short hops. Third basemen practice charging slow rollers and making strong throws across the diamond. Position-specific fielding work separates good defensive players from great ones.
Outfield Drills: Fly Balls, Communication, and Throwing
Outfield play requires different skills than infield work, and youth baseball fielding drills must address these unique demands. The drop-step technique for balls hit over the head is fundamental—outfielders must turn and run at an angle rather than backpedaling. Practice drop-steps to both sides with coaches hitting or throwing balls over players' heads at increasing distances.
Fly ball tracking and judgment come with repetition. Start with short pop-ups where players can easily get under the ball, then progress to deeper fly balls requiring longer runs. Teach the priority system for communication—center fielder calls off corner outfielders, outfielders call off infielders. Have players call 'I got it!' or 'You take it!' on every ball during practice to build this habit.
Throwing mechanics for outfielders emphasize the crow-hop footwork that generates power and accuracy. Players field the ball, execute a quick crow-hop to build momentum, and make strong throws to the correct base. Practice hitting cutoff men with chest-high throws, and teach when to throw behind runners versus leading them. Outfield drills that combine catching, footwork, and throwing in sequence prepare players for game situations.
Station-Based Fielding Practice for Maximum Repetitions
Maximize fielding repetitions by organizing drills into small-group stations. While traditional team fielding practice has players standing in long lines waiting for occasional ground balls, station-based fielding drills keep every player active and engaged. Divide your team into groups of 3-4 players rotating through multiple stations every 12-15 minutes.
A typical fielding station setup includes: Station 1 (Ground ball fundamentals with a coach rolling or hitting to a small group), Station 2 (Throwing accuracy to targets or bases), Station 3 (Fly ball and pop-up work), and Station 4 (Position-specific drills like double-play pivots or first base scoops). With 12 players and four stations, each player gets 20-30 fielding repetitions in 45 minutes.
For younger players, keep stations simple with achievable challenges. Older players can handle more complex drills with competitive elements—most consecutive clean plays, timed ground ball to first base races, or accuracy challenges. The key is keeping groups small (2-4 players), providing frequent feedback, and maintaining high energy. Players improve faster with 30 quality repetitions in practice than they would getting 10 balls during traditional team drills.
Common Fielding Mistakes and How to Correct Them
Youth players make predictable fielding mistakes that coaches can address with targeted drills. The most common error is standing too upright instead of staying low in the ready position. Players who stand straight up can't react quickly to ground balls. Fix this with 'low and loud' drills where players hold a low athletic stance and verbally call 'ready position!' until it becomes habit.
Another frequent mistake is stiff hands or 'alligator claws' where the throwing hand isn't above the glove to secure the ball. This leads to balls popping out of the glove on contact. Teach soft hands by having players field with bare hands (use tennis balls for safety) or practice fielding eggs to emphasize gentle receiving. The glove should give slightly as the ball enters, absorbing the impact.
Many young players also field the ball too close to their body or too deep under their body, making it harder to see the ball and execute a quick transfer. Use visual markers (cones or lines) to show players where to field the ball—out front and off the glove-side foot. Practice fielding and immediate transfer to throwing hand to develop quick, efficient movements. Repetition of proper mechanics through focused drills eliminates these common mistakes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fielding drills for youth baseball beginners?
Start with stationary fielding drills using soft, slow-rolled ground balls directly at players. Focus on ready position, watching the ball into the glove, and using two hands (glove and throwing hand). Use foam balls or softer training balls to reduce fear. Keep drills short and fun with lots of positive feedback. Partner tossing and rolling drills work well for building confidence before progressing to coach-hit ground balls.
How can I help players who are afraid of ground balls?
Build confidence gradually using softer balls (tennis balls, foam balls) and slower speeds. Start with rolling balls by hand at slow speeds, ensuring early success. Use positive reinforcement for effort, not just results. Have players field tennis balls bare-handed to prove the ball won't hurt. Practice visualization techniques where players imagine successfully fielding balls. Never force fearful players into situations beyond their comfort—patient progression works better than pressure.
What's the proper ready position for infielders?
The athletic ready position features feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of the feet, knees bent, and hands relaxed out front. The glove should be open and low to the ground. Players should be able to move in any direction quickly. Practice the ready position with 'ready hops'—small bounces as the pitch is delivered that ensure players aren't flat-footed. This stance allows quick reactions to balls hit anywhere.
How often should youth teams practice fielding drills?
Fielding should be practiced at every team session, typically 20-30 minutes per practice 2-3 times per week. During preseason, dedicate more time (30-45 minutes) to fundamental fielding work. During the season, maintain skills with 20-30 minute sessions. Quality matters more than quantity—focused, high-rep drills with proper mechanics develop better fielders than long, unfocused practices.
What are the most important infield drills for double plays?
Double play drills start with proper footwork at second base—shortstops and second basemen must learn efficient pivot techniques. Practice the feed (throw from fielding position to second base) and the pivot (receiving at second, touching the bag, throwing to first) separately before combining them. Use 'around the horn' drills and 4-6-3 or 3-6-3 double play repetitions. Start at half speed to learn footwork, then progress to game speed.
How do you teach outfielders the drop-step technique?
The drop-step is the pivot and run technique for balls hit over outfielders' heads. Start with players facing you, then point left or right—they pivot on the appropriate foot and sprint in that direction. Progress to throwing balls over their heads while they practice drop-stepping and running to catch. Emphasize turning and running at an angle rather than backpedaling. Use cones to mark where balls will land so players learn proper angles.
What equipment is needed for effective fielding drills?
Essential equipment includes baseballs or softballs (2-3 dozen), a fungo bat for coaches, gloves for all players, and cones for markers. Helpful additions include tennis balls for beginners, softer training balls for young players, and agility ladder for footwork drills. Many effective fielding drills require only balls and gloves—coaches can roll or throw balls by hand. A simple L-screen protects coaches during close-range drills.
How can fielding drills be practiced in small spaces?
Many fielding drills work in limited space. Partner rolling drills, wall ball (throwing against a wall and fielding rebounds), reaction drills with short tosses, and footwork patterns need minimal room. Use tennis balls or foam balls for safety indoors. Barehand fielding drills, quick hands exercises, and glove work drills can be done anywhere. Focus on fundamentals—proper glove positioning, soft hands, and quick transfers don't require a full field.
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