7 Fielding Drills for Baseball with The Varsity Rebounder

Fielding is a vital skill in baseball that requires focus, agility, and quick decision-making. Incorporating tools like The Varsity Rebounder by All Ball Pro can elevate training sessions and simulate real-game scenarios effectively. This article explores seven practical fielding drills designed to sharpen reflexes, improve hand-eye coordination, and enhance overall fielding techniques. Whether you’re a coach, a player, or a parent helping your young athlete, these drills are simple, effective, and adaptable.

In this article, we will break down each drill step-by-step to help players at all skill levels maximize their training.

1. One-Hop Ground Ball Drill

Ground balls are a staple in any game, and mastering them requires consistent practice. The Varsity Rebounder allows players to simulate unpredictable one-hop grounders, making it a valuable tool for fielding drills.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Position the rebounder on a flat surface, angling it slightly upward to create varied bounces.
2. Stand about 10-15 feet away in a proper fielding stance.
3. Throw the ball at the rebounder with moderate force and prepare to field the one-hop return.
4. Focus on staying low, using your glove hand to secure the ball, and transferring it smoothly to your throwing hand.
5. Repeat the drill for 10-15 minutes, alternating between forehand and backhand catches.
6. Gradually increase the speed of your throws to mimic real-game intensity.

This drill emphasizes reacting to unpredictable bounces, helping players build confidence in fielding tough ground balls during games.

2. Pop-Up Reaction Drill

Pop-ups test a player’s reflexes and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory. Using a baseball rebounder, you can create realistic pop-up scenarios.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Set the rebounder at a steep angle to create high, arcing returns.
2. Stand approximately 20 feet away and toss the ball at the rebounder.
3. Watch the ball closely as it rebounds upward, adjusting your position to catch it.
4. Focus on using two hands to secure the ball and practice calling for it aloud, simulating game communication.
5. Repeat the drill for 5-10 pop-ups, gradually increasing the difficulty by varying your toss angles.
6. Practice catching the ball on the move to simulate outfield conditions.

This drill builds agility and ensures players are ready for high-pressure moments in the field.

3. Quick Hands Drill for Reaction Time

Fielders must react instantly to balls hit in their direction. The quick hands drill trains reaction speed and improves coordination.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Position the rebounder close to you (about 6-8 feet away) to create fast, short returns.
2. Toss the ball at the rebounder lightly and get ready for a quick return.
3. Use only your glove hand to catch the ball, then quickly transfer it to your throwing hand.
4. Increase the speed and frequency of the tosses to make the drill more challenging.
5. Switch to backhand catches midway through the session to ensure balanced training.
6. Perform this drill in 3-5 minute intervals, focusing on staying light on your feet.

Quick hands are essential for making fast plays, particularly in the infield where reaction time is limited.

4. Line Drive Catching Drill

Catching line drives demands precision and readiness, as these hits often come unexpectedly. The rebounder is a great tool for simulating them.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Adjust the rebounder angle to produce low, fast returns.
2. Stand 10-12 feet away in a ready stance with your glove up and slightly forward.
3. Toss the ball firmly at the rebounder to create line-drive rebounds.
4. Focus on tracking the ball visually, ensuring proper glove placement for secure catches.
5. Practice catching with one hand and two hands alternately for versatility.
6. Gradually reduce the reaction time by standing closer or increasing the throw’s speed.

This drill builds the focus and reflexes needed to handle sharp hits during games.

5. Side-to-Side Fielding Drill

Fielders often need to move laterally to stop balls hit to either side. This drill improves lateral movement and glove work.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Place the rebounder at a neutral angle and stand directly in front of it.
2. Toss the ball, aiming for the rebounder’s center, to create returns in various directions.
3. Field each rebound by moving side-to-side, focusing on proper footwork and staying low.
4. Alternate between forehand and backhand catches, ensuring smooth glove transitions.
5. Continue for 10-12 minutes, increasing the difficulty by adding speed to your tosses.
6. Incorporate a throwing motion after each catch to simulate real-game scenarios.

Side-to-side drills teach players how to cover ground efficiently and handle challenging plays.

6. Barehand Drill for Soft Hands

Fielding barehanded helps players develop a lighter touch and improves overall glove work.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Position the rebounder flat to create low, controlled bounces.
2. Stand 8-10 feet away without a glove and toss the ball at the rebounder.
3. Field each return barehanded, focusing on soft hands and controlled movements.
4. Practice fielding with both hands, alternating every 10 catches.
5. Increase the drill’s difficulty by throwing harder or adding spin to the ball.
6. Perform the drill in short bursts, about 3 minutes at a time, to avoid fatigue.

This drill is excellent for teaching finesse and control, ensuring smoother glove transitions in real games.

7. Team Relay Drill

Teamwork is crucial in baseball, and this drill emphasizes communication and coordination between fielders.

Steps for the Drill:

1. Position the rebounder in the infield and set up two players at equal distances on either side.
2. Toss the ball at the rebounder to initiate a return to one player.
3. The receiving player fields the ball, then throws it to their teammate.
4. Continue the relay for 10-15 throws, focusing on accuracy and speed.
5. Switch roles, allowing all players to practice fielding and throwing.
6. Gradually increase the distance between players for an added challenge.

This drill enhances teamwork and ensures players are prepared for dynamic in-game situations.

Fielding drills are the backbone of defensive success in baseball. Incorporating tools like All Ball Pro Rebounders into practice can simulate game-like situations, ensuring players are ready for anything. From mastering ground balls with the rebounder to refining teamwork through relay drills, these exercises target key aspects of fielding performance.

By focusing on reaction speed, lateral movement, and proper glove work, players can elevate their defensive game. The drills outlined above provide a structured yet flexible approach to improving fielding skills at any level.