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Drills for Infielders/Outfielders:
1. Ozzie Smith Drill-get on your knees with no glove.
Have someone roll you balls to your glove side, middle and
backhand. Focus on extending the hands through the ball. Do not
absorb the ball. Why take your hands away from where the ball is
fielded? Most coaches say that it creates a smooth infielder.
NOT TRUE. What creates smoothness is repetition. Most infield
errors occur when receiving the ball. Don't shovel it either.
Simply keep the feet moving through the ball and then gather
your feet and hands to a strong throwing position.
2. Fungoes-have the fungo hitter stand even with the
pitchers mound, hitting easy groundballs to the left, middle and
backhand sides. Work on quick feet, explosive first steps, and
using your legs to get into a good fielding position and strong
throwing position. Have the fungo hitter back up gradually
continuing to hit easy ground balls so you can set your feet and
work on your rhythm. Don't forget to work on the backhand deep
in the hole with a quick transfer of the ball to the throwing
hand (with a 4-seam grip)
3. Step throughs-after you field a ground ball with good
mechanics, take 2 full steps without standing up out of your
fielding position. This will condition you to use your legs and
keep the feet moving through the ball as you receive it-instead
of back on your heels.
4. Football passes-Have your coach throw football passes
to your right, left, over both shoulders, into the sun, etc.
Start this drill without a glove to help hand eye coordination.
Work on taking your eyes off the ball during your running
patterns and then picking it up immediately while tracking the
ball effectively.
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