Infield Baseball Drills Every Player Should Know

Infield baseball drills are an important part of every player’s training. By mastering these drills, players can improve their fielding skills and become more reliable defenders. Check out this list of must-know infield drills and start practicing today!

Infield Drills for Beginners

Every player on an infield baseball team has a specific set of fielding responsibilities. While all those roles are important, the key to success lies in each player’s ability to execute the basic fielding fundamentals.

The following are 10 essential infield Baseball Drills that every player, from beginner to Major League veteran, should know.

Infield Drills for Improving Fielding

As a Defensive Player you have drills that you can use to improve different aspects of your game. Here is a list of 10 infield drills that every player should know in order to help improve their fielding.

1. The first drill is the tire drill. This helps with a player’s footwork and movement around the infield. Place four cones in an diamond shape and put a tire in the middle of the diamond. The player starts at one cone, goes around the tire, and then returns to the cone. The player then does this again going around the other way. After going around both ways, the player then moves to the next cone and repeats the drill.

2. The second drill is called ghost runners. This helps players with their anticipation and quickness to make a play. The coach or another player stands at an imaginary second base while the players field ground balls at their position. As they field the ground ball they must make a throw to second base as if there was a runner there. The coach or other player will then “run” to third base so that the players can make a throw there as well. This helps them practice making throws on the run as well as anticipating where they need to throw the ball next.

35 field/infield communication is important in baseball, so working on it in drills is important too! One way to work on this is by having two players stand about 10-15 feet apart from each other while another player hits soft ground balls between them. They must communicate with each other in order to field the ball cleanly without dropping it – this will help them learn how to better communicate with each other on plays during an actual game.

4 Another good communication drill has one player standing at shortstop while two other players are positioned at second base and home plate respectively (a little further back from home plate than usual). The shortstop will call out whether the ball will be hit to their left or right, and then field it accordingly – again, this will help them learn how communicate better on plays during an actual game so that everyone is on the same page and knows what’s happening defensively.

5 This next one is good for infielders who sometimes have trouble knowing when they should go after a ball or hold back – positioning themselves too far back when they should be up closer, or vice versa. A coach or another player will hit soft ground balls towards them while they are positioned about halfway between their normal position and where first base would be; after hitting it, they will quickly move towards where first base would be as if they were running towards it while also yelling “I got it!” After doing this a few times, they should start getting a feel for when they need to come up closer or hold back depending on where the ball is hit so that they can position themselves properly during an actual game situation

Infield Drills for Developing Quick Hands

One of the primary skills that any infielder must have is quick hands. This means being able to transition the glove from the backhand to the forehand quickly and correctly in order to make a play on a ball hit anywhere in the infield. There are several drills that can be done in order to develop this skill, and they should be performed regularly by all players, regardless of skill level.

The first drill is fairly simple and can be done with either one or two partners. The player will start in their normal infield position, with their feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and their weight balanced on the balls of their feet. The partner(s) will then roll balls of varying speeds and directions to the player, who must field them cleanly and transition from the backhand to the forehand as quickly as possible. It is important to field the ball cleanly every time, as this will help ensure that you are using proper technique

Another drill that can be used to develop quick hands is known as the “double play turn.” This drill should be done with two partners, one standing at each end of a line of cones or markers placed about five feet apart. The player will start in their normal fielding position at one end of the line, with their weight balanced on their back foot. When the partner at the other end yells “go,” the player will quickly turn their hips and shoulders towards second base before sprinting to the cone at that end of the line. They will then reverse direction and sprint back to their original starting position. This drill should be performed for a set period of time or number of repetitions, and then repeated going to third base instead of second.

These are just two examples of drills that can be used to develop quick hands in infielders. Quick hands are an essential skill for any player who wants to succeed at this demanding position, so make sure you include these drills in your regular routine.

Infield Drills for Building Arm Strength

Building arm strength is essential for any infielder who wants to make an impact on the game. There are a few key drills that can help any player achieve this goal.

