Infield Drills for Footwork and Rhythm

Sep 17, 2024

Infield Drills for Footwork and Rhythm

Introduction

  • Presentation on three infield drills to improve foot movement and rhythm.
  • Drills include fielding and footwork exercises for both right-handed (righties) and left-handed (lefties) players.

Drill 1: Glove Side Fielding

  • Objective: Work on fielding to the glove side with rhythm and proper foot movement.
  • Setup:
    • A tosser stands in front of the player.
    • Righties shuffle to their left, and lefties shuffle to their right.
  • Execution:
    • Field three balls to the glove side.
    • First Two Balls: Field and toss.
    • Third Ball: Field and throw.
  • Technique:
    • Shuffle while staying low, mimicking fielding a ground ball.
    • Avoid standing straight up; stay in an athletic position.
    • Maintain fluid motion - shuffle, field, toss, and repeat.
    • Full-speed execution involves quick and continuous motion without stopping.

Drill 2: Quick Footwork Over Cones

  • Objective: Increase foot speed and maintain rhythm.
  • Setup:
    • Use cones to guide footwork.
    • Righties start to the right of the cones; lefties start to the left.
  • Execution:
    • Move back and forth over the cones three times.
    • Lead with the outside foot (right for righties, left for lefties).
    • On the third pass, time the field and throw.
  • Technique:
    • Steps: Right left, left right, right left field, right left throw for righties.
    • Keep movements continuous and light on the feet.
    • Ensure timing of the fielding matches the ball’s arrival.

Drill 3: Fielding Repetitions

  • Objective: Increase reps in fielding while staying light on feet.
  • Setup:
    • Similar to Drill 2, but with more fielding repetitions.
    • Righties start to the right, lefties to the left.
  • Execution:
    • Field three balls: left side, right side, left side.
    • First two balls: Field and toss.
    • Third ball: Field and throw.
  • Technique:
    • Always start with the outside foot.
    • Stay low and maintain speed while fielding.
    • Steps for Righties: Right left field, toss, left right field, toss, right left field, right left throw.
    • Steps for Lefties: Left right field, toss, right left field, toss, left right field, left right throw.
    • Keep light and fluid movement, avoid heaviness.

Conclusion

  • Each drill enhances footwork, rhythm, and fielding skills.
  • Practice ensures fluidity and quick responses during fielding.