Drop step and drift on fly balls

Setup

1. Two cones mark a start gate in open grass. The fielders form a line beside it.
2. The coach stands about 15 m in front of the gate with a bucket of balls and a feeder.
3. Keep the area clear of fences and other groups; fielders look up while running.
4. Start with softer balls or tennis balls if the group is new to catching over the shoulder.

How it runs

1. The first fielder stands in the gate in a ready position, facing the coach.
2. The coach points left or right. The fielder drop-steps on that side and turns to run at an angle back.
3. The coach throws the ball high over that shoulder. The fielder runs to the spot, then drifts in to catch it.
4. The fielder throws the ball back to the feeder and jogs to the back of the line.
5. Five reps each side, then go to both sides at random.

Coaching points

• Drop step: the foot on the side of the ball steps back first and the hips open, so the first step goes back, not sideways.
• Run on the balls of the feet with the glove down while running. Put it up only at the catch.
• Never backpedal. Turn and run, then look back for the ball.
• Aim to get behind the spot, then drift forward into the catch with momentum toward the infield.
• Catch above the throwing shoulder with two hands, ready to throw.

Common mistakes

• Backpedalling and falling over or getting beaten over the top.
• Crossing the wrong foot first, which turns the body the wrong way.
• Running with the glove up, which slows the fielder down.
• Arriving late and catching the ball at the hip, going away from the target.