Baseball Outfield-Drop Step

Baseball Outfield-Drop Step Drill:

It’s very important for outfielders to get a good jump on a ball, especially one hit over their head, either directly at them or in the gap. How many times have you seen an outfielder turn the wrong way or begin back pedaling, then begin acting like a fish out of water trying to find the ball and adjust? Once, is one time too many. Let’s learn the Proper Method for getting a good jump on any fly ball, but especially ones hit over our head.

Baseball Outfield-Drop Step

Easy Flow To The Ball

1.     Have the Outfielder stand @ 10-15 feet in front and facing you.

2.     Holding a baseball, raising your arm, and point either to the player’s left or right.

3.     The player is to take a “Drop Step”

a.     Left foot goes back first, turning body to the left on a ball hit to the left of the fielder …

b.     Right foot goes back first, on balls hit to his right.

4.     Player is to run 10-12 feet … point to the other direction, always with the ball clearly visible, forcing the fielder to change direction while on the run. It’s important the fielder keeps his head turned over his shoulder, eyes on you. (In reality sometimes the sharp angle a ball takes will not allow this, but practice it this way)

Baseball Outfield-Drop Step

Good Habit Of Using 2 Hands If Possible

1.     Remember, (teach) the outfielders to set with their outside foot and push off in order to change directions. This not only makes the cut quick, but doesn’t slow the runner down by throwing in an added stutter step.

2.     Change the direction one more time and throw the ball in a high arc allowing the fielder to run under it. It adds confidence if you can throw the ball high enough for the fielder to be able to catch. Balls thrown too low or too far away defeats the purpose of the drill.

3.     Every now and then throw the ball the opposite direction you last pointed to add the “Surprise” element.

Baseball Outfield-Drop Step

Using Every Bit Of Field

Most baseball drills incorporate several skills, so be observing for correct execution of any or all elements you wish to throw in. For example:

1.     Make sure the players are trying to get their glove up and at the proper angle to allow maximum glove surface for the ball to hit. This can make the difference between a sno-cone catch, a ball bouncing off the heel of the glove to be caught with the bare hand, or chasing balls to the fence. A game of inches.

2.     You may tell the players to pretend they are looking into a glaring sun to see how they try to protect their eyes, either with glove or bare hand. These little additions are best left for the end of the drill, but the harder the practice drills … the easier the game performance.

Baseball Outfield-Drop Step to Outfield Play

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