Drills To Catch A Softball - Bad Hops at First

Purpose: This drill for fastpitch softball defense, in particular the first baseman, is to practice catching bad hops at first.

Procedure: Have a thrower on the infield about 30 feet from first throwing bad hops with an overhand throw to the first baseman in receiving position at first base. The thrower has a bucket full of balls. The first baseman catches the ball, makes the out, and put the balls in a second bucket nearby. Have the first baseman do this drill every day to develop this important skill. The player gathers or short hops every ball and focus on keeping the head down.