Former MN Twins Infielder shares his favorite infield drills for youth baseball. This is a fielding drill progression which is designed to teach pro fielding mechanics to even the youngest infielders.
(But don’t think these infield drills are ONLY for the youngsters. Even in his 16th season as a professional infielder, Doug still used the “grown up” variation of these fielding drills in his own workouts.)
Here’s how this progression of infield drills for youth baseball plays out:
- Part 1 – Fielding routine ground balls (1 video – “2 Cone, 1 Line Drill”)
- Part 2 – Add the throw (1 Video)
- Part 3 – Forehand (1 Video)
- Part 4 – Backhand (1 Video)
- Parts 5 & 6 – Footwork (2 Videos)
- Angle of approach / route to the baseball (3 Videos: Routine, forehand, & backhand)
Watch Parts 1 & 2 below, or click here to get all 12 videos
Perfect Fielding Drill Progression – PART 1
The 2 Cone, 1 Line Drill is part 1 of what we’ve dubbed “The Perfect Fielding Progression.”
It’s a super simple drill that reinforces so many good habits that it was tough to think of calling it anything else.
For example, it addresses the common fielding advice that’s actually the culprit causing many errors for kids.
Have you ever heard that you should “funnel” the baseball to your chest once you field it?
I would be really surprised if you’ve never heard that. In fact, I’ve said it myself!
However, there is one critical reason why this common advice can lead to fielding errors. I talk about why that is, and what to do instead, in the video below.
In this short video, I’m going to share
- A very simple youth fielding drill that helps to correct a whole bunch of bad habits
- Why this common fielding advice about “funneling” might be causing you to make errors
Now for the next step in this progression of infield drills for youth baseball, which is adding in the throw.
Perfect Fielding Drill Progression – PART 2
Now we are adding in the throw.
Part 2 of this fielding drill progression teaches several things:
- Transition footwork – Getting into position for a strong throw after fielding the baseball
- Transition glove work – How can we be most athletic while avoiding the mistakes that cause errors?
- One major key to getting off a strong, accurate throw
There are 2 types of footwork that are ok, and one that is not ok.
After fielding the ground ball, you can either step forward or do a side shuffle step.
What you do NOT want to do is step back or behind your other leg. The creates momentum in the wrong direction and will make for a difficult, awkward, weak throw.
The you’ll do one more shuffle step (two total) to get into a strong throwing position.
That 2nd step is important, and is often used by the best Major League players. It helps for a number of reasons:
- Gives you the time you need to collect your body into a more athletic position.
- It gets your momentum moving in the right direction (toward your target). It’s really difficult to make an accurate throw when your body is heading one direction and your throw is going another.
- Body is properly lined up – Hips, shoulders, glove, etc. are lined up toward the target
Of course, you won’t always have enough time to take two shuffle steps. However, during most routine plays there is plenty of time.
So using that 2nd shuffle step helps infielders get off a more powerful, more accurate throw (with WAY less throwing errors).
The videos above are Parts 1 & 2 in the Perfect Fielding Drill Progression. There are 10 more videos that continue to build on the youth baseball fielding drills above.
The next steps in this progression of infield drills for youth baseball go in this order:
- Part 1 – Fielding routine ground balls (1 video)
- Part 2 – Add the throw (1 Video)
- Part 3 – Forehand (1 Video)
- Part 4 – Backhand (1 Video)
- Parts 5 & 6 – Footwork (2 Videos)
- Angle of approach / route to the baseball (3 Videos: Routine, forehand, & backhand)
To get all 12 videos in this progression, click here and enroll to have access to this resource.
Yes, I want all 12 drill videos
I hope these youth baseball fielding drills are helpful for you. Whether you’re a parent or a coach, I believe this fielding progression can lead to some massive improvement for infielders.
Warmest regards,
Doug
PS. These drill videos were originally filmed to go with this practice plan: Click here to get the free baseball practice plan
About Author
Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 5 organizations (CO Rockies, NY Yankees, PIT Pirates, MN Twins, & TX Rangers) over the past 16 years. He has Major League time at every infield position, and has played every position on the field professionally except for catcher. (You should click to watch this great defensive play by Bernier) Where is he now? After 16 years of playing professionally, Doug retired and took a position as a Major League scout with the Colorado Rockies for 2 years. Currently Doug is the Data and Game Planning Coordinator with the Colorado Rockies
