Baseball & Softball coaching: The Goalie Drill

 

Teaching young players the importance of keeping ground balls in front of them is a fundamental aspect of baseball fielding. Here are the key reasons why this skill is crucial and some tips for coaching young players in this area:

1. Fielding Control: Keeping ground balls in front of them allows players to maintain control of the ball. By fielding the ball cleanly and keeping it in front, players can prevent the ball from getting past them and potentially allowing base runners to advance. This control is vital for making accurate throws and minimizing defensive mistakes.

2. Defensive Positioning: Emphasizing the importance of keeping ground balls in front helps young players understand the proper defensive positioning. It encourages them to get into a good fielding stance with their body squared up to the ball and their glove positioned to field the ball directly in front of them. This positioning maximizes their chances of making a successful play.

3. Confidence and Trust: Teaching young players to keep ground balls in front instills confidence in their abilities. When they know they can field and control the ball effectively, they become more confident fielders. This confidence translates into trust in their skills and allows them to make plays with composure.

4. Fielding Range: Keeping ground balls in front of them expands players' fielding range. By moving efficiently to field the ball in front, players can cover a larger area and reach ground balls that might otherwise be out of their reach. This range allows them to make more plays and contribute to the team's defensive success.

5. Preventing Extra Bases: Stressing the importance of keeping ground balls in front helps young players understand the value of preventing extra bases. When they can field the ball cleanly and keep it in front, they limit the advancement of base runners, reducing the opponents' scoring opportunities. Tips for Coaching Young Players:

1. Proper Fielding Technique: Teach players the proper fielding technique, emphasizing the importance of getting in front of the ball and keeping the glove down. Encourage them to use two hands and funnel the ball into the glove, securing it to their chest. This technique helps ensure that the ball is kept in front and under control.

2. Repetition and Practice: Provide players with ample opportunities to practice fielding ground balls. Use drills that simulate game situations and vary the speed and angles of the ground balls. Encourage players to focus on keeping the ball in front of them and making clean, controlled fielding plays.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Offer positive reinforcement and constructive feedback when players successfully keep ground balls in front. Recognize and praise their efforts, highlighting the importance of their defensive play. This positive reinforcement helps motivate players and reinforces the desired behavior.

4. Awareness and Anticipation: Teach players to be aware of the game situation and anticipate where the ball may be hit. By developing their anticipation skills, players can position themselves correctly to keep ground balls in front and make successful plays.

5. Patience and Composure: Remind young players to stay patient and composed when fielding ground balls. Rushing or panicking can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Emphasize the importance of staying calm, focusing on the fundamentals, and making controlled fielding plays.By teaching young players the importance of keeping ground balls in front of them, you are helping them develop crucial defensive skills, improve their fielding range, and contribute to their overall confidence on the field. With consistent coaching, practice, and reinforcement, they will become more reliable and effective fielders.

   
   
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6. 44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections (book)

                    Baseball Coaching: A Guide For The Youth Coach & Parent

                                           

                                          44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections     

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Baseball and Softball Coaching:The "Stay Low" drill.

Teaching baseball and softball players how to stay low when fielding ground balls is crucial for several reasons. Here are the key importance and benefits of emphasizing a low fielding position:

1. Fielding Range: Staying low allows players to expand their fielding range and reach more ground balls. When players are in a low position, they can react quickly, move laterally, and cover a larger area. This gives them a better chance to field balls hit in their direction, increasing their overall effectiveness as a fielder.

2. Balance and Stability: Maintaining a low center of gravity enhances balance and stability while fielding. It allows players to stay agile and make quick adjustments to their body position as the ball is approaching. This stability helps prevent tipping over or losing control while fielding on uneven surfaces or during high-speed plays.

3. Quick Reaction Time: Being low to the ground enables players to react more quickly to ground balls. It reduces the time it takes to get into a fielding position, giving players an advantage in making plays on sharply hit balls. Quick reactions are particularly crucial for challenging hops or balls hit with extra speed.

4. Better Fielding Mechanics: A low fielding position promotes proper fielding mechanics. When players stay low, they can maintain a strong athletic stance, which allows for better weight distribution and efficient movement. It enables them to generate power from their legs when fielding and transferring the ball for a throw, resulting in improved overall fielding technique.

5. Confidence and Readiness: Instilling the habit of staying low creates a sense of readiness and confidence in players. It helps them anticipate ground balls and be mentally prepared for any situation. By consistently practicing and reinforcing a low fielding position, players develop the confidence to react quickly and make plays without hesitation.

   1. Demonstrate and Explain: Show players the proper low fielding position and explain the benefits of staying low. Use visual demonstrations and provide clear instructions on body positioning, including bending the knees, lowering the hips, and keeping the back straight.

   2. Drills and Repetition: Design specific drills that emphasize staying low when fielding ground balls. Incorporate various types of ground balls and challenge players with different speeds and angles. Regular repetition of these drills helps players develop muscle memory and reinforce the habit of staying low.

   3. Cue Words: Use cue words or phrases to remind players to stay low during fielding. Examples include "bend your knees," "stay down," or "get low." These simple cues can be effective reminders for players to maintain a low fielding position throughout practice and games.

   4. Positive Reinforcement: Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement when players demonstrate the desired low fielding position. Recognize and praise their efforts, particularly when they consistently stay low and make successful plays. This positive feedback helps reinforce the importance of staying low and motivates players to continue practicing this skill.

   5. By teaching players how to stay low when fielding ground balls, you are helping them maximize their fielding range, improve their balance and stability, react quickly, and enhance their overall fielding mechanics. With practice and repetition, staying low becomes a natural and instinctive part of their defensive play.

