Pitcher fielding

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Ultimate Fielding Drills - Pitchers 1
See these drills on video --> http://baseball-practice-plans.com/p/upgrade-fielding
Contents
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................2
Warm-Ups & Stretching................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
FIELDING GROUND BALLS.............................................................................................................................6
Drill #1: Two-Handed Fielding...................................................................................................................6
Drill #2: Fielding Balls Down First and Third Baselines .............................................................................7
Drill #3: Glove Only Fielding......................................................................................................................9
Drill #4: Comebacker Technique.............................................................................................................10
COVERING BASES ........................................................................................................................................11
Drill #5: Covering First Base ....................................................................................................................11
Drill #6: Covering Second Base ...............................................................................................................12
Drill #7: Covering Third Base...................................................................................................................13
Drill #8: Covering Home Plate.................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Fielding for pitchers is one of the most important, yet often overlooked areas of pitching
practice. Proper footwork, barehanded fielding, two-handed fielding and groundball fielding
are all technical skills that need to be practiced regularly.
In this eBook, we'll go through 8 fun and effective pitcher fielding drills that you can perform as
part of a team practice, for individual or small group workouts, or in the back yard at home.
If you'd like to see all these drills performed live with step by step video instructions, you can
upgrade to include the Ultimate Fielding Drills Online Video Clinic by going here:
http://baseball-practice-plans.com/p/upgrade-fielding
ARM & SHOULDER WARM-UPS
Always warm-up to throw, NEVER throw to warm-up! Before a player even picks up a baseball,
he should complete a thorough warm-up and stretching routine. This will ensure the player’s
muscles are ready for the demands of drill work and practice.
Running is a great way to start practice. It warms the player’s muscles slowly and effectively
while getting their heartrate up at the same time. Have your players run with a baseball in their
hands. It’s a great opportunity for them to get a feel for the ball and work on the 4-seam grip.
The following nine stretches should be performed after a short run. Hold each stretch for 30-60
seconds and always stretch both sides of the body.
1. Rotator Cuff Stretch
 Stand tall with a straight back and neck.
 Bring the right arm across the chest.
 Hold the back of the right elbow with the left
hand.
 Gently pull with the left hand.
 Switch arms. Rotator Cuff Stretch

This stretch works the rotator cuff and is
especially important for a player’s throwing arm.
2. Tricep Stretch
 Stand tall with a straight back. The head can
be angled slightly forward.
 Place the right elbow behind the head.
 Hold the right elbow with the left hand.
 Gently pull the arm down with the left hand.
 Switch arms.
3. Forearm Stretch
 Stand tall with a straight back and neck.
 Extend arm out straight with the palm facing out and fingers extended up.
 Use other hand to gently pull the fingers back.
 Turn the outstretched hand so that the palm remains out but the fingers are pointed
down.
 Use the other hand to gently pull the fingers back.
 Switch arms.
4. Neck Stretch
 Bring the right arm behind the back.
 Gently pull the right wrist with the left hand.
 Tilt the head to the left.
 Repeat on the other side.
Forearm Stretch- Fingers Up Forearm Stretch- Fingers Down
Tricep Stretch
Neck Stretch

5. Back and Torso Stretch
 Place feet slightly wider than shoulder width
apart.
 Turn the torso and place the right elbow to
the outside of the left knee.
 Place the left hand on the left hip.
This stretch also works the lower hamstring and
simulates the Finishing Position in mechanical movement.
6. Resistance Stretch
Pressing Down
 Hold one arm up in a 90 degree angle with hand in a fist.
 The coach or partner will hold the fist offering mild resistance.
 Attempt to rotate the arm forward against the resistance.
 Switch sides.
Pulling Up
 Hold one arm at 90 degree angle with the hand pointing toward the ground.
 The coach or partner will hold the hand offering mild resistance.
 Attempt to rotate the arm up against the resistance.
 Switch sides.
Resistance Stretch- Pressing Down Pulling Up
Back and Torso Stretch

