High school
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Beginner
3-Cone Tag Drill for Receiving and Tagging
Three-cone progressive station that trains athletic receiving at the bag, deep catches, and clean V-tags under varying throw timing.
- Skill:
- tagging
- Equipment:
- Cones
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Three cones are placed near the bag. The fielder receives throws at each successive cone while staying athletic, catching the ball deep, and applying a quick V-tag without double-tagging. Younger players begin with tennis balls; coaches vary throw speed to simulate early or late arrivals.
Objectives
Improve tag technique, deep receiving, athletic posture under the ball, and decision timing on throws to the bag.
Coaching cues
Stay athletic; catch deep (do not reach); feel contact then V-tag straight down; sell the tag and show the ball; vary arrival timing.
Common errors
Camping in one stance; reaching for the ball; double-tagging or pulling the glove away early.
Safety
Start with softer balls for younger players; keep throwing lanes clear.
Setup
Three cones spaced near the bag; partner or coach feeds throws.
Progressions
Tennis balls → baseballs; controlled speed → game-speed timing variation.
Variations
Add left/right side tags; combine with pick-off feeds.
Steps
- 1. Set three cones near the bag
- 2. Receive throw at first cone, catch deep, V-tag
- 3. Move to second cone and repeat
- 4. Finish at third cone with same athletic receive-and-tag
- 5. Reset and vary throw speed/timing
