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ONLY DOUBLES DRILL
PURPOSE: To teach players to appropriately round first base when a ball goes to the outfield and prepare them to take second base whenever possible.
EQUIPMENT: Bases, Baseball SET-UP: Players can line up at home plate to take turns running, coach should be in the shallow outfield with a baseball. EXECUTION: Player runs towards first as if their hit went into the outfield, player should have the mentality they are at least getting to second base, unless the defense prevents them. As player approaches first base they round it to take a good angle, their foot should hit the inside/front corner of the base. Because they are thinking double they are still at full speed and continue towards second. Just as player passes first base the coach throws the ball up in the air to themselves (10-15 ft.) This throw will simulate whether or not the outfield handles the ball appropriately. If the coach catches the toss this signifies the outfield and cut man did their job, player slams on the brakes after rounding first base aggressively and goes back to first. If the coach allows the ball to slip through their hands as it comes down, this signifies a misplay in the outfield and runner should continue full speed ahead into second base taking advantage of the miscue. MODIFICATIONS: Coaches should alter where in the outfield they stand to replicate balls hit to Left, Center, and Right. When in right field player should turn their body to the outfield when retreating back to first base in order to keep eye on ball. COACHING TIP: Remind players they should round the base so aggressively that they must work hard to get back to first safely. "I tell my players that whenever a ball goes to the outfield, it is a double, unless the defense turns it into a single. This prepares players to take that base whenever possible."
-Coach Tim |
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