21 Outs Drill

Contributed By: Duane Higley

Equipment: Balls, Bats, Gloves, and Bases

Drill:
The coach hits different types of batted balls to the players. The players try to get an out. Grounders to first, fly balls - catch and throw to second. Every ball must be thrown back to the pitcher. If there is a base hit, then there is an imaginary runner on first, or whatever base they would have gotten, and the play must change. You might have to turn two, tag play after a catch, etc.

The fielding player should run toward the base as he makes the underhand toss and allow his momentum to carry him past the bag while receiving player covers the base.

Objective:
To get 21 outs (we use 21 because we play 7 innings and need to get 21 out in our ball games) without any errors. Any time there is an error, we start back over at zero (0). Be prepared to have a long practice. Sometimes, it can go quick, but it usually takes awhile. I usually plan for an hour for this drill. This is great for practicing situations. It is also great for teaching the players to bounce back from an error. You cannot hang your head because you made an error. You have to step back up and make the play the next time.

Variations:
You can do the same drill with nothing but fly balls, or you could just hit grounders. Early in the season, we'll play 12 outs and work up to 21 outs.

Good luck and have fun!