7. Flexibility Stretch
 Extend arms straight behind back.
 The coach or partner holds the hands and gently pulls the
arms together.
This stretch is great for the pectoral muscles and overall arm and
shoulder flexibility.
8. Pretzel Stretch
 Cross the right leg over the left with the right
knee remaining bent.
 Place the left elbow outside of the right
knee.
 Look behind the body.
 Switch sides.
This stretch pulls the legs and torso in opposite directions giving the body a “twisting” stretch.
9. Groin Stretch
Seated Stretch
 In a seated position, place the soles of the
feet together.
 Grab the ankles and gently press the elbows
down onto the inner thighs.
One of the most common preseason injuries is the
groin injury. Proper groin stretching is vital to avoiding season-ending injuries.
10. Standing Stretch
 Stand with feet wider than shoulder width
apart.
 Lean the body to the right and bend the right
knee slightly.
 Rest the right hand on the right knee while
Flexibility Stretch
Groin Stretch- Seated
Groin Stretch- Standing
Pretzel Stretch

holding the stretch.
 Switch sides.
Stretching should always be pain-free. Overstretching will only cause muscle tears and injuries.
Concentrate on breathing through each stretch. Every player’s body is different and requires a
different amount of stretching, but it is always best to stretch more rather than less.
Each player should develop his own personal warm-up and stretching routine. A dedicated
player arrives to the field to complete his routine before practice begins.
FIELDING GROUND BALLS
Drill #1: Two-Handed Fielding
Complete 5-10 repetitions
Purpose: This drill emphasizes the proper body positioning and footwork a pitcher needs to
field the ball and get the out at first base.
Setup: The players should be lined up behind the mound. The coach will be at home plate
hitting balls to the players as they step up to the mound. A bat, balls and gloves are required.
Execution:
1. The player on the mound simulates a pitch to the coach.
2. The coach hits a ground ball to the player.
3. The player assumes the Fielding Position by setting his feet and keeping his glove close to
the ground.
 The player should charge the ball if it is hit softly.
 The player’s feet should always be spread so he is able to move in any direction
quickly.
4. Once the player has made a controlled catch, he steps toward first base and simulates a
throw.

5. The player returns to the end of the line.
Coaching Tips:
 Use a bat instead of rolling the ground ball to the player; this will accurately simulate an
actual game situation.
 As a player’s skill level develops, move the ball around for more difficult fielding.
 Remind players to keep the head down when fielding the ball. Pulling the head up will
result in pulling the glove up, causing you to miss the ball.
 Eliminate both the pitch and the throw to first base to focus on a player’s fielding
technique.
Drill #2: Fielding Balls Down First and Third Baselines
Complete 3-5 repetitions to each side
Purpose: This drill emphasizes the proper body positioning and footwork a pitcher needs to
field a non-moving ball at either the first or third baseline.
Setup: The players should be lined up behind the mound. Set three balls along the first base
line and three balls along the third base line close to home. A teammate can be set up at first
base to catch the ball. A bat, balls and gloves are required.
Execution:
First Base Technique
2. The coach calls either “First!” or “Third!”
Player Simulating a Throw to the Coach Player Fielding the Ball

3. The player runs to the balls placed at that baseline calling, “MINE, MINE, MINE!”
4. The player uses the Break Position and two hands to pick up the ball.
 Pushing the ball into the ground when picking it up is more effective than swiping at it.
 Left-handed players: circle around the ball before squaring up to throw.
5. The player quickly steps away from the line so he is out of the runner’s path.
6. He takes one preparation step before throwing to first base.
Third Base Technique
1. Follow the same instruction as above but the player should point his shoulders and feet
toward first base before throwing.
 Left-handed players: can two-hand or bare hand the ball immediately.
Coaching Tips:
 Make sure the players are calling for the ball every time they field. This will ensure good
communication with the catcher so both players don’t rush the ball.
 Remind players to always use two hands to field the ball if they have time. This will
result in a cleaner play. Use a bare hand as a last option.
Player Fielding at the Third Baseline

Drill #3: Glove Only Fielding
Purpose: This drill works on charging the ball and fielding it with a glove only. It is also known
as the “glove shuffle” or the “bare hand scoop.” This isn’t a situation that happens often, but is
a good skill for pitchers to learn.
Execution:
2. The coach lightly hits a ground ball to the player.
3. The player quickly charges the ball, keeping his glove open and scoops up the ball with his
glove.
 If the ball has stopped, use a barehanded flip.
4. Keep the toss back to home plate level and soft with a “pushing” motion.
Coaching Tips:
 Remind players to keep their heads down when scooping up the ball. Pulling the head
up will cause the glove to pull up and loss of the ball.
Glove Only Flip Barehanded Flip

