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11U–12U Fielding / Infield All positions Beginner

4-Cone Shuffle for Lightning-Fast Infield Footwork

Reactive four-cone square drill that forces backpedal, side shuffle, and sprint into a fielding action for youth and high-school infielders.

Equipment:
Cones
Duration:
About 8 min
Setting:
Indoor or outdoor
Players:
Partner

Coaching notes

Four cones form a square. Player backpedals one side, side-shuffles the next, then sprints to field a ball dropped or rolled by a partner, training reaction and closing speed.

Objectives

Improve multi-directional footwork, reaction time, and the ability to close on a ball after lateral movement.

Coaching cues

Backpedal under control; side-shuffle low; explode into the sprint; field out in front of the body.

Common errors

Crossing feet on the shuffle; upright posture; late reaction to the ball drop.

Steps

  1. 1. Set 4 cones in a square ~6 ft apart
  2. 2. Backpedal one side
  3. 3. Side-shuffle the next
  4. 4. Sprint and field the dropped ball
Source: Peter Torres III

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