Outfield Drill: Crossover Step Drill (Baseball & Softball)
Develops the crossover step - the most efficient way for outfielders to move laterally to fly balls. Pivot, cross over, and run to the spot. This encourages first step quickness and speed to the ball.
How to Run This Drill
- Outfielders line up in a single file, each with a ball.
- First player steps forward, tosses their ball to the coach, and assumes a ready position.
- Coach tells the player which direction to go before the toss.
- On the toss, player pivots on the foot nearest the ball and crosses the opposite foot over.
- Player sprints to the ball and catches it with two hands above their head.
- Progress to the coach not announcing direction - player must read and react.
- This can be done with groundballs or flyballs.
Coaching Points
- Pivot on the foot nearest the ball, cross the other foot over
- Stop the drill immediately if the crossover is wrong - fix it
- The crossover is not a shuffle, it is an explosive movement
- Goal is to get to the spot quickly and catch with two hands overhead
- This footwork is critical for outfielders AND baserunners
- Master the step before adding reads and reactions
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Equipment Needed
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