Fielding: Three outfield drills for limited time & space

These outfielder drills from Brian Kolze are perfect for practices when you're limited due to time, space, weather, or other challenges.

Drill #1: Pressure ground balls drill

Purpose: To work on proper hand and body position when fielding grounders.

How it works: Outfielders form a line 15 yards away from a coach. The coach rolls a grounder to the open space. The first player in line moves toward the ball and receives it, working on proper hand and body position as she moves "through the doorway." She then tosses the ball to the side to end her turn. The drill repeats until each player gets a turn.

Equipment: Three or more players, gloves, balls, a coach and 15 yards of space

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Drill #2: Bounce balls drill

Purpose: To train outfielders to move their feet and stay patient when handling a bounced ball.

How it works: Outfielders form a line 15 yards away from a coach. The coach bounces a grounder to the open space. The first player in line moves toward the ball and receives it, working on proper hand and body position as she moves "through the doorway." It's important for the player to stay in motion and remain patient, not going in too early, so she can get her body in the right position to receive the ball. She then tosses the ball to the side to end her turn. The drill repeats until each player gets a turn.

Equipment: Three or more players, gloves, balls, a coach and 15 yards of space

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Drill #3: Outfielder communication drill

Purpose: To train outfielders to communicate and provide backup support.

How it works: Set up two lines of outfielders across from each other. From 15 yards away, a coach rolls a ball to the open space. The first players in each line run into the space, one in the front and one behind the other to offer support. Players communicate to each other about who will receive the ball, then the designated player fields the grounder. Front and supporting players should take turns fielding. The player who receives the ball then tosses it to the side to end the play. The drill repeats until each player gets a turn.

Equipment: Four or more players, gloves, balls, a coach and 15 yards of space