How to do the drill
- 1
Set a mound marker and a first-base marker 20–25 steps (40–50 feet) apart. Your partner stands near home.
- 2
Comebackers: finish your pitching motion with no ball, glove out front. Your partner rolls a grounder back at you.
- 3
Field it with two hands, set your feet and throw firmly to the net or partner at first. Do 10.
- 4
Covering first: your partner moves to the right side. After your motion, they yell "cover!" Do 10.
- 5
Run to the line a few steps short of first, then along it. Catch the toss while stepping on the inside edge.
- 6
Turn toward the infield, away from the runner. Count clean plays (on-target throws, catches on the bag) out of 20.
Coaching cues
- Finish ready to field.
- Set your feet, then throw.
- Right side? Go to first.
What good looks like
Glove out front at the finish, feet set before every throw, and a sprint to first on every right-side ball.
Safety
For young players, the partner rolls or tosses the ball; save hit comebackers for older players with a coach and a glove that fits. Soft training balls are fine at home. Do this on days you are not pitching, and warm up the arm with easy catch first.
Why this drill
Once the pitch leaves your hand, you are the fifth infielder. Comebackers and balls to the right side happen every game, and a pitcher who fields them and covers first saves outs a young team usually gives away.
Next fielding drillOutfield Ground Balls: Block or Charge →
