Infield Drill: Infield Drop Drill (Baseball & Softball)
A reaction drill where the coach drops a ball just in front of the fielder's glove, forcing them to use proper footwork to field and throw. Trains quick hands, clean fielding footwork, and fast release under pressure.
How to Run This Drill
- Fielder gets into a proper fielding position - athletic stance, glove out front, on the balls of the feet.
- Coach holds a baseball about one inch in front of the fielder's glove and drops it without warning.
- The fielder reacts immediately, using one of two footwork patterns to field and throw:
- - Two-step (right to left to target): Field the ball, right foot, left foot, throw. Quick and compact for balls close to the body.
- - Four-step: Field the ball, four quick shuffle steps, then throw. Used when more distance or time is needed to set up.
- After fielding, the player throws to their target.
- Coach varies which footwork to call for (two or four steps) to keep the fielder from defaulting to one pattern.
- Can be done at home in a backyard or driveway - player can also drop the ball themselves to work solo if no coach is available.
Coaching Points
- The drop is without warning - the fielder must be in a true ready position, not anticipating.
- Two footwork options: right-left-throw (two step) for quick release, or four steps when more time is available. Know both.
- Field clean first, then throw. Rushing the throw before the fielding is secure leads to errors.
- If working solo at home, drop the ball yourself and practice the footwork and transfer.
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Equipment Needed
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