Fielding
Trick Catch Drill
The ‘Trick Catch Drill’ is one of my favorites, and always one of the player’s favorites as well. But don’t be mislead by the title – the point isn’t to teach players how to make trick catches, as the opportunities where a behind the back catch actually makes sense are few and far between – it is to teach players to hone in on that extra level of effort and concentration that they’re forced to use when attempting to catch the ball in between their legs.
Under the Leg Catch Drill
Setup
The outfielders will line up single file in center field. A coach stands at the edge of the infield with a fungo bat and balls. An additional coach or player stands next to the coach to receive throws from the outfield.
Execution
The goal here is to develop better footwork, concentration, and glove awareness by catching the ball under the fielder's leg. The coach will fungo or throw a soft fly ball to the first player in line, who will attempt to catch the ball with the glove placed between his legs. Do this by taking the glove hand around the back side the placing it forward between the knees.
Coaching Tips
- To make this catch more difficult, try to catch the ball with both feet flat on the ground (instead of lifting one leg up)
- Use soft baseballs or whiffle balls with younger children to prevent injury
Figure 1: Player Executing Under the Leg Catch
Figure 2: Drill Setup for Under the Leg
Behind the Back Catch Drill
Setup
The outfielders will line up single file in center field. A coach stands at the edge of the infield with a fungo bat and balls. An additional coach or player stands next to the coach to receive throws from the outfield.
Execution
The goal here is to develop better footwork, concentration, and glove awareness by catching the ball behind the back. The coach will fungo or throw a soft fly ball to the first player in line, who will attempt to catch the ball with his glove behind his back.
Coaching Tips
- Try to catch the ball directly over the head, without turning sideways, which is much more difficult.
- Use soft baseballs or whiffle balls with younger children to prevent injury
Figure 3: Player Executing Behind the Back Catch
Figure 4: Drill Setup for Behind the Back Catch Drills (same as Under the Leg)
As a warm-up or end of practice drill, it doesn’t get any better. The players will get meaningful reps that will help improve their skills, all while having an absolute blast. And if you want to make it even more fun, you can start crowning weekly trick catch champions – once those competitive juices get flowing, the kids will really start to see results!
