Fielding Training

This offseason, there are several drills that the boys can do in order to improve their fielding.  Below are several videos of the basic mechanics, suggested drills, and breakdowns of their favorite MLB players.  Our boys should be playing catch twice per week, with fielding reps mixed in each time.  Here are some basic exercises that they can do in the garage, outside in the backyard, at a ball field, or in an indoor facility:

• Play catch - Not to over simplify it, but our boys must be able to throw and catch a baseball.  Simple 'catch' goes a long way.

• Gradual throws - Start playing catch at about 15 feet apart.  Once 5-10 successful throws/catches are made, then back up 5 feet.  Continue until you are about 75-100 feet away, which demonstrates an outfield throw.  The boys may need to mix in a crow hop, but that is perfectly fine!

• Wall exercises - throw a tennis ball against a wall.

• One hop - Throw 'one hop' balls about 5-10 feet away from the player to their glove side, middle, and backhand.

• Hit balls - Nothing is as good as live action --- hit them some grounders and fly balls.  Tennis rackets are great for fly balls.

• Ball Handling Drills - Get comfortable with the baseball in your hands (around the back, figure 8, take it in and out of your glove -- all while watching tv)

Below are some great videos showing the form and mechanics that we teach the boys:

Situational and Positional Play:

Fielding Drills: