Backhand Flips is a great drill to run during Quick Defense.  Before using an backhand flip during Station Instruction, running Backhand Flips as a Quick Defense drill give the athletes a chance to learn and train that specific movement.  Plus, baseball players LOVE this drill.  It’s a move they see on TV, but never get to practice.  So have fun with this one!

EXECUTION – Each coach needs four baseballs.  Live athlete starts with four baseballs in front of them, grabs first ball into glove.  With coach (receiver) standing off of their right shoulder (right-handed athlete), athlete fires a backhand flip… then retrieves the next baseball.  After the fourth feed, the live athlete follows the feed and jogs to coach to grab baseballs.  Athlete is to retrieve the baseballs and place ‘on deck’ for next athlete in line.

• Alligator Mouth – Athlete closes top hand on top of baseball (already in glove) mimicking the “alligator mouth.”
• Thumb Under Baseball – Grab baseball with thumb underneath and four fingers on top of baseball.
• Limit Spin – Athletes should attempt to throw a knuckleball

DC KEYS

1. Toss the ‘C’ – Keep the thumb under the baseball and toss a backhand C to receiver.
2. Release the Feet – Limit the feet for first three tosses, then release the feet to “follow your flip” on fourth baseball (or second round of feeds).
3. Add Receiver – Older athletes can add player-receiver, or involve a ground ball prior to each flip.

Often times, coaches under-appreciate the opportunity to teach small things like a Backhand Feed as a skill.  Once is a movement is learned, it can be incorporated into practice for the rest of the season.

EQUIPMENT LIST