INTRODUCTION
2
OUTFIELD PLAY
2
Tips to improve the outfielders game
GROUND BALLS
REACTION
FLY BALL MECHANICS
FINDING THE FENCE
THROWING
GENERAL OUTFIELD FUNDAMENTALS
BREAKING BALLS
THINKING AHEAD
BACKING UP BASES
GROUND BALLS TO INFIELDERS
BACKING EACH OTHER UP
TALKING TO EACH OTHER
BLOOPERS OVER THE INFIELD
BALLS HIT TO THE FENCE WHICH HAVE STOPPED
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
OUTFIELDERS AND THEIR PITCHERS:
8
OPPOSING HITTERS AND RUNNERS
8
PLAYING FENCES
8
FOUL FLY BALLS
9
FIELD CONDITIONS
9
SUNGLASSES AND PLAYING THE SUN
9
TWO HANDED CATCHES:
Having the throwing hand around the glove at all times
during the catch is a very good habit to develop. By using two hands the fielder is mechanically
correct for plays which require a throw after the catch. They learn to finger the ball early and not
get into the bad habit of catching one handed and bringing the glove hand and ball to the
throwing hand. This is a poor habit which causes errors. Certain more experienced athletes can
catch with one hand when catching away from mid – body line
9
ANGLES ON HIT BALLS
9
THROWING AFTER FLY BALL CATCH
9
PLAYING LINE DRIVES
10
FIELDING GROUND BALLS
10
THROWING
11
HITTING THE RELAY PERSON
11
HITTING THE CUTOFF PERSON
12
THIRD BASEMAN ON THROWS FROM LEFT FIELD
12
OUTFIELDERS TOUGHEST PLAYS
13
OUTFIELD DRILLS
14
Throwing drill
14
The Side to Side Drill
14
Straight on Drill
14
Overhead Drill
15
Combo Drill
15
Do or Die Drill
15
Do or die Sacrifice Fly
15
Reverse Pivot Drill
16
Fence Drills
16
3 - 5 Person Priority Drill
16
Sun Drill
16
Pop-up Priority
17
Quick hands - Quick Feet
17
Kamikaze Drill
17
Agility Drill
17
Soft Toss
17
FIELDING TIPS
22
INTRODUCTION
Outfield Play
Playing the outfield requires not only hard work on the physical tools and fundamentals,
but total concentration and communication to be a successful outfielder:
Concentrate
During the course of a normal game, outfielders will probably only be
involved in four or five plays, so they have to remain alert and think that
each ball hit is coming to them. Don‟t let inactivity interfere with
concentration.
Communicate
Make sure outfielders communicate on all plays to make it easy on the
other players. Outfielders need to know such things as how close they
are to the fence, if the runners are tagging, where the relay throw is
going, etc. Communicate with infielders by calling them off on balls
outfielders are coming in on. It is easier for outfielders to catch that ball
coming in than the infielder going back.
Prepare before the game: Before a pitch is made in the game, outfielders should know
the following:
a)
Wind direction and velocity
b)
Where is the sun? Will glasses be needed?
c)
What are the fences made of? This will help in knowing what kind of bounce
the ball should have as well as knowing angles of the wall and how to play
the caroms.
d)
Grass and field conditions. Know if the grass is long, short, wet and what
kind of bounces will result? Also check for holes, sprinklers, etc. that could
cause a bad bounce.
2
Tips to improve the outfielders game
Know the opposing hitters and position accordingly. As the game goes on and more is
seen of the hitters, this positioning will become easier. Be alert in case the coach wants to
reposition the outfield.
Know the pitcher and catcher as well, as to how hard they throw and how they work
hitters. Knowing these things will help outfielders on where to position himself or herself
for every hitter. Check with the catcher periodically throughout the game to see if the
pitcher is losing their stuff.
Good defensive outfield play is one of the most important and most exciting phases in the
game of softball, yet it is rarely stressed and seldom taught properly. A confident
outfielder is the type who wants the ball hit to them when the big out must be made.
Proper defensive outfield play and knowledge of the fundamentals is important to all
outfielders because it helps them to become „complete‟ players. Being a „complete‟
player as an outfielder means very simply the ability to execute consistently where
thinking and anticipating every aspect of defensive outfield play such as the following.
