Infield Drill: Glove-Side Foot Backhand (Baseball & Softball)

Extended backhand technique for balls hit far to the glove side. Cross over, drop to a lunge, and catch the ball out in front off your front foot.

How to Run This Drill

Player lines up facing the coach, ready to move to their glove side.
Player crosses their glove-side leg over their throwing-side leg, like turning to walk.
Drop the throwing-side knee to the ground in a lunge position, creating a wide base.
The glove stays in front of the body - ball is caught off the front foot, not behind it.
Coach rolls or hits balls directly into the glove until the player masters catching out front with one hand.
Progress to rolling the ball slightly in front of the lead foot, requiring further movement before planting.

Coaching Points

Most common mistake: ball hits wrist because glove is behind the body
Glove must stay in front of your body with a relaxed wrist
Do not twist the glove - squeeze when the ball enters and bring to center
The lunge creates a wide base to get your butt down
Catch off the front foot, but still out in front of your body

At a Glance

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