How Do I Stop Repeated Fielding Errors?
- 1). Conduct drills involving at least one other member of the team. By doing this, each player feels like one cog in the wheel while making a play. To learn the mechanics of the double play, have a player at first base, one at second base and another at shortstop. Roll the ball to the shortstop and have her throw to the second baseman to start the double play. After the first baseman catches the relay, have her return the ball to you and move to shortstop. Have the shortstop move to second base, and have the second baseman move to first base.
- 2). Use a tennis racket and tennis balls to hit flies into the outfield. This teaches the fielders to use two hands, because the tennis balls will bounce out of their gloves easily if they try to make one-handed catches.
- 3). Review basics of fielding with your players. Go over the concept of the triangle, which involves setting the feet shoulder-width apart and holding the glove in front of the chest at about the same distance as the feet are spread. Tell him to remember that when a grounder is hit to him, start with the glove on the ground and only raise it if the ball jumps.
- 4). Teach the players about the right use of their hands and feet during ground balls. Tell them about the concept of "soft hands," which requires them to refrain from locking their elbows and tensing their arms. The momentum of the baseball can be lessened by relaxing the arm and hand muscles.
Stress the need for slide stepping rather than running to an anticipated spot for the grounder to reach them. Remind them that to keep their eyes on the ball, they should slide step to the side. As a drill, have them do nothing but slide step from one side to the other. When the move becomes instinctual, introduce ground balls to the drill. - 5). Work an outfield drill that will keep them moving. Have a player start in right field. Hit a fly ball that makes him run toward right-center field. After he makes the catch, have him throw the ball to first base. Hit another fly that takes him toward center field. Have him catch the ball and throw it to second base. Finally, hit a fly ball that will take him to right field, where he can catch the ball and throw it to third base. This drill also helps them learn to throw the ball to the necessary base.
- 6). Hire some outside help for your team. Have the team watch a Major League Baseball game and observe a different fielder each inning. Use a video camera during practice to record and play back correct and incorrect plays, and discuss the differences. Utilize any connections you may have to coaches at higher levels by asking them to visit with your team.