Team Defense Drill: Infield Outfield Routine (Baseball & Softball)

A comprehensive pre-game infield/outfield routine that covers relays, round the horn throws, double plays, and various fielding scenarios. Quick, game-like, and promotes energy and communication. Should be used as your pre-game warmup and time should be reserved during practice to work on it.

How to Run This Drill

**Break Outs** - Everyone sprints out to their positions. Sets the tone - coaches insist on full sprints every time. Coach will hit all fungos. This will rely heavily on the coach hitting good fungos. If it coach is struggling to hit balls to the outfield, they can get as close as needed and throw the ball.
**Relays to 2nd Base (2x through)** - Start with left fielders, work around to centerfield then right field positions. Catchers work on throwing dirt ball scoops to first baseman. Receiving player at 2nd base (shorstop or 2nd base) will throw to 3rd who will relay back to home.
**Relays to 3rd Base (2x through)** - Same rotation.
**Relays to Home** - Sac fly situations, then do-or-die plays.
**Infield Portion** -
**Home to First (Infield In)** - Ground balls with infield playing in throwing into catcher (tag play).
**Regular One** - Standard ground ball to each position with a throw to first base.
**One and Cover (Down and Back)** - Field ground ball, then cover base to receive throwdown from catcher.
**Double Play (No Cover)** - Turn two without cover at first.
**Double Play & Cover** - Turn two then cover base to receive throwdown from catcher.
**Long One Backhands** - Deep backhand plays.
**Short One (On the Run)** - Slow rollers, charging and throwing on the run.

Coaching Points

Insist everybody sprints out to their positions every time
Use the Longoria prep step: left-right-hop, thumbs up on landing for mobility on off reps
Be vocal - it builds energy, calms nerves, and focuses the mind
Great footwork on all plays - stay active with feet, attack the ball, move through it
Make your players look great - put the ball in good spots they can field cleanly
Timing: hit the next ball after the player fields the previous one
Praise players for great back doors - highlight effort on simple plays
On poor fields, don't hit too hard - avoid gunshot hops
Start slow early in the season, then increase speed as players get cleaner
Should never be waiting on players - they should be waiting on you

At a Glance

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