3
OUTFIELD FUNDAMENTALS CHECK LIST
DATE
Comments
GROUND BALLS
Routine
Forehand
Backhand
Short hops
Charging
Blocking
Cross over step
REACTION
Seeing ball off bat
Movement on pitch
Taking good routes
FLY BALL MECHANICS
First step
Cross over step
Drop steps
Sun – shielding
Positioning to throw
FINDING THE FENCE
Turning
Know the fence
THROWING
Footwork
Release
Accuracy
Hitting Cut off
KNOWING THE PLAYING
CONDITIONS
4
GENERAL OUTFIELD FUNDAMENTALS
An outfielder should „come set‟ every pitch in a game, anticipating that each pitched ball
may be hit to them. „Coming set‟ means going from a stand up position prior to the pitch,
then taking a step or two forward to a bent knee position with their weight on the balls of
their feet and hands resting lightly on their knees, or off knees and hanging loosely in
front of their body - ready to move in any direction as the pitch is made.
Some outfielders like to have body movement in the „set position‟ because a body in
motion tends to remain in motion, while a motionless body tends to stay motionless and it
is difficult and slower to get a motionless body moving.
Following each pitch the outfielder can straighten up if the pitch is taken by the hitter.
They then step back and begin again as the pitcher prepares to deliver the next pitch.
Always follow the flight of the pitch, reading the swing while listening for the sound as
contact is made. Playing each pitch and swing with the utmost concentration cannot be
overemphasised.
BREAKING BALLS
All outfielders will break on balls left and right by using the crossover step (Discuss the
short jab step method) On balls hit directly over the head, the outfielder should drop the
foot on their glove side and cross over with their opposite leg. This puts the glove hand in
a better reaching position for the running over the shoulder catch.
Chinked balls off the end of the bat that look as though they are hit, but are not, can only
be given a good battle by the outfielder. Just do the best they can. In many cases, fast
moving infielders can make these plays and help out the outfielders. Bloop hits over the
infield belong first to the outfielders who should make every catch they can, and secondly
to the infielder, who will make the catch only when they see it is impossible for the
outfielder to do so.
It is the infielders‟ responsibility to avoid collisions. On balls hit over the centrefielder‟s
head the rotation will usually have a 6-12 rotation, meaning no hook or slice. Therefore a
good centrefielder can see the ball as it is hit, break for it and take one look during their
run. Always move through the ball as they catch a flyball, moving through to maintain
body momentum, timing their steps and weight on the ball of their feet as they reach out
at the last second in order to catch the ball. Always run with the knees going in the same
flight path as the ball. Do not side-step and be sure to keep the upper body square
(Explain)
Balls hit over the right and left fielders heads will normally have rotation which causes the
ball to move toward the foul lines regardless of whether it is hit by a left or right handed
hitter. The right and left fielders should always turn toward the foul line on balls hit directly
over their head. During the flight of the ball, they must take two to three looks before the
catch in order that they stay in the „flight path of the ball‟. If they are in a poor position for
a fly ball, make adjustments by turning in toward the infield, then continue. Do not take
eyes off the ball. Left and Right fielders must get to the foul lines on balls hit down the
line and turn doubles into possible outs. Right handed right fielders and left hand left
fielders can turn their backs to the infield when fielding a ball hit down the line in
preparing for the throw to second base.
5
THINKING AHEAD
The good outfielder will always have an idea as to what they will do with the ball if it is hit
to them before it is hit. Having an idea on a pitch is what keeps an outfielder „mentally‟ in
the game. There is an old softball saying that states “Catching a ball is fun - knowing
what to do with it after they catch it is business.”
BACKING UP BASES
On all throws from the catcher and all pick-off attempts by pitchers, outfielders should be
alert and moving to backup the throws. It is helpful to know the infielders pickoff signs.
On all steal attempts, the outfielders must always break to backup the base after the ball
passes the hitter.
GROUND BALLS TO INFIELDERS
The outfielder backs up a ground ball hit to infielders just as though the infielder was
going to miss the ball.
BACKING EACH OTHER UP
On base hits to the outfield, each outfielder has the responsibility of backing up their
teammate. Centrefield backs up left and right fielders, and the left and right fielders back
up the centrefielder, depending on where the ball is hit.
TALKING TO EACH OTHER
Communication between outfielders is essential. An outfielder should never drift on a fly
ball as drifting makes it difficult to determine which outfielder will make the catch. The
outfielder must get to the ball as quickly as possible. A good rule to follow on fly balls is
that all outfielders must move toward the ball and the call is made by the outfielder in the
best fielding position as the ball starts its downward arc.
