Infield Drill: Go Drill (Baseball & Softball)
Teaches infielders to attack ground balls instead of waiting for the ball to come to them. Players sprint into the ball on the coach's command, break down from big steps to small steps, field, and throw - building the habit of getting into the ball aggressively.
How to Run This Drill
- Set up a line of players at the front of the infield. A coach or assistant stands a few feet away ready to roll ground balls. Have a net or target set up for throws.
- All players at the front of the line get ready in an athletic fielding stance.
- Coach calls "Go!" The player at the front of the line takes a 3-4 foot dead sprint directly into the ball. This is not a jog - it is a full sprint to get into the ball rather than letting the ball travel to them.
- As the player closes the distance, they transition from big steps (the sprint) to small, controlled steps as they approach the ball. Cue: "big steps into small steps."
- The player times their footwork so the left foot lands as they field the ball (for right-handed throwers). Cue: "time up your left foot."
- After fielding, the player takes one shuffle step: right foot, then left foot, and throws. Cue: "field, right, left, throw." Do not take extra steps - get rid of the ball quickly.
- Player runs hard getting into the ball, breaks down under control, fields, and fires. Cue: "big small field throw. Run hard then break down - do not be out of control."
- Next player in line goes on the coach's next "Go!" command. Rotate through the line continuously.
- Coaching reminder: even though players may be throwing into a net during practice, reinforce that in a game the ball has to travel the full distance across the diamond - get rid of it quickly every rep.
Coaching Points
- Attack the ball - do not let the ball travel to you. Getting into the ball gives you better hops and more time for the throw.
- Big steps into small steps - sprint in, then break down under control. Do not be out of control when you field.
- Time the left foot on the field for right-handed throwers - left foot plants as the glove receives the ball.
- One shuffle and throw: field, right foot, left foot, throw. Do not take extra steps before releasing.
- Even when throwing into a net in practice, think about making the full cross-diamond throw - get rid of it quickly.
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Equipment Needed
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