More Outs, Fewer Errors: Infielder Drills & Techniques

with Leslie Huntington,
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Coach;
National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021;
2008 NCAA Division III National Champions;
4x WIAC Coach of the Year;
2008 NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year;
former Simpson College Head Coach;
1997 and 1999 D-III National Champions at Simpson;
over 400 career wins

and Robin Baker,
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Assistant Coach;
former Wartburg College Head Coach (Softball and Volleyball)

Indoor softball practice presents unique problems in training infielders. While much of the game can be replicated indoors, practicing fielding without a field can leave many coaches and infielders frustrated.

Efficiency, balance, movement with your feet and a consistent glove-to-hand exchange are all key factors in developing fielder skills. In this video, Wisconsin-Eau Claire assistant coach Robin Baker will show you how to get the most of out your indoor fielding practice, and how to use an indoor venue as an advantage!

Fielding Drills

Use indoor practices to your advantage by having your fielders throw balls to themselves off the wall, making practice more efficient. Your fielders will take ownership of their own fielding development, and continue to improve whether or not they have the help of another fielder. Incorporate more people by having your infielders pair up and tackle rolled ball and short hop drills with partners.

Receiving and Transfer Drills

Good infielders know how to catch and get rid of the ball quickly to prevent opposing baserunners from advancing. The quicker they can get rid of the ball, the more likely they are to get runners out. Challenge your fielders' transfers, turns, and relay throws by having them catch and throw balls shot from a machine to simulate longer throws.

Communication

Eliminate communication mistakes with Coach Baker's communication drills. In one drill called Blind Partner, two fielders lay flat on the ground, facing away from a tosser, and must react to a ball thrown high in the air. The better the reaction and communication, the better your infielders will do in catching the ball and conquering the drill.

Throwing

Infielders must be able to make a variety of throws, from different arm slots, to be successful. Help your fielders practice the difficult skill of throwing on the run with a simple progression. Coach Baker also introduces a rapid fire drill to help players get their body in position to throw before the ball gets to them. Being prepared, and in a good position to throw, will make your athletes' transfers and releases faster, helping them throw out more runners.

Coach Baker offers several innovative drills that you will be able to take to your practices today, whether indoors or outdoors!

40 minutes. 2020.