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Fly Ball Drop Step & Crossover

Outfielders work on the two key first movements for fly balls: the drop step for balls over their head and the crossover step for balls to the side.

FieldingBeginner10 min2+ players8U9U10U11U12U13U14U

Watch the Full Demonstration

How to Run This Drill
  1. 1
    Outfielder starts in ready position, weight on balls of feet.
  2. 2
    Coach points a direction. Player takes a drop step (over the head) or crossover step (to the side) and sprints 20 feet.
  3. 3
    5 dry reps each direction (left, right, back-left, back-right).
  4. 4
    Add tennis balls: coach throws in each direction. Player must catch on the run.
  5. 5
    Progress to fly balls hit with a fungo bat.
Equipment Needed
  • Baseballs or tennis balls
  • Gloves
  • Bat (for fungo)
Coaching Tips
  • ●First step is everything — explosive push off the inside of the foot.
  • ●Drop step: open the hip, turn and run. Never backpedal.
  • ●Crossover: front foot crosses over, then sprint. Don't shuffle — it's too slow.