Infield Loop
Purpose: To practice fielding an assortment of ground balls (requiring different footwork positions) and throwing to different bases, as well as to work on conditioning.
Procedure: There are players at first and third, a ball in the pitching circle, and a player catching with a fungo hitter at the plate. One player works through all of the plays that follow (see figure 11.15).
- A ground ball is hit to the third baseman, who throws it to first base.
- The player (third baseman) runs and picks up the ball in the circle and throws to first base.
- The player then loops around second base toward the shortstop position and is hit a ground ball, which she throws to first base.
- The player receives a ground ball at the shortstop position and throws it home.
- The player charges the plate, and the catcher rolls a bunt, which the fielder throws to first base.
After each player finishes, she rotates to the next clockwise position. On-deck fielders wait their turn at third.
Variation: Begin at first base and throw the first three balls to third base. Reverse the loop so the batted ball is a backhand. The bunted ball is thrown to third base.