When a player calls for the ball he should yell “I‟ve got it” at least two times and
preferably three times. The response from those around them should be take it (first
name) at least three times.
Once the ball is called for, the other outfielder should not approach the caller‟s area as
we do not want them to hear footsteps, which could cause them to drop the ball. In cases
where two outfielders could make the catch, with a runner on base and tagging up, the
fielder in the best throwing position should make the catch. In some cases, the fielder
with the strongest arm should make the catch.
6
Collisions can be minimised by these rules:
When the centrefielder and leftfielder converge on a fly ball and line drives in the same
area,
the centrefielder will catch the ball if it is low
the leftfielder the ball if it is high
In right centrefield, the centrefielder again catches the low ball and the rightfielder
catches the high ball.
This keeps both outfielders off a collision course. Remember also that on all extra base
hits, the outfielder gives the fielding outfielder a verbal command “Hit the relay man”.
On extra base hits the outfielder‟s only responsibility is to HIT THE
RELAY MAN.
BLOOPERS OVER THE INFIELD
It is very important for the outfielders to know the speed and ability of their infielders to go
back on pop-ups. All pop-ups over the infield belong to the outfielders, and the infielder
makes the catch only when the outfielder cannot reach the ball. In fielding the bloopers a
slide or dive may be necessary.
There is one basic way for an infielder to catch this type of hit:
1.
Bent leg slide. Most popular. The fielder slides just as though they are using a bent
leg slide into a base. They place their glove over the bent knee and calf. Be sure
to know the game situation before diving for balls that are more the line-drive type
that will roll away if be missed.
BALLS HIT TO THE FENCE WHICH HAVE STOPPED
The outfielder must position themself directly over the ball and pick it up barehanded to
make the throw. If a crow hop is necessary, it is permissible. If the ball comes to rest
near the fence on the glove side of the outfielder, a step over the ball before fielding it is
needed to get the fielder in position to pick it up with their bare hand to throw.
7
OUTFIELDERS AND THEIR PITCHERS:
OPPOSING HITTERS AND RUNNERS
It is most important that all outfielders know all they can about their pitchers abilities.
Slow stuff and outs - play most hitters to pull the ball.
Hard Stuff - play more straight away. Be aware of their throwing ability on the days they
are on, and also how they react on the days they are off. A good percentage for
positioning themself properly is to play the count with the pitcher‟s ability.
Count
Steps to the Pull Side
Steps to the Non Pull side
0-0
*
*
1-1
*
*
2-2
*
*
1-0
3 to 4 (Hitter looking for
*
pitch)
2-0
5 to 6 (Hitter looking for
*
pitch)
3-0
8 to 10(Hitter looking for
*
pitch)
3-1
5 to 6 (Hitter looking for
*
pitch)
3-2
3 to 4 (Hitter looking for
*
pitch)
2-1
2 (Hitter looking for pitch)
*
0-1
*
2 (Hitter is protecting)
1-2
*
3 (Hitter is protecting)
0-2
*
4 (Hitter is protecting)
NB** All outfielders must move or a gap may cause a weakness in their
defense.
A good outfielder knows all hitters on opposing teams and where they hit the ball most
often, while giving consideration to the pitcher and their abilities.
Know when to use game intelligence to throw runners out at bases. Don‟t be afraid to
cheat on hitters when attempting to throw runners out. Do not play safety first, or they will
finish up a loser.
PLAYING FENCES
The tendency many outfielders have is to play too close to fences. If they play in a park
with a short fence, be sure to close the gap between the infielders and themself. How
close is based on the outfielder‟s ability to go back on balls over their head. In going for a
ball hit to the fence, the outfielder should get to the fence as quickly as possible and
place the throwing hand on the fence softly to feel the fence with palm of hand, then go
along the fence to make the catch or move toward the infield a step or two to make the
catch if the ball does not quite reach the fence. In each of the above cases, get to the
fence first.
Remember, when jumping near the fence to catch the fly ball, the rear end of the player is
never against the fence. The outfielder jumps up with their throwing hand on the fence.
Before games, check fences for bounce by throwing a ball against it. Different fences
(concrete, wood, wire, metal signs, rubber) allow the ball to bounce differently. If the ball
is obviously going to hit the fence, be sure they don‟t go too close to the fence to field the
bounce. Always remind other outfielders to back one another up on fences which are
solid. Warning tracks will normally give them a good warning that they have two steps to
go before reaching the fence.
