11U–12U
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Beginner
Infield Forehand Progression with Tennis Ball Soft Hands
Progressive forehand fielding series using tennis balls on a hard surface to develop soft hands, proper glove angles, and controlled footwork.
- Equipment:
- Glove
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Indoor
- Players:
- Solo
Coaching notes
Players work through a controlled progression of forehand ground balls using tennis balls, starting on knees or in short hops and building to full athletic fielding with momentum. Emphasizes glove presentation and soft hands without the fear of hard baseballs.
Objectives
Develop soft hands and glove angles on the forehand side; improve fielding rhythm and footwork; build confidence in controlled reps.
Coaching cues
Present the glove early; Soft hands; Funnel to the middle; Stay low and athletic; Right-left into the throw.
Common errors
Glove flipping or stabbing; Rising up early; Crossing feet or poor angle into the ball.
Steps
- 1. Knees or short-hop forehand receptions
- 2. Standing short hops with soft hands
- 3. Full athletic fielding with momentum into throw position
- 4. Progress to real baseballs once pattern is clean
Source:
Coach Dan Blewett