First, the wall drill is great for building arm strength and accuracy. To complete this drill, set up a line of cones or other markers about five feet apart. Then, stand about 20 feet from the wall and throw the ball as hard as you can at the wall, trying to hit each marker. After hitting the wall, catch the ball and repeat the process.

Next, the baseball is players should focus on bunt defense drills. This will help them field bunts cleanly and make strong throws to first base. To complete this drill, set up four cones in a diamond shape. Then, place a player at each cone and have them throw bunts to each other. The player receiving the bunt should field it cleanly and then make a strong throw to first base.

Finally, every infielder should work on their double play skills. This drill will help them field ground balls cleanly and make quick throws to second base. To complete this drill, set up two cones about 10 feet apart. Then, have one player stand at each cone and hit ground balls to each other. The player receiving the ball should field it cleanly and then make a quick throw to second base for the double play

By completing these three drills regularly, any infielder can build arm strength and improve their defensive skills.

Infield Drills for Increasing Range

Increasing your range as an infielder is critical to your success on the diamond. These drills will help you improve your footwork, quickness, and glove work so that you can make plays all over the infield.

Footwork Drills
The first step to increasing your range is to improve your footwork. These drills will help you get quicker off the line and improve your lateral movement.

-L-Drill: This drill is designed to help you improve your lateral quickness Start by lining up at one end of a 5-yard line with your toes on the line. Take a small step to the left with your left foot and then sprint to the other end of the line. Touch the line with your left hand, then sprint back to the start and touch the line with your right hand. Repeat this drill going to both sides for 10 yards, then switch directions and go back 10 yards.

-T Drill: This drill is designed to help you improve your footwork and quickness off the line. Start by lining up at one end of a 5-yard line with your toes on the line. Take a small step forward with your right foot and then sprint to the other end of the line, touching it with your right hand. Touch the line with your left hand, then sprint back to the start and touch the line with your right hand again. Repeat this drill going forward for 10 yards, then switch directions and go back 10 yards.

Glove Work Drills
After you have improved your footwork, it’s time to focus on improving your glove work. These drills will help you develop soft hands and increase your range around the infield.

-One-Handed Drill: This drill is designed to help you develop soft hands while also increasing your range around the infield. Start by standing in an athletic position about 10 yards away from a wall or fence. Hold your glove in front of you with one hand and toss a ball against the wall or fence using only that hand. As the ball comes off of the surface, quickly catch it in your glove and repeat this process for 10 repetitions. Switch hands and repeat this process for both hands.

Infield Drills for Developing a Quick First Step

There are a number of drills that infielders can do to improve their footwork and quickness. These drills will help you develop a quick first step so that you can get to the ball quicker and make the play.

1. Backpedal Drill: This drill is designed to improve your footwork and speed while going backwards. To do this drill, set up two cones or other markers about 10 yards apart. Start at one cone, backpedal to the other cone and then sprint forward to the original cone. Do this for 10-15 yards and then repeat going back the other way.

2. Side Shuffle Drill: This drill is designed to improve your lateral movement and quickness. To do this drill, set up five cones in a line about five yards apart. Starting at one end, side shuffle to the other end and then sprint back to the beginning. Repeat this for 10-15 yards and then turn around and go back the other way.

3. Figure 8 Drill: This drill is designed to improve your footwork and quickness while moving laterally. To do this drill, set up two cones or markers about five yards apart in the shape of a figure eight. Start at one cone, shuffling around the outside of the figure eight, and then sprinting through the middle of the figure eight back to the original cone. Repeat this for 10-15 yards and then turn around and go back through the figure eight in the other direction

Infield Drills for Proper Footwork

There are a few basic infield baseball drills that every player should know in order to improve their footwork and fielding skills. These drills can be done alone or with a partner, and they will help you field the ball more accurately and quickly.

One of the most important things to remember when doing any kind of fielding drill is to keep your head up and your eyes on the ball at all times. If you take your eye off the ball even for a second, you may not be able to react in time to make the play.

The first drill is called the “shuffle drill.” To do this drill, start by standing about 10 feet away from your partner. They will then roll the ball slowly towards you, and you will shuffle sideways to field it. Be sure to keep your glove down low and your head up so that you can see the ball into your glove.

