Ever observed a hawk swooping down with precision to snatch its prey? That’s the kind of instinct, agility, and confidence we’re aiming to instill in our fielders with our dynamic ‘Blind Drill.’ This game-changing drill is designed to help fielders promptly locate a fly ball in the air and make a spirited jump to catch it. And let’s not forget, it serves as a perfect exercise to encourage effective communication among the outfielders. Because, after all, teamwork makes the dream work!
Laying the Groundwork
Let’s take a moment to envision the setup. It’s just a player and a coach, standing approximately 20 yards apart in a vast, open playground. Now here’s where the ‘Blind’ part comes into play – the player daringly turns her back to the coach. Picture a brave knight turning her back on the battlefield, ready to swiftly pivot and charge when called upon.
Entering the Arena!
With the setting prepped, it’s time to ignite the action! The coach hollers, “Unleash,” and flings the ball skywards. The moment the command echoes, the fielder spins around like a top, locates the soaring ball in the air, and makes a mad dash to intercept it before it dares touch the ground.
And if we’re dealing with a dynamic duo, they must chalk out their strategy first. Like in a well-choreographed dance, they must decide who’s going to catch the ball while the other gets ready to step into the backup role. Once our daring outfielder catches the ball, she throws it back to the coach, and it’s game on again!
Polishing the Diamonds: Coaching Gems
Let’s sprinkle in some pearls of wisdom to perfect this thrilling drill. Outfielders should voice their claim over the ball loud and clear, something like a rhythmic chant of “Ball’s mine, ball’s mine, ball’s mine!” Or even a firm “I got it, I got it, I got it!” Loud enough to shush any doubts and uncertainties.
Remember that the centerfielder is the lion of the pack – they rule the outfield. If there’s a clash, their call prevails over the others. This simple rule helps keep chaos at bay.
And let’s talk stance – when it comes to catching the ball, your glove foot should be leading. This sets you up perfectly to launch a strong, speedy throw right after. Think of it as an elegant dance move, catching with grace and then transitioning into a powerful throw.
The ‘Blind Drill’ is much more than just a drill; it’s a game of trust, precision, communication, and agility. So, are you ready to channel your inner hawk and dazzle the field with some remarkable catches? Let’s play ball!