The Fence Drill

Purpose

Outfielders work on playing the ball at the fence.

Drill Setup

• Outfielder sets up 5-10 yards from a fence or wall.
• If you don’t’ have access to a fence, place a row of cones marking the location of the fence for the purpose of this drill.

How it Works

1. Coach throws a ball high and deep.
2. Outfielder turns and runs back.
3. She finds the fence and then leaps (or comes forward) and makes the catch.
4. Next outfielder goes.
5. After the high and deep throws, outfielders work on catching the ball that “threads the needle” between the outfielder and the fence.

Coaching Tips

• On the high and deep balls the outfielder should be feeling for the fence with an outstretched arm.
• When attempting to catch a “thread the needle” ball the outfielder should be using her peripheral vision to see the wall – it will get bigger as she gets closer to it.