Fielding: Simulating game-like situations

Once you teach your players a skill, the next step is to push them to perform it under pressure. As Kirk Walker explains, you can do this by "putting a clock" on drills to simulate game-like situations. By adding a goal with a consequence if it's not met, athletes learn to feel the pressure and deal with it effectively over time.

Try these drills to motivate your players to compete:

Infielder drill

Purpose: To practice throwing fast runners out at first base.

How it works: Assemble your infielders in their positions on the field. A slapper hits the ball and runs to first. The infielders work to get the ball to first base as quickly as possible to make the out. Target 2.7 seconds (or an appropriate time for your team) from bat contact to first base glove contact. Repeat.

Variation: Once infielders get the hang of the drill, set standards for them to hit, such as getting six outs in a row or making 20 throws under 2.7 sec in 2 minutes in a rapid fire drill.

Requirements: At least 7 players, bats, gloves, a coach, balls, and a field

Outfielder drill

Purpose: To practice throwing runners out at home.

How it works: Assemble your outfielders in their positions on the field. A player hits the ball and runs the bases. The outfielders work to get the ball to home base as quickly as possible to make the out. Target 5.2 seconds (or an appropriate time for your team) from bat contact to catcher glove contact. Repeat.

Variation: Once outfielders get the hang of the drill, set standards for them to hit, such as getting six outs in a row.

Requirements: At least 6 players, bats, gloves, a coach, balls, and a field
Check out the video for more details!