Purpose:
Teaches the fielder to use two hands when receiving the ground ball.
Setup:
In this version of the drill, players stand up 15 feet apart from each other. They have a paddle on their glove hand.
Instructions:
- One player rolls the tennis ball to the other, who gets into a defensive position and catches the ground ball with both hands.
- Players then take turns rolling the ball back and forth.
Coaching Tips:
- Watch that players are getting into proper defensive position – wide base, athletic position, with a nice bend at the knee and hip.
Tips for Younger Athletes:
- Emphasize the importance of eye-hand coordination. Encourage younger players to focus on the ball all the way into their glove, ensuring they are tracking it correctly.
- Teach them to “give” with the ball upon contact. This means slightly pulling their hands back as they catch the ball, which helps absorb the impact and secure the catch.
- Instruct younger players on proper follow-through. After catching the ball, they should bring their glove to the center of their body to prepare for a quick and efficient throw.
Tips for Older Athletes:
- Work on quick transition skills. Older players should practice swiftly transferring the ball from glove to throwing hand to improve their reaction time.
- Focus on footwork efficiency. Teach them to adjust their feet quickly and correctly as they catch, which sets them up for a strong, accurate throw.
- Introduce the concept of anticipating the ball’s path. Encourage experienced players to read the ball’s bounce and position themselves accordingly, improving their chances of a successful catch.