DRILLS AND PRACTICE TIPS
Eyes Up
This drill can be done inside or out. This drill is
intended to get the player to look up and spot his
target quickly after fielding a ball. Too many
times once the fielder gets the ball they keep their
head down and look up only when they are half
way through the process of throwing. This causes
hurried and poor throws. Once the ball is in the
glove, their eyes should come up quickly to spot
their target.
Basic set up:
You can use three safety/ traffic cones all with a
basketball on top. Preferably, the cones are up on
a chair since the cones normally are pretty low.
Space them next to each other about 4 feet apart.
Have the players positioned at least 60 feet away.
Step 3: (variation – only indoors)
Because of the possibility outdoors for a bad hop,
only do step three inside where rolls are true. Do
step one and two BUT have the fielding player
wear basketball dribble glasses (glasses where the
bottom half of the glasses are blacked out). This
will force the player to keep his head down to see
the ball into his glove – then he can throw. This is
a good winter indoor drill to reinforce keeping
their head down – watch the ball all the way into
their glove – then look up quickly to find their
target. Have 2 or 3 pair so the drill moves
smoothly. They are inexpensive.
Cross Drill (T- Drill)
For Catchers (baseball-catchers.com)
Develops proper throwing footwork to increase
accuracy and quickness on throws to second base.
Draw a large inverted cross (or T) on the ground
or if you are indoor on the floor (use duct tape or
paper tape to make the “T” indoors).
The coach is positioned to the left or right of one
of the end cones. He then either hits or rolls the
baseball to the player.
Step 1:
At first the player is told what basketball to throw
at BEFORE the ball is hit. Either right, left or
center. He fields the ball and throws at the
specified basketball. Go a couple rounds. Watch
the player’s eyes. Once fielding the ball do they
look up quickly to “spot” their target?
Step 2:
Hit the ball first. As they are getting ready to field
the ball call out which basketball to throw to hit.
They will begin to find their target sooner. Watch
for cheating. Some will want to peek before the
ball gets to them. You want to make sure they get
into the habit of fielding the ball then look up.
Using the proper ready position, begin with your
feet on the line running left to right. This line is
square to the pitcher. Both feet should be in
contact with this line, with your left foot slightly
in front of the right. Using the jab step or
replacement method of throwing, stay low and
make a throw down to second base. Stop in the
cocked position and check your foot alignment.
Both feet should be on the vertical line. If they are
not, you are out of position. Try again and make
an adjustment. Be sure you are not off balance
and falling over. Repeat until both feet land on
the vertical line.
You may also try this drill using the rock-andthrow method, but you need to start with your
plant foot on the horizontal and VERTICAL lines.
Tips:
1. Work on doing it correctly each and every time.
2. Work on getting faster each time.