A descriptive segment highlighting Dugout Captain practice absolute #5 – Quick Defense.  This segment is run immediately after Throwing and before taking the field for drills (Station Instruction).  The concept behind Quick Defense is brief skill training (receiving, footwork, special throws/feeds) without the stress or mental pressure of baseball situations and other variables.  The idea is to allow the athLete to simply work on his hands and feet (“baseball athleticism”) and then incorporate those movements into baseball practice.

EXECUTION – Quick Defense is run at the warm up box.  Athletes fall back into three even lines and each line has a coach (goal is 4:1 athlete-to-coach ratio).  If only two coaches, then two lines of six is acceptable.  Introduce the Quick Defense drill, and then work through the lines 3-4 times so that each athlete gets plenty of repetitions.  

DC KEYS

1. Connect It – Can you connect Quick Defense to what is to come?  Perhaps the footwork or skills used in a drill during Station Instruction?  Example: Run SS-Darts or Backhand Flips on a day when middle infield feeds are to be covered.  Or, work through Waiter Tray Receiving if little guys are going to work outfield instruction.
2. 3 Coachs for 3 Lines – Quick Defense is at it’s best when planned well (DC Key #1) and run quickly.  If two helpers are available, explain the drill and each takes a line.  That means I, as coach, fire through my life four times and it’s on to Station Instruction.
3. Be Quick – There’s lots to be covered.  Steal some extra repetitions for catching, throwing, or footwork.  And then get into practice where the athletes will apply those baseball movements.

EQUIPMENT LIST