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Short Hop Drill

Infielders and first basemen practice picking short hops cleanly — the most common tough play in the infield.

FieldingIntermediate8 min2+ players10U11U12U13U14U

Watch the Full Demonstration

How to Run This Drill
  1. 1
    Two players face each other about 30 feet apart.
  2. 2
    Player A intentionally throws short hops (one-hoppers that land 3-5 feet in front of the partner).
  3. 3
    Player B works on reading the hop and fielding it cleanly — backhand, forehand, and straight on.
  4. 4
    10 throws each, then switch roles.
  5. 5
    Progress to throwing harder or from farther apart.
Equipment Needed
  • Baseballs
  • Gloves
Coaching Tips
  • ●Soft hands — give with the ball, don't stab at it.
  • ●Watch the ball all the way into the glove. Eyes on the ball, not the runner.
  • ●First basemen especially need this drill — they see short hops every game.