8
The centrefielder is the team mainstay, and all balls hit in the air, left or right of centre,
belong to them until the left or right fielder calls them off as the ball starts its downward
arc. They must know the speed and fielding ability of their flank outfielders so they can
adjust to help protect their weaknesses. A speedy, good fielding centrefielder allows the
other fielders to protect the foul lines.
FOUL FLY BALLS
A good rightfielder and left fielder should always be aware when to and when not to catch
foul fly balls.
FIELD CONDITIONS
Always know the condition of the turf. The direction of the wind, and the position of the
sun.
SUNGLASSES AND PLAYING THE SUN
When using sunglasses the outfielder will normally flip the lens down as the ball
approaches the sun. Do not wait until the ball gets into the sun, or wait until the ball is on
its downward flight - this is too late. Good glasses reduce the sun to a small spot with
little glare around it and the ball is easily followed to make the catch. On occasions the
fielder can turn their body on an angle away from the sun which may help them to make
the catch. Some outfielders like to use the glove as a sun shield - blocking the sun with
the glove during the entire flight of the ball. Never flip glasses until they have the flight of
the ball clearly in their sight.
A good rule of thumb: Flip the glasses down at the highest point of flight, unless
they have to run the ball down.
TWO HANDED CATCHES:
Having the throwing hand around the glove at all times during the catch is a very good
habit to develop. By using two hands the fielder is mechanically correct for plays which
require a throw after the catch. They learn to finger the ball early and not get into the bad
habit of catching one handed and bringing the glove hand and ball to the throwing hand.
This is a poor habit which causes errors. Certain more experienced athletes can catch
with one hand when catching away from mid – body line
ANGLES ON HIT BALLS
One very difficult fundamental in the approach to all fly and ground balls hit in the alleys,
is to play the ball in a straight line so that the outfielder intersect the ball either in the air
or on the ground, running after it in a straight line. Rounding balls allows fly balls to fall in
for extra base hits and ground balls to go for extra base hits instead of possible outs. A
help in playing proper angles on line drives to the right and left is for outfielders to stare
the ball down, going to their right or left, and keeping their eyes on the ball does not slow
an outfielder down. Good rightfielders and leftfielders go to the foul lines and turn hits
into possible outs.
THROWING AFTER FLY BALL CATCH
With a runner on base and tagging to advance on a fly ball the outfielder has two very
important adjustments to make.
1.
2.
3.
Round the ball so that they are in direct line with the base they will throw to.
Take their throwing steps before making the catch.
This is done by setting up three to four steps behind the ball, then charging
the ball, taking their throwing steps, then fielding the ball over your throwing
shoulder, having their throwing hand around the glove so that they can
9
quickly catch the ball and finger it to a good release grip (4 seams), then
crow hop as they reach back for the throw.
PLAYING LINE DRIVES
Remember to watch line drives all the way. They are tough to read when they are hit
directly at the outfielder. They should freeze or drop step until they are certain where the
ball is going. Zero in on them and don‟t take their eyes off of the ball. On occasions,
every outfielder will get a ball coming like a knuckle ball, it will hop, drop and move. Be
loose and ready to give it a battle by hanging with it throughout its flight.
FIELDING GROUND BALLS
Rule 1: Always field the ground ball as close to the infield as possible or charge it. Never
let the ball play them. Get the ball back to the infield quickly. With men on base
necessitating a throw, they field the ball on their glove side with their glove side foot
forward, catching the ball in front of the glove side foot or off to the side, perhaps 6-12
inches (150-300 mm). After fielding the ball, their opposite leg comes forward, then crow
hop and throw. The crow hop can be like an infielders (on both feet) or they can hop on
their opposite leg after it comes forward.
An important point on fielding ground balls which require a throw is that they round the
ball using a jab step, getting into position so that their forward momentum is directly in the
path toward the base they are throwing to.
Remember also that there are three basic speeds used by an outfielder when charging a
ground ball to make a throw:
1.
2.
3.
Initial three jab steps move to the ball is fast.
Gather - just before fielding the ball the body is slowed down to a controlled
fielding position, which we refer to as „gathering yourself.‟
Controlled accelerated momentum - following the fielding of the ball, from
the gather position, the throwing steps to release the ball are fast again.
10
THROWING
The outfielders throw is overhand and gripped across the seams. They must have direct
backspin, or a 6 -12 rotation as some call it, for the following reasons.
1.
2.
