Around the World

Purpose:

The main purpose of this drill is to work on the throws that infielders will be required to make during a game. The catcher will be able to work on throws down to second and third, the middle infielders will work on turning two, and the corner infielders will be able to work on throws home and across the diamond. (See attached diagram)

How it Works:

This drill is performed with every infield position manned. When the drill is first run it can be done without base runners. Once the drill is practiced a few times then outfielders can be used for base runners. The ball should go "around the world" and back home before the runner makes it all the way around the bases. A game could even be run with a point being awarded to the runners or the infielders depending on who wins.

The ball starts out with the catcher. The catcher throws down to second base where the shortstop catches it, touches the base and throws down to first. The first baseman catches the ball while touching first and then throws down to third base. The third baseman catches the ball and then throws to second where the second baseman will catch the ball, touch second, and pivot and throw down to first. This time the first baseman will catch the ball and throw home. The catcher will catch the ball and throw down to third base. The third baseman will catch the ball and return the throw back to home.

If a base runner is used, the catcher should hold onto the ball until the base runner clears past him and then begin the throwing drill by going to second base.

Coaching Points:

The coach should be looking to make sure players are catching the ball with two hands and transitioning smoothly from catching the ball to throwing the ball. Players should make sure they touch the base with each and every catch. It's important that players keep their feet under them and make strong throws.

The coach should also pay attention to the way the base runner circles the bases. The player should run in a straight line to each base and only curve out to circle each bag about 10-15 fifteen before the bag. This is the shortest distance. (Runners should not make a huge circle around the bases.)

Courtesy of http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/

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