GroundBalls – No Goals is a station drill for use after ground ball fundamentals have been introduced.  This drill is designed to train and develop infield footwork – specifically lateral movement (side-to-side).  When running this drill, coach can easily make someone a hero that needs it, or humble another athlete who needs it.  Work hard to create, and keep, team chemistry.  Oh, and did we mention… it’s FUN!

EXECUTION – This drill can be run literally anywhere.  Place two cones on the dirt, roughly 5 yards apart.  One athlete will stand outside of either cone, collecting balls and making ball piles.  The live athlete will shuffle between the cones, moving laterally, while following a series of instructional cues.  The on-deck athlete, and anyone else in line, will wait behind a third cone, placed 2-3 yards behind the live athlete.   Athletes will rotate from ball pile, to live, to ball pile, to on deck area (any push ups are to be done once back in line).  Finally, a target net for competition and points is a welcome addition.

Work through 4-5 sets of five ground balls: 

1. Side-to-Side – Predictable and controlled pace, emphasize POP footwork (multiple sets)
2. Random – Change of direction at a more challenging pace
3. Compete – No goals allowed, by any means possible
4. Two hands, Two baseballs – Place baseballs in both hands.  Reach back as if to roll two ground balls, but only release one.  Any goals scored = 5 pushups

DC KEYS

1. Push Ups? – Discipline is real and can create a competitive environment that is positive.  Work to keep smiles, but run a tight ship.
2. Discipline – This drill can be fun punishment.  Involve cardio, agility training, and push ups… and that can be fun?  Whaaaaat?
3. Footwork – Especially as the pace of the drill increases, the quality of “pop” is critical.  Be firm early that full and complete footwork is required.  Later, the competitions can be more results-based.

EQUIPMENT LIST