The ball stays up longer and on a straight line with a 6 -12 rotation.
When the ball hits the ground the back spin causes a biting effect, giving a
good bounce to the fielder receiving the ball. (Side spin or three-quarter spin
causes the ball to run away from the fielder receiving the ball)
Never throw behind a runner unless there is no play on the lead runner.
Think ahead so that when the ball is hit to an outfielder, they have an idea where to go
with the throw.
The depth the outfielder is playing the hitter, the speed of the runners, the speed of the
hit ball, and their arm strength, are all factors, which go into determining immediately
where they go with the throw.
When in doubt go to second base.
Proper outfielder‟s warmup is to work on rotation, loosen up, lengthen the throw and
throw to a spot just over the head of a partner. Use the back in the throw.
HITTING THE RELAY PERSON
One of the outfielder‟s most difficult throws. The relay person is the second baseman or
shortstop who goes out to take the relay throw from the outfielders on all base hits. On all
extra base hits (with rare exception) the outfielder should never be confused as to what
they will do with the ball when they field it. They have only one play, “HIT THE RELAY
PERSON”. The depth of the relay person is determined by the size of the park and the
strength of the outfielders arm and their own arm strength. A strong-armed outfielder
does not require the relay person to come out too deep. A short fence likewise.
Weak armed outfielders will require the relay person to go deeper. In any case, the
outfielder gives the relay person a line drive throw, which the relay person can field while
on the move toward the infield over their glove shoulder. On this type of throw the relay
person can get their throwing steps in before they catch the ball and their being on the
move toward the infield will allow them to put more zip into their throw. The outfielder
should throw to the glove side of the relay person as they can adjust to their glove side
more easily than they can to a throw on their throwing side.
NOTE: Over throw the relay person rather than under throw to them.
11
HITTING THE CUTOFF PERSON
An outfielder should know the responsibilities of both themself and their cutoff person.
Lets look at the cutoff person:
1.
2.
First Baseman - throws to the cutoff person should be letter high. The first
baseman sets up about pitching mound depth for throws from right field to home.
On throws from centrefield it is preferable that they be positioned two to three feet
(1m) from the pitchers mound on the home plate side. This keeps the mound in
front of them so that if they cut the ball off, they have a better feel for the mound
and can use the added height to their advantage. In addition, if a throw from
centrefield is low, they can see if it is going to hit the mound and go off to the first or
third baseline. They should know to cut this type of throw.
By playing on the mound, they give the centrefielder a look at the mound for their
throw over it. Some first basemen play on the second base side of the mound. If
your organisation likes this method, it is permissible. Remember, the deeper the
cutoff person can play on the throw without causing a short hop to the fielding
infielder, the better off they are for the following reasons:
2.1 Outfielder must stretch their throw to hit them in the chest.
2.2 By being deeper, the cutoff person has a better glimpse of the runner.
2.3 The infielder taking the throw can wait longer to make the call „cut‟.
2.4 The cutoff person‟s judgement as to whether they have a chance at the runner
is greatly improved since they are closer to the bag and this allows them to mentally
prepare to cut or let the ball go through.
2.5 Allows the cutoff person to creep toward the ball so that their throwing steps
are taken before the cut, giving them some zip on their throw to the base.
THIRD BASEMAN ON THROWS FROM LEFT FIELD
The third baseman lines up about mound height for the throw to home. The shortstop
lines up about mound height from the throw from the centrefield to third base and right
field to third base. Remember, the cutoff must adjust to the outfielder‟s arm strength.
COACHING TIPS: Discuss cut, then throw to base other than second base.
12
OUTFIELDERS TOUGHEST PLAYS
1.
Charging ground ball to throw out a runner.
2.
Setting behind a fly ball to throw out a runner.
3.
Hitting the relay man with a perfect throw.
4.
Hitting the cutoff man with a letter high throw.
5.
Going back on fly balls.
6.
Fielding a chinker off the end of the bat after a big swing.
7.
Playing angles to a ball in straight lines.
8.
Getting to the foul lines quickly and turning doubles into
outs.
9.
Cutting balls off in the gaps.
13
Outfield Drills
Throwing drill
This drill contains all of the ingredients of a line drive during the game: reaction to the
ball, fielding (steps, set up), body control, throwing mechanics and accuracy.
The player place hat 15” in front of where they are set up
Player 1
Player 2
Player 3
Player 4
Player 5
Player 6
Player 1 begins by throwing to Player 2 as if throwing a one-hop throw to the bag. Player
2 throws to Player 3 and so on down the line. Then reverse the process.
