Bat Roller

What you need (set up): Set up a regular infield with all positions on the field. Have a runner on first base. How the drills works: This one is pretty straightforward. With the runner of first base, you can hit to all of the positions and have them throw the ball to where the lead runner is headed (second base). Go through all of the position and force them to not only field the ball, but to make the decision to throw it to second base rather than immediately to first. Note: To make this drill even more interesting, you can either put a player on first and second, or just on second. The first option makes the player throw it to either first, second or third, depending on the lead runner, and if they can make the throw on time. The second option can be done with the player on second base making a decision to run or not to run, making the fielding player decide to play the runner on second, or make the throw to first. Another great way to add a little extra to this drill is to allow lead offs for the base runners. Result: After continuing with this drill over several practices, your players will learn to make the play and react to the different running situations they are going to be faced with during a game. By having the repetition, the players will learn to instinctively make the right play over time. Hit the Relay One of the most common plays that lead to errors in minor league baseball is hitting the cut off man when a ball is hit to the opposite field and a player is tagging up on either second or third base. What you need (set up): You should have a second baseman, shortstop and a third baseman in the infield, along with a right fielder. A base runner will occupy second base during this drill. How the drill works: At first, the coach can simply give the ball to the right fielder and then signal for the play to begin. This takes the element of trying to focus on catching the ball out of the equation until the player understands the concept of hitting the cut off man.