Ground Ball Backhand

Start in the defensive stance, with your glove palm-side up, ready to field a ground ball. You typically backhand a ball that is hit toward your throwing-hand side. When you are unable to get directly in front of the ball before it reaches you, reach out and turn your glove over so your palm is facing the ball.

"If you are a righty, backhand a ball that is hit far enough to your right side that you cannot field it with the palm of your glove hand up."

Step 1

Start in the defensive stance  Be ready  Stand with your feet shoulder width apart  Balance your weight on the balls of your feet  Keep your hands up in front of you  Keep your glove ready

Step 2

Follow the ball as it goes to your far right  Step to the right with your left foot  Push off with your right foot  Get as close to the path of the ball as you can

Step 3

Turn your palm over when it becomes clear that you are unable to get in front of the ball Reach so that you can easily field the ball on your right side Keep your elbow pointed away from your body  Catch the ball close to your left foot

Step 4

Plant your right foot  Step toward your target with your left foot  Take the ball out of your glove with your throwing hand Position your glove-hand shoulder toward your target Bring the ball back  Shift your weight back  Bring your arm up and over your head  Throw the ball with a snap of your wrist

Skills Drills

Distance drill 

Have a teammate or coach hit balls to your left and right at ever increasing distances. Work on getting in front of the ball so you can avoid using the backhand. Balls hit at a distance requiring the backhand become that much easier, since you gain experience getting close to the ball.  

Position drill   Get into the actual fielding position for a backhand-knees bent, your dominant side foot slightly in front of your non-dominant side foot, glove turned over, palm-side down and low to the ground. Have a teammate throw some short hops and field them with your glove, staying in the backhand fielding position.

READ  
"Working the infield"

  
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