A Maryland-based dental assistant, Luca Simmons is attending Johns Hopkins University, where he is working toward a bachelor's degree in business administration. Upon graduating from high school, Luca Simmons served for two years as a volunteer baseball coach and still enjoys teaching and watching the sport.
Being a good baseball player requires more than simply being able to hit the ball well. A valued player is one who can both hit and field the ball well. As with hitting, practice through repetition can greatly improve one's fielding ability. Below are three vital drills for infielders.
1. Double play workup: Players are situated in their positions around the infield and a coach or another player hits the ball to the third baseman, who is then responsible for relaying the ball to the second baseman to begin the double play. Players who make a throwing error in the drill go to the end of the line, which is first base.
2. Carnival grounders: This drill helps players pick up the ball and throw it in one smooth motion. To begin, the coach throws or hits a slow-rolling ground ball, allowing the player to move in and field the ball to make a quick, accurate throw to first base. Coaches can utilize different scoring systems to keep players engaged.
3. Star game: In this drill, players are lined up at their infield positions, and a line is formed at home plate. A coach hits a ground ball to the shortstop, who then has to throw the ball to the first baseman. The first baseman then throws to the second baseman, who finally completes the star by throwing to the catcher behind home plate. All the while, a runner is rounding the bases and attempting to beat the throw home.
