11U–12U
Baserunning
All positions
Beginner
Catch/Drop Aggressive Baserunning Drill
Aggressive first-base turn drill in which the runner reads a catch or drop and either continues to second or returns to first—training the mindset of forcing the defense to stop you.
- Equipment:
- Ball only
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Small group
Coaching notes
Runner takes a hard turn at first on a simulated ground ball or fly. Coach or fielder either catches cleanly (runner returns) or drops (runner continues to second). Builds aggressive secondary decision-making.
Objectives
Develop aggressive turns and secondary leads; train instantaneous read of catch vs. drop; force the defense to make the play.
Coaching cues
Hard aggressive turn; eyes on the play; if dropped, go; if caught, get back hard; make the defense stop you.
Common errors
Soft or rounded turns; hesitating on the read; not returning hard on a catch; over-running second without a plan.
Steps
- 1. Runner starts at home or first and takes an aggressive turn
- 2. Coach/fielder either catches cleanly or drops the ball
- 3. Runner reacts: continue to second on drop, return hard on catch
- 4. Reset and repeat with different angles
Source:
Baseball IQ / Antonelli-style
