“Coach Dunn’s Quick Pitches” By Coach Jack Dunn

The Wall Drill – Part 1

Baseball is unique in that there are very few opportunities for a player to practice alone. Unlike basketball where a ball and a hoop are the only ingredients necessary for practice, baseball practice usually requires a minimum of two players. The Wall Drill is an exception!

The Wall Drill is an excellent early-season drill; however, it can be used all season.

The Wall Drill involves the player throwing the baseball against a wall and fielding the rebound.

The repetition of throwing the baseball against a wall is a superb pre-season method for getting the throwing arm in condition, developing fielding skills and making the transition from winter sports back to baseball.

Advantages of the Wall Drill

It enables the player to

• practice alone.
• transition quickly from winter sports to baseball.
• practice indoors or outdoors.
• practice in a limited space.
• develop fielding skills and get the throwing arm into condition.
• develop throwing mechanics.
• have unlimited fielding opportunities.
• develop glove control.
• develop and work on the backhand glove position.
• learn to "play the ball" and field the correct hop.
• field difficult types of groundballs and slow rollers.
• develop quickness.
• have fun while practicing.

Drills

1. Solo Drill

   As the name implies, the player is able to practice by himself.

   Purpose

   Improve fielding skills.
   Improve throwing skills.
   Get the body and throwing arm into playing condition.
   Facilitate the transition from winter sports to baseball.

   Procedure

   1. The player assumes a position approximately 15 feet from the wall.
   2. The player must be far enough back from the wall to have sufficient time to field the rebound in a normal manner and allow the proper execution of fielding fundamentals.
   3. The player faces the wall with a baseball in hand.
   4. The distance from the wall may vary due to space limitations.
   5. Once the distance from the wall is established, draw a line. All fielding must be done on or behind the line.
   6. The player assumes throwing position and throws the baseball against the wall and fields the rebound.
   7. After fielding ten rebounds, rest for a short time… Ten rebounds equal one set.
   8. Early in the season, be careful not to injure the arm by throwing for too long a time.
   9. As the body tires, mechanics tend to become sloppy. Be sure to rest between sets.
2. Glove-Control Drills

   1. One-Hand Glove-Control Drill

      Purpose

      To teach the player to open his glove when fielding ground balls. Many players fail to open their glove enough to allow easy entry for the ball. The glove is closed and there is no place for the ball to go. This drill teaches the player to open his glove to the ball.

      Procedure

      1. The player has the baseball and faces the wall.
      2. The player throws the baseball against the wall.
      3. The player stands at a 15-foot minimum distance from the wall.
      4. Adjust the distance and velocity of the throw to allow sufficient time to execute the play correctly.
      5. The player throws the baseball against the wall so that the ball rebounds slightly to the glove side.
      6. The player fields the rebound one-handed – being aware that the pocket of the glove is open to the baseball.
      7. The player may place his throwing hand behind his back (to further emphasize glove control) while fielding the ball.

   2. Back-Hand Drill

      Purpose

      To teach the player how to back-hand the baseball correctly

      Procedure

      1. The player has the baseball and faces the wall.
      2. The player throws the baseball against the wall.
      3. Adjust the distance and velocity of the throw to allow sufficient time to execute the play correctly.
      4. The player stands at a 15-foot minimum distance from the wall.
      5. The player may place his throwing hand behind his back (to further emphasize glove control) while fielding the ball.
      6. The glove should be open to the ball, with the thumb pointing or touching the ground and the little finger of the glove pointing upward.
      7. Right-handed throwers will pivot on their right foot, step across their body with their left foot, and backhand the ball in front of their extended left foot. Left-handed throwers will pivot on their left foot, step across their body with their right foot, and backhand the ball in front of their extended right foot.
         
         Coaching Key: On a backhand play, the pocket of the glove should be open to the ball, with the glove out in front of the glove-side foot.
         
         A right-handed thrower should backhand the ball to his extreme right, in front of his left foot, take a short half-step with his right foot to gain rhythm, and come up throwing
      
      
      
      8. 10 rebounds are adequate.

   3. Slow Roller Drill

      Purpose

      This drill emphasizes the fielding technique used when fielding a Slow Roller.

      This is not a throwing drill but stresses approach to the ball and fielding technique.

      This drill is particularly beneficial for the third baseman and shortstop but can be used to advantage by all defensive players.

      Procedure

      1. The player assumes a position approximately 15 feet from the wall.
      2. The player must be far enough back from the wall to have sufficient time to field the rebound in a normal manner and allow the proper execution of fielding fundamentals.
      3. The player faces the wall with a baseball in hand.
      4. The distance from the wall may vary due to space limitations.
      5. The player throws the ball against the wall so that the ball rebounds slowly back to him, simulating a slow roller.
      6. The player uses either of two methods:

         1. Traditional Fielding Method / Brooks Robinson method

            The conventional method of fielding the slow roller to third base was popularized by former Orioles great, Brooks Robinson. He said, "The slow-hit ball should be fielded on the run and in front of the right, or just outside the right, foot. I like to have the ball roll into the palm of my bare hand while I have my left foot forward. I will then make the throw as I step onto my right foot."

         2. A New Concept / Salty Parker method

            There is another way. Salty Parker taught an excellent method of fielding the slow roller when he was the minor league infield instructor for the San Francisco Giants. Parker's method of handling the slow roller at third base does not appear in coaching literature, but deserves serious consideration and thought.

            Some advantages of Parker's method are as follows:

            • It is easily taught and executed.
            • The third baseman's body is in good throwing position, which allows for greater accuracy and velocity on throws.
            • It enables the average third basemen to be successful making this play.
            • The third baseman's momentum is toward first base, facilitating his throw there.

            The Salty Parker Method

            To use this alternate method to fielding the slow roller, the third baseman should

            1. charge the ball.
            2. approach the ball slightly to the right to get momentum going toward first base.
            3. bring the body under control by breaking down using "chop steps."
            4. field the baseball off the inside of the right foot—the ball of the right foot.
            5. keep the fanny down when fielding the baseball. This is an absolute must.
            6. backhand the baseball off the ball of the right foot.
            7. keep the right foot in front of the left foot when the ball is fielded. This facilitates the throw to first base by allowing the left side of the body to open easily. It also generates momentum toward first base.
            8. (once the ball is fielded) come up throwing, to save time—do not come up and then throw. The third baseman should field the ball, take his rhythm step and come up throwing in one continuous, almost simultaneous motion.

   Good Luck!

   
   
   

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