The next drill is called the “catch and throw” drill. For this one, you will need two balls. Start by standing about 15 feet apart from your partner, with one ball in each of your gloves. They will then roll both balls towards you at the same time, and you will catch one in each hand and throw them back (one at a time). This drill is great for developing quick hands and reactions.

Finally, the “backhand drill” is important for learning how to field a backhanded ground ball. To do this drill, start by standing about 10 feet away from your partner (or a wall). They will then roll the ball towards you so that it hits the ground just before it reaches you. You will then have to backhand the ball before it gets past you. This is a difficult skill to master, but it’s essential for playing shortstop or second base.

Infield Drills for Reading the Ball Off the Bat

Fielding a baseball is more than just having quick reflexes. Infielders need to have good vision and be able to read the ball off the bat quickly in order to make the play.

There are several drills infielders can do to improve their ability to read the ball. One such drill is the backward reading drill. In this drill, an infielder starts by standing about 10 feet behind a coach who is holding a baseball. The coach will then drop the ball and the infielder must read where the ball is going and make a move to field it.

Other drills that can help infielders improve their vision and reaction time include the bucket drill, where an infielder sits in front of a bucket with baseballs in it and tries to throw them into the bucket as quickly as possible, and the line drill, where an infielder stands in front of a line of moving objects, such as golf balls or tennis balls and tries to hit them with a throwing motion

By doing these drills on a regular basis, outfielders can dramatically improve their ability to field balls hit in their direction.

Infield Drills for Turning the Double Play

Every player on the infield needs to know how to turn a Double Play and there are a few drills that can help players perfect their technique. Here are some of the most important double play drills that every infielder should know.

The first drill is the basic feed and turn drill. This drill simulates a ground ball being hit to the shortstop, who then throws to the second baseman for the first out. The second baseman then throws to the first baseman for the second out. This drill helps infielders get used to the timing and footwork needed to complete a double play.

The next drill is the relay throw drill. This drill simulates a ball being hit in the outfield and then thrown in to the infield for a potential double play. The first baseman receives the throw and then throws it to the shortstop, who then throws it to the second baseman for the second out. This drill helps infielders work on their communication and throwing accuracy.

Finally, the around-the-horn drill is a great way to practice completing a double play with multiple throws. This drill starts with a ground ball being hit to the third baseman, who then throws it to the second baseman for one out. The second baseman then throws it to the shortstop, who then makes a long throw over to the first baseman for the second out. This drill helps infielders work on their arm strength and accuracy when making long distance throws.

Infield Drills for Playing in Different Situations

Infield drills are a great way for players to work on their skills and learn how to play in different situations. Here are some infield drills that every player should know.

1. Playing the Bunt – This drill is great for working on your bunting technique and situational awareness. Set up two cones or markers about 10 feet apart, with one player standing at each cone. The first player bunts the ball toward the second player, who then tries to field it. The second player can then throw the ball to another player, who is standing at a third cone, to simulate throwing out a runner at first base.

2. Fielding Ground Balls – This drill is great for working on your fielding technique and getting used to fielding ground balls in game situations. Set up two cones or markers about 10 feet apart, with one player standing at each cone. The first player hits a grounder toward the second player, who then tries to field it and make a throw to first base. The second player can then throw the ball to another player, who is standing at a third cone, to simulate throwing out a runner at first base.

3. Playing Off the Field – This drill is great for teaching players how to play off the field when there is a runner on first base. Set up four cones or markers in a square, with one player standing at each cone. The first player hits a grounder toward one of the other players, who then tries to field it and make a throw to first base. The second player can then throw the ball to another player, who is standing at one of the other cones, to simulate throwing out a runner at first base or cutting off a runners advance towards second base.

4. pop up drills – This drill is great for teaching players how to properly field Pop ups in game situations. Set up two lines of players, with each line facing each other about 10 feet apart. One line will be hitting pop ups while the other line will be catching them (you can use Soft toss or have someone hit fly balls with a bat). Players should try to catch the ball in their gloves without using their body or hat, and should take care not to drop any balls that they catch.