Objective:
Teach players to have proper set-up steps in approaching the ball, proper
exchange, proper step through and release (follow through). The players should
concentrate on quick release and accurate throw. Stop watch may be used to time
release.
The Side to Side Drill
(No Fungo - Using the wheel concept)
This drill simulates a running catch in the gaps or near the foul lines. Players begin in CF
at their normal depth and sprint into LCF at about 2/3 speed. Ball is thrown in front and
catchable with the emphasis on an under control catch with one hand. Drill should
alternate from LCF to CF to RCF and back, with the degree of difficulty increased on the
last 3 - 4 plays (12 - 15 minutes).
Straight on Drill
No Fungo
Outfielders begin drill 100‟ from the coach and in regular depth to centre field. Player
charges directly at the coach under control and coach throws a simulated line drive
slightly below the waist or lower. This forces the player to commit to the ball without the
normal read and jump off the bat. After the play has been made several times, the
players become more aggressive. Adding the proper jump during the game, the play
becomes natural for them (8 -10 minutes). Look for glove palm down when ball isn‟t
caught off to the side. Make sure player is bending over instead of just reaching.
14
Overhead Drill
Begins in shallow centre field with players facing the coach about 60‟ away. On cue, the
player spins away and sprints directly toward the fence looking over either shoulder as
they run. The ball is thrown over the opposite shoulder as player reaches a full sprint
forcing the fielder to turn their head away from the ball for a split second and then to
adjust as they prepare to make the catch. This play is probably the toughest play for an
outfielder and once they become comfortable with taking their eyes off the ball, their
range should increase considerably (12 - 15 minutes). Make sure each player extends
glove out as late as possible so they can keep running form and speed.
Combo Drill
(Fungo)
The purpose of this drill is to show ground ball, fly ball, line drive and basically loosen up
prior to game time. It can also be used to test the wind and sun on that given day
(10 - 12 minutes).
Do or Die Drill
(Fungo)
Hard ground balls and one hop line drives directly at the outfielder with the game on the
line. Emphasis is on charging the ball, breaking down to field it and the quick release on
the throw. Accuracy is not a major factor initially in this drill as we are looking for the
approach and the mechanics of fielding prior to the throw (15 - 18 minutes). Watch for
extra crow-hops, bad exchange, stepping to where they are throwing. Mix in some half
mooning so outfielders learn to be moving towards where they are throwing.
Do or die Sacrifice Fly
(Fungo)
Now we zero in on body position and the depth of the fielder as they prepare to make a
throw as a runner tags up and prepares to advance. This drill will stress a quick and
accurate release involving some competitive technique (throwing with no cut-off man to a
hat placed so that perfect on-the-top throw will hit it on the fly). A stopwatch may be used
initially to encourage a catch and release under 1 second (10 - 15 minutes).
15
Reverse Pivot Drill
(Fungo)
Simulates a ball that takes the outfielder parallel or slightly away from the infield and
away from their throwing side. It will force them to turn and pivot away from the infield,
thus quickening their footwork and increasing their ability to throw the ball in a more
accurate fashion back to the infield with more velocity (10 -12 minutes). Watch for
shoulder flying open.
Fence Drills
(Fungo)
Practice balls hit off the wall, angles of ball. When ball is still moving always use glove.
Any throw made with a dead ball close to the wall or dead in the grass should be made
with the bare hand. This requires total concentration as it is being picked up; body
position is chest over ball (10 - 12 minutes). After they pick the ball up crow-hop and hit
cut-off person. Make sure they circle the ball so their feet are in position when they pick
ball up.
Teach outfielders to get to the wall first, then play along fence. When making a running
catch near the wall, teach to spin towards wall with glove hand (don‟t stick throwing arm
out to brace up against fence).
3 - 5 Person Priority Drill
(Fungo)
Best initiated with 3 people in straight away CF about 50‟ apart. Fungo can be hit on a
line between the players causing them to call for the ball and to take charge. After this
drill has been done to satisfaction, 2 additional outfielders can be placed in the gaps
about 50‟ - 60‟ in front of the other 3. At this point, the coach should begin a mix of fly
balls, line drives and ground balls. Communication is very important in this drill and after a
few minutes the group should rotate so each player has the opportunity to play all
positions (25 - 30 minutes).
