Fielding Drills for Youth Players

Fielding is often the most neglected aspect of youth baseball development. Parents focus on hitting and pitching, but the ability to field consistently is what separates good players from great ones.

Here are the fundamental fielding drills you can run at home.

Ground Ball Fundamentals

The ready position: feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of the feet, glove low to the ground. This is the starting point for every ground ball.

The approach: move to the ball, don't wait for it. Fielders who move to the ball have more control over the play.

The field: get in front of the ball, glove on the ground, bare hand ready to secure the ball.

The throw: after fielding, step toward the target and make a controlled throw.

Drill: The Slow Roller

Roll the ball slowly toward your child. They must charge the ball, field it on the run, and make a throw. This develops the ability to field slow grounders — one of the most difficult plays in baseball.

Drill: The Backhand

Roll the ball to your child's glove-side (backhand side). They must cross over with the glove-side foot and field the ball with a backhand. This is a fundamental skill for infielders.

Fly Ball Fundamentals

The drop step: when a fly ball is hit over a fielder's head, the first move is a drop step — a step back with the foot on the side the ball is going. This creates momentum in the right direction.

Communication: teach your child to call for fly balls early and loudly. 'I got it!' prevents collisions and builds confidence.

Drill: The Reaction Ball

A reaction ball (an irregular-shaped rubber ball that bounces unpredictably) is one of the best fielding training tools available. Bounce it off a wall or the ground and have your child field the unpredictable hops. This develops quick hands and reaction time.