Infield Drill: Short Hop Showdown (Baseball & Softball)
Partner drill where players practice digging balls out of the dirt. Pairs compete to reach 10 successful short hop catches first.
How to Run This Drill
- Divide players into pairs spaced about 10 feet apart and give each pair a ball. Everyone starts on their knees.
- On your call, the player with the ball throws it to their partner on a short hop, bouncing it just a few feet in front of them.
- The fielder scoops the ball and returns it to their partner in the same way.
- Every time a player successfully digs a ball, the pair gets a point. The first pair to 10 wins.
- Then play again, this time with each pair standing up.
Coaching Points
- Throw the ball to bounce just a few feet in front of your partner
- Be aggressive and meet the ball with your glove
- Start on knees, then progress to standing
- Find balance between being aggressive and staying under control
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Categories
Infield
Focus Areas
Short Hops
Age Groups
9-1011-1213-14
Players
4-20 players
Difficulty
intermediate
Equipment Needed
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