Sun Drill
(Fungo or throw)
Teaches player how to use sunglasses properly and how to use their glove as a shade
(12 - 15 minutes). Outfielders should not wait for ball to get into the sun, try to angle
themselves away from sun.
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Pop-up Priority
(Infielders & Outfielders; Use the Casey)
Change to get the 2 groups together and demonstrate exactly how they should interact
properly on pop-ups and shallow fly-balls. During execution, several coaches should be
on the field helping direct and explain each play. Drill should be done at least twice each
spring, with the initial one carried out somewhere below full speed and then at full speed
toward the end of Spring Training (25 - 35 minutes).
Quick hands - Quick Feet
(Fungo)
A footwork and one hand drill to force outfielders to concentrate (with a degree of
confidence) on short hops and bad hops, and not panic as they charge a hard hit ball
(20 - 25 minutes).
Kamikaze Drill
(Fungo)
Everyone loves this drill. All outfielders begin in deep CF and take part one at a time until
they reach the coach with the fungo. 1st player takes a long fly ball and immediately
begins looking for a line drive in their move towards the coach. Players sprint under
control and receive 5 - 6 chances as they close in on the coach. As the catches are
made, they flip the balls to the side to the other players out of the line of fire. The last
chance should be about 50‟ in front of the coach and must be made with one hand as the
ball will be hit firmly and directly at the player. The idea is to play the ball to one side or
the other and not to stand flat footed and let the ball play them (15 - 20 minutes).
Agility Drill
(No fungo)
Most of this drill is done in slow motion to half speed and the purpose is to teach how to
play around the fence, diving catches, sliding catches and how to roll over in the event
the player loses their balance coming in on a shoestring catch. The emphasis is on safety
in this drill and we are educating the players with the information necessary to prevent
injury. (25 - 30 minutes).
Soft Toss
Coach is at Home Plate hitting soft tossed balls. Outfielders get chance to read balls and
swings from hitting zone.
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OUTFIELD DRILLS - AWARENESS-APPROACH
Stretch
Running (Technique – form)
Jumps (first three steps with explosion)
15-20 metres, routes, straight angle (4)
Done with glove
Warm-up (Throwing with a purpose)
Emphasise balance and legs (KEY to velocity & carry on throw, LEGS )
Long toss with ball thrown on a line (one hop if needed)
Toss Drills
Explode with first three steps. They are the most important. Extend when catch to
be made.
Extend with the glove hand only. Angles / Routes should not be rounded. Should
be straight and precise.
Emphasise Feet (Jumps). Lead leg drive. Do not replace feet!
Descend into route, extend glove and make catch. Gather feet, get into throwing
position
Make sure the route is with conviction. No hesitation, player should not try and
make catch.
High
to
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Low
Head flip
or
Headflips (full back)
The head must flip back (quickly) which will allow to continue straight.
The butt must be under the trunk of the body to allow the player to open to ball freely.
Simulates a line drive with tail movement.
S Bolt Drill
3 Ball Drill
Cut
Across
Gap (Cover head)
High
Low
Extend (run ball down)
Fungo Drills
Fungo Drills and Situational plays
Place runners on base or bases to dictate game situations. Must be done at
game speed.
Turns and Goes
Descend with angle right and left. Purpose is to work on jumps, angles,
positioning of body. This is a ball hit in the gap; player is working on running the
ball down.
Allow the player to start route, simulate running the ball down and making a one
handed grab. Be aggressive to the ball and precise with the route.
Ground Balls (Straight)
Gain ground, be aggressive, which will allow the player to have momentum, giving
the throw the chance to have velocity and carry with a 12/6 rotation.
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Line Drive (Simulation)
Straight across with slight angle, extending to the ball as catch is to be made.
Player must adjust the angle according to the ball off the bat.
Ins and Backs (Straight up)
Player is positioned close to the fungo man. When the player reacts to short balls
(INS) the must play through, trying to make a catch one handed on the run.
When the player reacts to a ball hit over their head they are to turn and go (drop
head and run) to position (area or point) where the ball is going to be caught.
They should move quickly and make position before the catch if possible.
Communication
Communication is verbal. “I Got It” , “Mine”, Player backing up must expect they
are going to make a play. Get behind the player making the catch and expect to
be involved. Verbalise.
Communication Drill
Two fielders must converge with intentions of making the play and forcing the
issue of communication. Designate one of the players as the centre fielder.
Throwing Drills
Drill 1
o Roll ground ball, short distance. Player must gain momentum and get into
throwing position.
