The Approach Drill is designed to train and teach the concept of taking angles to the ball in the outfield.  Also, it is a great drill for teaching or reinforcing crow hop fundamentals.

EXECUTION – Use cones to create a large semi-circle from an outfielders typical starting position towards the infield or desired target.  Coach stands in the infield (or near a catch net / target) and rolls or hits ground balls near the end of cone line.  Athletes must run around the cone line while fielding the ball.  This helps to teach and understand what it means to “take an angle to the ball.”

After fielding the rolling baseball, the Approach Drill provides the perfect opportunity to drill Crow Hop fundamentals.  Start with slow ground balls, and require a good approach and solid Crow Hop.  Throws can be made to an athlete receiver, or a target net.  Points competitions are encouraged, especially near the end of what can be a fairly mundane drill.

DC KEYS

1. Competition Between Groups – Have each station maintain a team total of points.  This keeps athletes within the group competing with each other, rather than against each other.
2. Crow Hop Fundies – Field with glove side foot in front, take extra steps, then hop to opposite foot for plant and throw.
3. Layer It – First include ball in glove, then roll to athlete as they approach around cone circle, then back up and hit.

EQUIPMENT LIST