"Tag Team Fielding" Drill

This drill comes from Coach David Daisey our January 2004 Drill of the Month Winner.

Equipment: Balls and Gloves

Divide players into two (2) equal lines.

• Example: Twelve (12) players – put six (6) in each line to start. Place lines about 100 to 120 feet apart facing each other (Shorter distance for younger players.) This drill can be performed on any part of the field.

First player in Line 1 throws fly ball to first player in Line 2, then sprints to back of Line 2 after the throw. Player in Line 2 catches fly ball correctly with two hands, crow hops and throws an accurate rope to the next player in Line 1, and then sprints to the back of Line 1.

Players in Line 1 make a quick tag motion after receiving the rope throw from Line 2, then throws fly ball to next player in Line 2, and sprints to the back of Line 2 and so on .

After a few cycles of the fly balls switch to grounders and short hops. This drill will work on fielding and throwing. Also, while the players don't realize it, they're running the whole time. It is very important to stress fielding fundamentals and making good throws. The coach should always have balls ready in case of bad throws to keep things going.

You may even add a lap around the two lines for making a bad throw, or dropping a fly ball, etc. After the players have done this and have become familiar with this drill make the players in Line 2 turn around with their backs to Line 1. Have the player in Line 1 say "GO" when he throws the fly ball and let the player in Line 2 find and catch it. This is the version of choice for my players.

SAFETY NOTE: Make sure players always run to their right in a loop so that they are not in the line of fire. And, as always, make sure players have warmed up properly before doing this drill. We usually do this drill on the same day that we do batting practice drills, so that this is the only throwing the players do that practice day.

Good luck and have FUN!