Reaction Ball Warm-Up
Dugout Master ✓ Official Dugout Master drill
Players react to unpredictable bounces using a reaction ball, developing hand-eye coordination and readiness.
Warm-up⏱ 8 min👥 2-20 players
Setup
Pair players about fifteen feet apart on a hard, flat surface — reaction balls do nothing on deep grass. Each pair needs one reaction ball; tennis balls off a wall work as a substitute. Give each pair enough room to move in every direction.
Execution
- Partner bounces the reaction ball toward the fielder from fifteen feet.
- Fielder stays in an athletic ready position and fields the ball barehanded, or with a glove for younger players.
- Ten reps, then switch roles.
- Round two: fielder starts with their back turned and reacts on the partner's "Ball!" call.
- Round three: fielder works from a low fielding position and must field everything below the waist.
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