Ground Ball Fundamentals

Dugout Master ✓ Official Dugout Master drill

Players work through proper ready position, approach, glove presentation, fielding position, and throwing transition on routine ground balls.

Fielding⏱ 10 min👥 2-12 players

Setup

Line fielders up at shortstop depth in groups of three or four, with one group working and the rest backing up behind the coach. Place a bucket of balls next to the coach at the plate and a target player (or net) at first base. Leave enough room between fielders that nobody is reaching into a teammate's lane.

Execution

  1. Fielder starts flat-footed, then takes a small ready hop as the coach begins the swing.
  2. Coach rolls or fungoes a routine ground ball straight at the fielder.
  3. Fielder works through the ball on an angle, gets the glove out front and low, and funnels to the middle.
  4. Fielder takes a shuffle through the throw and delivers to first.
  5. Rotate after five reps; each player gets two rounds.

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