Drill 2
rd
o Player throws to a target (3 base or Home ) from 50-60 metres.
Drill 3
o Double cuts and Relays
o Position the body to throw (trunk over the ball) then pick-up ball with bare
hand.
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THROWS TO INFIELD DRILL
LEFT FIELD:
o 2 from line to 2nd base, 2 from Left-centre to 3rd base, 2 straight to Home.
CENTRE FIELD:
o 2 from Left-Centre to 3rd, 2 from Right-Centre to 3rd, 2 straight to Home.
RIGHT FIELD:
o 2 from Right-Centre to 3rd, 2 from line to 3rd, 2 straight up to Home.
Verbiage:
“I Got It:, “Mine”, “You‟re Ok”, “Two-Two” “3-3” “4-4” etc. Right here, “Double Cut”,
“Distance coverage”, “Adjustments”
Non verbals from the coach.
Pre game walk through
Warning track (how many steps to the fence)
Surface of fence or wall, does the ball come off hard or soft, can the surface be
used for leverage to maybe take away a Home run.
Playing surface is grass. Is it slow or fast, does the ball stay true or is there gullys,
sprinklers or holes, sprinkler heads etc.
Check for openings / holes in the fence.
Know how much ground you have from line to stands (foul territory)
Examples:
Bull pens, stands, imaginary lines for catch and carry.
Explain and Show Proper Way to Catch a ball in the Sun.
Oakleys, Flip ups, Glove as Shield
All drills involve skills that will actually be executed during the game; they are not
activities used to pass the time. These drills are in a specific order and degree of
difficulty, designed to build confidence as they progress. The drills cover all areas of
outfield play and can be readily executed. Competitiveness and variation are necessary
and encouraged as these factors enable the player to develop a sense of pride in playing
the outfield.
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Fielding Tips
Here are a few tips on how to improve with proper mechanics and practice habits:
a)
Charge all ground balls as hard as they can, but gain control when fielding. By
doing this they will shorten their throws and improve their accuracy.
b)
Catch fly balls on throwing side at eye level when possible. Use one hand only
when it is impossible to make the play otherwise. Set up behind a high fly when
throw must follow and move into it prior to making the catch. Stronger and quicker
throws will result with this method but try not to take more than their crow-hop and
follow through.
c)
Always throw overhead and cross-seam. This will eliminate the tail and give a truer
bounce.
d)
Always pick up the target when throwing and when playing catch in practice throw
to a target and work on getting the ball out of the glove as quickly as possible.
e)
In a do or die situation, scoop the ball on the glove side and throw. It is a little quick
and will result in less errors using this method.
f)
Make throws to home and the bases low so that the cut-off man can handle it. Also
when the throws are low then the runners have a tough time telling whether it is
accurate or not and can‟t advance.
g)
When throwing to the relay person, try to make the throw head high. They can
position themself to be moving towards the base they are throwing to and if they
miss high the trailer will make the play.
h)
The centrefielder must take charge. Take all balls that are questionable with the
other outfielders yielding.
i)
The centrefielder must back up right and left fielders. They must in turn back them
up. Always let each other know where to throw.
j)
Back up all plays in the infield.
k)
Be alert for pick-offs both from the pitcher and the catcher and back up proper
base.
l)
When one outfielder is attempting to play near the wall, let them know how much
room they have and be ready to play the rebound off the wall.
m)
Never take another outfielders play for granted. Always get close enough to help
them if they fail or lose sight of the ball.
n)
Always play deeper late in the game when the score is tied or the tying run is on
first or at the plate. This will cut down the chances of an extra base hit.
o)
They can improve their play by getting good quality work before the game on the
field. It is impossible to get enough plays or live batting practice to really help them.
Get a pitcher or coach who is willing to hit them ground balls and fly balls. They
must take it upon themselves if they wish to improve.
p)
Practice a lot on balls they must go back on. Balls that are straight over their head
turn towards their glove side and try to loop in a half circle back to the ball. If at all
possible, try to get back and moving into the ball when making the catch.
q)
Never coast or drift to catch a ball. Always get into position to make the catch. The
surest way. This will make them a better outfielder and no careless errors will result.
r)
They can strengthen their arm by throwing for distance. Do this daily after they are
good and loose.
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s)
Make sure their equipment is first rate; shoes, glove, etc.
Quality work makes quality players.
Be the best you can be.
BE HEARD AND SEEN.
TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR POSITION
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