High school
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Intermediate
J-Cut Footwork Drill for Infield Angles and Momentum
Infield footwork drill that replaces the traditional V-Cut with a J-Cut path so players create better angles through the ball, handle bad hops, and generate momentum toward the throwing target.
- Equipment:
- Glove
- Duration:
- About 10 min
- Setting:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Players approach ground balls with a J-shaped path, plant the back foot parallel or angled to the ball, and drive through toward first base instead of stopping or coming around the ball.
Objectives
Improve fielding angles, glove adjustability on bad hops, throwing momentum, and accuracy from infield positions.
Coaching cues
Plant back foot parallel/angled to the baseball; work through the ball toward the target; clear the ball to the glove side first; use drop-step and push-through rather than coming around.
Common errors
Using a pure V-Cut that leaves the ball outside the shoulder line; stiff hips; stopping momentum after the catch; fielding outside the body.
Steps
- 1. Demonstrate J-Cut versus V-Cut difference
- 2. Walk-through approach and plant
- 3. Live ground balls with J-Cut focus
- 4. Add throws to first base
Source:
Peter Torres III
