Defense can make or break a team’s success in the post-season. Making a spectacular play can save a run, while making an error may allow the other team to go on a scoring streak. So, focus on improving your fielding this off-season to become a dependable glove on the diamond next spring.

Below are two drills that will improve your fielding technique, speed and conditioning. Perform them two to three times each week to get ready for the upcoming season. After you master these drills, check out our Fielding Drill Library.

Pick-Ups

This is a versatile partner drill, because it can be used to improve your on-the-move fielding, lateral quickness and conditioning. The faster you go, the more difficult the drill becomes.

• Start facing partner about five feet away
• Shuffle five feet to left as partner throws short hop or roll ball
• Square up to ball with knees bent and palm of fielding hand facing ball
• Pick up ball and flip to partner
• Shuffle back to start position and repeat

Sets/Reps: 2-3×10 each direction

Resisted Pick-Ups

This drill is nearly identical to Pick-Ups, but a resistance band is added. This improves lateral acceleration, which will increase your range and allow you to get to balls more quickly. (Check out another Assisted-Resisted Fielding Drill.)

• Start facing partner above five feet away
• Place resistance band around waist with second partner to left keeping tension on band
• Shuffle five feet to right as partner throws short hop or roll ball
• Square up to ball with knees bent and palm of fielding hand facing ball
• Pick up ball and flip to partner
• Shuffle back to start position and repeat

Sets/Reps: 2-3×10 each direction