5 Baseball Gameplays to Dominate Infielding with The Varsity Rebounder

Mastering infielding is about precision, quick reactions, and reliable technique. A good tool to enhance these skills is The Varsity Rebounder by All Ball Pro. This versatile piece of equipment mimics real-game scenarios, allowing players to practice independently or with teammates. Whether you’re a seasoned infielder or looking to build confidence on the field, structured training can make all the difference. In this article, we will cover four specific drills to dominate infielding using a baseball rebounder and how to execute them effectively.

1. The Short-Hop Drill

Short-hop training sharpens your ability to handle fast, low bounces, crucial for infielder accuracy.

1. Setup the Rebounder: Position The Varsity Rebounder about 10 feet away at an angle that sends the ball directly toward your glove side.
2. Start the Drill: Use a baseball to toss underhand onto the rebounder. Focus on fielding the ball as it returns with a short hop.
3. Use Proper Stance: Keep your knees bent, glove open, and body squared to the ball. Position your throwing hand above the glove for quicker transfers.
4. Increase Speed Gradually: As you become more comfortable, increase the intensity of your tosses to simulate faster gameplay situations.
5. Mix Up the Angles: Adjust the rebounder to create varying bounce directions, forcing you to move your feet and react.
6. Repeat Consistently: Spend 10-15 minutes per session to build muscle memory and confidence in handling challenging grounders.

2. Quick-Release Drill for Faster Throws

This drill emphasizes speed and accuracy, key for making outs at any base.

1. Position the Rebounder: Place the baseball rebounder 15-20 feet away with a slight incline for a direct return.
2. Toss and Field: Throw the ball at the rebounder and prepare to field it as it bounces back.
3. Execute a Quick Transfer: Move the ball from glove to throwing hand in one fluid motion, focusing on speed without losing control.
4. Target Specific Bases: Simulate throws to first, second, or third by visualizing a target or setting up a physical marker.
5. Incorporate Footwork: Step toward the throw’s direction as you release the ball to maximize momentum.
6. Track Your Progress: Measure the time from catch to release. Aim for smoother and quicker transitions as you practice.

3. Backhand Fielding Drill for Corner Infielders

Backhand plays are vital for third basemen and shortstops handling hard-to-reach balls.

1. Set the Rebounder Angle: Tilt the rebounder slightly to one side to create a backhand-return trajectory.
2. Position Yourself: Stand 10 feet away, angled toward the rebounder with your glove-side hand ready.
3. Simulate a Grounder: Toss the ball so it bounces off the rebounder, returning low and wide.
4. Field with Precision: Extend your glove hand while keeping your backhand low and steady. Use your other hand to stabilize if needed.
5. Practice Quick Recovery: After fielding, pivot your body to simulate a throw toward first base.
6. Vary Your Distance: Move closer or further to mimic different in-game scenarios. This enhances adaptability and strengthens reaction time.

4. Double-Play Drill for Team Coordination

Double plays require seamless communication and precision, making this drill essential for infield teamwork.

1. Set Up Multiple Players: Place the rebounder 10 feet away, simulating the role of the batter. Have teammates cover second base and first base.
2. Initiate the Play: Toss the ball at the rebounder, simulating a hit. Field the ball cleanly and throw to the second baseman.
3. Quick Pivot: The second baseman should immediately pivot and throw to first base to complete the double play.
4. Rotate Positions: Switch roles frequently so every player practices fielding, pivoting, and throwing.
5. Increase Complexity: Add runners or adjust the rebounder to create faster plays and more challenging angles.
6. Communicate Clearly: Focus on loud, direct communication to ensure smooth execution and avoid errors.

5. Maximizing Solo Practice with the Rebounder

A baseball rebounder allows individual players to refine their skills even without a partner.

1. Select Your Focus: Decide which aspect of infielding you want to improve—short hops, quick releases, or reaction speed.
2. Set the Rebounder: Adjust the rebounder’s angle to control the ball’s return trajectory.
3. Simulate Game Pressure: Throw with intensity and aim to replicate game-like situations.
4. Experiment with Distance: Stand at varying lengths to practice fielding in different zones.
5. Add a Timer: Challenge yourself by timing how quickly you can field and “throw” the ball back to an imaginary target.
6. Analyze Your Form: Record your sessions to identify areas for improvement, like glove positioning or footwork.

Infielding is all about precision, agility, and consistency, and incorporating structured drills can bring noticeable improvement. Whether you’re mastering short hops, quick releases, or complex plays, tools like All Ball Pro Rebounders make practice efficient and effective. Regular practice with a baseball rebounder allows players to build muscle memory, sharpen reflexes, and develop essential skills for high-pressure situations. These drills are adaptable to players of all levels, helping them fine-tune their techniques in a controlled and repeatable manner. By dedicating time to these exercises, players can gain confidence and translate their training directly to improved game performance.