Wednesdays Web Gems Tips - Can't see, Can't see, Got my eyes closed I wrote a few weeks back about how it is very difficult to mimic game like fly balls in practice. As mentioned, creating game-like groundballs is easy but coach-hit fly balls on balls flipped into the air and hit by the coach with a fungo bat, do not create the same actions as balls hit in games. Even more challenging is creating enough quality practice for outfielders indoors, when climates do not allow offseason outdoor practice. If you don't already have one, see our list of the best baseball fungo bats for coaches!
Quality Indoor Fly Ball Drill One drill that kids enjoy and helps create aggressive fielders on pop ups and fly balls is the following: Players close their eyes before the coach throws the ball, in any direction, before yelling "now," when players open their eyes, find the ball as quickly as possible, then run to catch it. Coaches can vary the timing of this call of course, as well as the distance the ball is tossed away, and up, from the eyes closed players. Using a softer ball for this drill is best with young players, of course. The eyes closed drill creates a heightened sense of urgency in players, which is good for developing instincts, aggressiveness, awareness and necessity of a good jump on the ball, when the eyes are opened.
After playing major league baseball, Jack Perconte has taught baseball and softball since 1988 and offered valuable coaching training too. He has helped numerous youth players reach their potential, as well as having helped parents and coaches navigate their way through the challenging world of youth sports. Jack is one of the leading authorities in the areas of youth baseball training and coaching training advice.
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