Outfield communication and priority

Setup

1. Three outfielders in LF, CF and RF, with spares lined up behind each spot. A shortstop and second baser stand in the infield as relay targets.
2. The coach hits or throws high fly balls from the infield, or from home plate for older players.
3. Agree the priority order: CF over the corners; any outfielder over an infielder; on a ball between outfielders, the one coming in over the one going back.

How it runs

1. The coach hits a fly ball into the left-centre or right-centre gap. Both nearest outfielders go hard after it.
2. The fielder who can catch it calls loudly 'Ball! Ball! Ball!' (three times). The other fielder answers 'Take it!' and peels off behind as back-up.
3. If both call, the one with priority takes it and the other gives way.
4. The catcher throws to the nearest infielder (relay) and both outfielders jog back. Next group goes.
5. After a few rounds, add a short fly between an infielder and an outfielder: the outfielder coming in has priority.

Coaching points

• Call early and loudly, at the top of the ball's flight, not when it's about to land.
• Call three times so it can't be missed. 'Mine' and 'I got it' sound alike; use one word the whole team agrees.
• Once someone calls, the other fielder peels away and backs up, a few metres behind and to the side.
• Centre fielder has priority: the CF sees the whole field and is moving towards the corners.
• Fielder coming in has priority over a fielder going back; it's an easier catch.
• If two players collide, everyone stops. Calling is a safety skill, not just a catching skill.

Common mistakes

• Calling too late, when both players are already under the ball.
• Calling and then giving way, so nobody catches it.
• Both fielders slowing down, waiting for the other to call.
• The fielder who peels off stopping and watching instead of backing up.
• Infielder backpedalling into the outfield and ignoring an outfielder's call.