      
      

      44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections (book)

      
      

      Championship Baseball Drills (book)

      
      

      Basketball Fundamentals (book)

      
      

      Basketball Chronicles (book)

      
      

      10,000 new drills are coming. Please subscribe at:

      www.SchupakSports.com

      
      

      Some of Marty Schupak's youth sports resources:

                          Baseball Coaching: A Guide For The Youth Coach & Parent

      
      

                                                 

                                                44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections     

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                                                                T-Ball Skills & Drill

 

When coaching players on fielding moving laterally to the backhand side to catch a ground ball in baseball, there are several key points to focus on. Here are some important aspects to consider:

1. Footwork and Positioning: Teach players to position themselves correctly before moving laterally to the backhand side. Start with a balanced athletic stance, feet shoulder-width apart. As the ball is hit, instruct them to take a quick first step with their back foot, pushing off towards the direction of the ground ball. This initial step helps generate momentum and closes the distance to the ball.

2. Angled Approach: Emphasize the need for players to take an angled approach towards the ball when moving laterally to the backhand side. This approach allows them to get their body in line with the ball, making it easier to field cleanly. It also helps create momentum towards the target for a strong and accurate throw.

3. Glove and Hand Position: Teach players to extend their glove arm fully and reach towards the ball when moving laterally to the backhand side. Their glove hand should be open, fingers spread wide, and positioned so that the palm is facing towards the ground. This positioning creates a larger target area and helps players secure the ball cleanly.

4. Body Positioning: Stress the importance of maintaining a low and balanced body position when moving laterally to the backhand side. Instruct players to bend their knees and lower their hips to provide stability and agility. A low center of gravity allows for quick reactions and helps maintain balance during the play.

5. Fielding Technique: Teach players to use their glove hand to reach out towards the backhand side and scoop the ball cleanly. Emphasize the need to keep the glove down and close to the ground, with the glove fingers pointing towards the target. Encourage players to use two hands to secure the ball and bring it into their chest to minimize the risk of the ball bouncing out.

6. Quick Transfer and Throw: Once players have fielded the ball, stress the importance of a quick and efficient transfer from the glove to the throwing hand. Encourage them to keep their eyes on the target during the transfer and to make a strong and accurate throw to the appropriate base.

7. Repetition and Practice: Provide players with ample opportunities to practice fielding ground balls while moving laterally to the backhand side. Use drills that simulate game situations and vary the speed and angle of the ground balls. Repetition and practice will help players develop muscle memory and improve their fielding skills. Remember to provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to players as they work on this skill. Encourage them to focus on the key points outlined above, practice with intent, and gradually increase the difficulty level as they become more proficient.

Other Resources From Marty Schupak:

44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections (book)

Championship Baseball Drills (book)

Basketball Fundamentals (book)

Basketball Chronicles (book)

10,000 new drills are coming. Please subscribe at:

www.SchupakSports.com

Some of Marty Schupak's youth sports resources:

                                          

                    Baseball Coaching: A Guide For The Youth Coach & Parent

                                           

                                          44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections

                               

                                                                                   

                                          

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When coaching players on fielding moving laterally to the forehand side to catch a ground ball in baseball, there are several key points to focus on. Here are some important aspects to consider:

1. Proper Footwork: Teach players to position themselves correctly before moving laterally. Start by having them establish a balanced athletic stance with their feet shoulder-width apart. As the ball is hit, emphasize taking a quick first step with the lead foot in the direction of the ground ball. This step should be taken towards the ball to close the distance and cut down on reaction time.

2. Angled Approach: Instruct players to take an angled approach towards the ball when moving laterally to the forehand side. This approach allows players to get their body in line with the ball, making it easier to field cleanly. It also helps create momentum towards the target for a strong and accurate throw.

3. Glove and Hand Position: Emphasize the importance of proper glove and hand positioning. Players should extend their glove out in front of them, angling it slightly towards the ground. The glove hand should be open, fingers spread wide, and positioned so that the palm is facing upward. This positioning allows for a larger target area and better control when fielding the ball.

4. Body Positioning: Stress the need for players to maintain a low and balanced body position when moving laterally. Their knees should be flexed, and their hips should be lowered, providing stability and agility. A low center of gravity allows players to react quickly and maintain balance while making the play.

5. Fielding Technique: Teach players to move their glove towards the ground ball in a smooth and controlled manner. Emphasize the importance of keeping the glove hand out in front and funneling the ball into the glove. Encourage players to use two hands to secure the ball and bring it into their chest, minimizing the risk of the ball bouncing out.

6. Quick Transfer and Throw: Once players have fielded the ball, emphasize a quick and fluid transfer from the glove to the throwing hand. Teach players to keep their eyes on the target while making the transfer and to make a strong and accurate throw to the appropriate base.

7. Repetition and Practice: Provide players with ample opportunities to practice fielding ground balls while moving laterally to the forehand side. Create drills that simulate game situations and vary the speed and angle of the ground balls. Repetition and practice will help players develop muscle memory and improve their fielding skills.

Remember to provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to players as they work on this skill. Encourage them to focus on the key points outlined above, practice with intent, and gradually increase the difficulty level as they become more proficient.

Other Resources From Marty Schupak:

44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections (book)

Championship Baseball Drills (book)

Basketball Fundamentals (book)

Basketball Chronicles (book)

10,000 new drills are coming. Please subscribe at:

www.SchupakSports.com

Some of Marty Schupak's youth sports resources:

                                          

                    Baseball Coaching: A Guide For The Youth Coach & Parent

                                           

                                          44 Baseball Mistakes & Corrections

                                                                                                      

                      T-Ball Drills

  

                                          

                                                          T-Ball Skills & Drill