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Reply to "In and out pregame"

Let me ask you this - are you trying to get them loose and prepared or trying to have practice before a game?  Why do you want 10 balls and why isn't 7 enough?  Do the outfielders get 7 - 10 each?  How long does the whole routine take?

Not trying to be a jerk and end of the day I can't control what other teams do but it ticks me off to no end to watch a team have a 20 minute IF / OF routine where every player gets what seems like 500 reps each.  Then if he messes up they do it again, and again, and again because their 4th string 2B should have been cut. My philosophy is (not saying this should be yours) but I spent hours in practice and work outs teaching them how to field and throw and where to go.  All infields have the same set up / dimensions.  Get the job done in 10 - 12 minutes.

I've done many different things with IF / OF because I like to change year to year but this is probably my favorite.

OF - 1 throw to 2B from ground ball

OF - 2 throws to 3B from GB and FB

OF - 2 throws to home from GB and FB

OF - 1 throw tandem / double cut to gaps

(while I'm hitting to IF I'll have another coach hitting GB / FB to OF in CF from the side - they work on as much as they can like side to side, work back, work in, two up at once to work communication)

IF - play in 1 throw home - catcher turns double play to 1B

IF - normal depth 1 throw to 1B

IF - deep 1 throw to 1B

IF - normal depth 1 double play - my MIF get two balls - 1 working away from bag and 1 towards the bag for a flip

IF - normal depth 1 to 1B with cover up to receiver from catcher 

IF - play in 1 throw to 1B but check runner at 3B

IF - normal depth 1 slow roller to 1B and go back to bags

C - bunt 1 throw inside line

C - blocked third strike 1 throw outside the line (I don't have them actually block.  they get on knees and I drop the ball in the circle)

C - bunt in front 1 throw to 2B

C - bunt in front 1 throw to 3B

C - throw out 1 throw to 2B on steal

C - throw out 1 throw to 3B on steal

Get off the field

We fly through this too.  As soon as I hit one ball the second guy better be ready.  Once I feel it safe to go again I'm hitting it.  If a bad throw happens get out of the way because I'm not going to wait on you to sulk.  I'm hitting to the next guy.  If they bobble a ground ball I want them to recover and finish the play if it's realistic because that will happen in the game.  If it hits off their glove and rolls 10 feet away unless I'm running they aren't getting that guy.  Get the ball and get out of the way.  I'm not waiting on you to sulk.  I'm going to have a minimum of two guys at each position which allows it to go faster.  You only have one guy then you tend to have to wait a little.  If you are in a situation you can't have two at each spot then go with one at third because they do the least.  MIF and 1B you have to have two or you're waiting.  Have a bucket of baseballs at the plate in case it's a bad day and all of them are in the OF or over by the fence behind 1B.  You spent $500 on practice balls but only take out 3 for warm ups????????  Bring a bucket and pick up the bad throws after you're done.

 

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