By Abigail Gannaban · Last updated November 3, 2026
The best pitcher fielding practice drill for comebackers teaches a pitcher to finish his delivery in a fielding position, field the ball cleanly, and make an unhurried throw. St. Mary's University coach Chris Ermis's 1-6-3 drill does that with a pivot, a shuffle and a throw to the letters. On a ball rebounder (a rebound net), you can get the comebacker part alone: the net sends the ball back at you, and you finish the play.
Why do pitchers mess up easy comebackers?
Pitchers mess up comebackers because the ball arrives before they've finished being a pitcher. A SABR research piece on the pitcher as a fielder describes the problem: the ball is suddenly in play, and the pitcher has to field it, turn, find the base and throw, often without a good grip, so the throw is hurried and often off (SABR). The fix is reps from a real finish position, so fielding becomes part of the delivery, not a surprise after it.
What is the 1-6-3 pitcher fielding drill?
The 1-6-3 drill trains the pitcher to start a double play on a comebacker by getting the out at second. In Ermis's version, the pitcher fields the ball in a good position, pivots, shuffles and throws at the shortstop's letters, so the middle infielder gets a ball he can handle. Then the pitcher sprints toward first (Coaches Insider / ABCA). The throw to the letters matters more than speed. A chest-high feed lets the shortstop turn two; a rushed one lets nobody turn anything.
How do you run a comebacker drill alone?
Use the ball rebounder as the hitter. Set it at a low screen position so a firm throw into the lower half of the net comes back as a ground ball or short hop toward you.
- Set up. Stand about 30-40 feet from the net to start, glove on. Start farther back and closer to half effort; move in only once you're fielding returns cleanly.
- Deliver and finish. From the stretch, make a firm, controlled throw into the lower half of the net (not a max-effort pitch). Finish square, glove up, in an athletic fielding position.
- Field the comebacker. Field the return out front with two hands.
- Finish A: throw home. Bases loaded, force at the plate. Set your feet and throw back into the center of the net. The return becomes your next comebacker.
- Finish B: 1-6-3 footwork. Place a cone where second base would be. Field the return, pivot toward the cone, shuffle, and throw to a second target there (a fence target, pitchback or partner). Then take three hard steps toward "first."
| Setup | Value |
|---|---|
| Drill | 1-6-3 pitcher fielding drill (Chris Ermis, St. Mary's) + comebacker-to-home finish |
| Distance | Start 30-40 ft; move closer as you get comfortable |
| Reps | 3 sets of 8: alternate Finish A and Finish B |
| Rebounder | Varsity, low screen position for ground-ball returns |
| Skill trained | Fielding position after delivery, clean pickup, unhurried throw |
| Source | Coaches Insider / ABCA |
What should you focus on during each rep?
Focus on your finish and your feet, not the speed of the throw. If the return gets past you, your delivery is pulling you off line; finish square to the target. On Finish B, count it a good rep only if the throw reaches the second target chest-high. Ermis's coaching point is the letters, so aim there. On Finish A, set your feet before you throw home, because a hurried throw is the error this whole drill exists to remove.
Which ball rebounder fits pitcher fielding practice?
The Varsity Multi Sport Ball Rebounder fits because its four screen positions plus tilt let you set a ground-ball return, and its 5' x 5' net gives you a target for the throw home. All Ball Pro makes steel-frame, multi-sport ball rebounders for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and basketball, with galvanized, powder-coated steel frames rated for outdoor use. For other ways to use one in baseball practice, see our comparison of a rebounder vs a pitching machine for baseball and softball.
Our angle: two finishes from one comebacker
Most PFP needs a coach with a fungo, a catcher and a shortstop, which is why pitchers rarely get enough of it. On a rebounder, the comebacker-to-home finish is a complete, real play with one net. The throw home is also the next feed. The 1-6-3 finish adds a second target, but the part that goes wrong in games (field cleanly, turn, set your feet) is all there. A rebounder won't copy a hard-hit ball off a bat, so treat this as reps for your footwork and hands, and get live PFP with your team too.
FAQ
What is PFP in baseball? PFP stands for pitcher fielding practice: drills where pitchers work comebackers, bunts and covering first after delivering a pitch.
How often should pitchers do PFP? Short, regular sessions work better than one long one. A few sets of fielding reps on non-throwing or light days keeps the footwork fresh without adding a heavy throwing load.
Should a pitcher throw full speed into a rebounder? No. Use a firm, controlled throw at moderate effort. The goal is a realistic comebacker and clean fielding, not velocity.
Can softball pitchers use this drill? Yes, the fielding and throw are the same idea. Start closer and adjust the distance to softball speeds and field size.
Finish like a fielder and the easy comebacker stays easy. See how the Varsity sets up for ground-ball returns.