Drill #4: Comebacker Technique
Purpose: This drill works on “comebacks” to the pitcher and the proper footwork needed for
turning a double play. This drill also helps a pitcher to determine who is going to cover the bag
when returning a double play.
Execution:
1. Review the following charts so the pitcher knows who is responsible for covering second,
based on the direction of the comeback.
3. The coach lightly hits a ground ball to the player rotating the ball to the player’s right and
left, or straight at him.
4. The player fields the ball with two hands, turning his body to the side to set up for a quicker
throw.
5. The player steps and throws to second base.
Coaching Tips:
 It is important that the pitcher develops a communication system with his infielders.
 Younger players should field the ball straight on and then turn to throw.

 Run this drill, but have the pitcher check third base for a runner before throwing to 1st
.
He should be in full control of the ball before looking at third (only turning head, not
whole body) and throwing for the out at first.
COVERING BASES
Drill #5: Covering First Base
Purpose: This drill is intended to simulate a game situation where the ball is hit to the right of
the first baseman; therefore the pitcher must cover first base.
Setup: The players should be lined up behind the mound. The coach will be on the baseline
between first and second throwing balls to the players. Balls and gloves are required.
Execution:
1. The player on the mound simulates a pitch.
2. The player runs a direct line from the mound to the cut in the grass.
3. He then runs parallel to the line using chop steps and keeping his hands up.
 Always stay out of the path of the runner.
Step 1 Step 2

4. The coach throws the ball to the player before he reaches first base.
 If a fielder bobbles the ball, the pitcher must set up like a first baseman by planting a
foot on the base and waiting for the throw.
5. The player throws the ball back to the coach and returns to the line.
Coaching Tips:
 Remind players to tag the inside third of the bag.
 Always keep hands up to give the thrower a target.
Drill #6: Covering Second Base
Purpose: This drill is intended to simulate a game situation where the pitcher can get a force
out by covering second base.
Setup: The players should be lined up behind the mound. The coach will be in center field,
behind second base, throwing balls to the players. Balls and gloves are required.
Execution:
2. The player runs a direct line from the mound to second base.
3. The player sets up like a fielder on the outside half of the plate for protection from the
runner.
4. The coach throws the ball.
5. The player catches the ball.
 The player can continue the throw to first base for the double play.
Coaching Tips:
 Encourage pitchers to take an active role in fielding during EVERY play.

Drill #7: Covering Third Base
Purpose: This drill is intended to simulate a game situation where a pop fly is sliced to third;
therefore the pitcher must cover third base.
Setup: The players should be lined up behind the mound. The coach will be to the left of third
base throwing balls to the players. Balls and gloves are required.
Execution:
2. The player runs a direct line from the mound to third base.
3. The player sets up on the outside of the plate to avoid the base runner.
4. The coach throws the ball.
5. The player catches the ball.
Coaching Tips:
 Practice good communication and body positioning for a force out or tag out.
 Remind players to use the bag as defense from the runner.
Drill #8: Covering Home Plate
Purpose: This drill is intended to simulate a game situation where the pitcher must cover home
plate because the throw has gotten past the catcher.
Setup: The players should be lined up behind the mound. The coach will be behind home plate
throwing balls to the players. Balls and gloves are required.

Execution:
2. The player runs a direct line from the mound to home base.
3. The player sets up either to the right, left, or behind home plate depending on where the
throw is coming from.
 Do not get caught straddling the plate.
 Always keep yourself in a safe position.
4. The coach throws the ball rotating between different points behind home plate.
5. The player catches the ball and gets his glove completely on the ground for the tag.
Coaching Tips:
 Have your pitcher practice for possible overthrows. The pitcher should cover home
plate when the ball is hit to left field. Have him run from the mound to a position
behind the catcher, deep enough to catch an overthrow.
Pitchers are very important in preventing runs and getting outs. Complete the recommended
repetitions of each drill for a 45-60 minute workout that will prepare your pitchers for many key
game situations.
Perfect practice makes perfect play!
Thanks for reading this report! If you'd like to see my complete collection of drills and online
clinics, please visit: http://www.coachkennybuford.com/
You can also check out my free coaching blog here: http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/
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Pitcher fielding

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