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
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Categories
Infield
Focus Areas
BackhandRange
Age Groups
9-1011-1213-1415-1617-1818+
Players
2-12 players
Difficulty
intermediate
Equipment Needed
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