11U–12U
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Intermediate
Outfield Drop-Step and Get-Behind Series
Outfield footwork series teaching drop-step in four directions plus getting behind the ball for momentum into the throw.
- Skill:
- footwork tracking
- Equipment:
- Cones
- Duration:
- About 12 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Players start in ready position behind a cone. Practice drop-steps left, right, straight back and sideways, eliminating false steps and exploding the first 3-4 yards. Progress to get-behind drill using front and back cones so the catch is made with body already moving into the throw.
Objectives
Eliminate false steps, improve hip flip and first-step explosiveness, and create momentum behind the ball for stronger throws.
Coaching cues
Ready position on balls of feet with slight momentum toward plate; first step is a true drop-step (no forward false step); flip hips exaggeratedly; get behind the catch point and crow-hop.
Common errors
False step forward; standing directly under the ball with no momentum; slow or incomplete hip flip; chopping feet too late.
Safety
Clear outfield space; use soft toss or tennis balls initially; progressive intensity.
Setup
Cones for drop-step directions and for get-behind (front cone = catch point, back cone = landing); partner or coach for fly balls.
Progressions
Dry drop-steps → tossed balls over head → get-behind with crow-hop throw → zigzag hip-flip series for misreads.
Variations
Add wind simulation or gap routes; partner competition for first-step quickness.
Steps
- 1. Ready position a few feet behind starting cone
- 2. Drop-step left/right/straight/sideways, flip hips, explode first 3-4 yards
- 3. Progress to catching tossed balls after drop-step
- 4. Get-behind: drop-step to front cone (catch), move behind it, chop feet, crow-hop and throw
