Drill of the Week: Baseball Fly Ball Drill for Kids

Welcome to Drill of the Week, a new series on ACTIVEkids.com that will explain individual and team drills for parents and coaches to help kids improve at the sports they love.

This week's drill is Deuces Wild, a baseball fielding exercise brought to you by TheDrillbook.com.

Description

Deuces Wild is a fun game for outfielders that teaches them to locate a fly ball and communicate with teammates by calling for the catch. Start with one outfielder approximately 30 feet in front of the coach with the player's back facing the coach. The coach will throw a pop-up and on the coach's command, the player will turn, find the ball, and make the catch.

To add a little fun, do the same drill with two players. The coach will throw two baseballs in the air and on the coach's command, the players will turn, find the ball they want to catch, and communicate this to the other player. Last man standing is the "Secretary of Defense." For young players, use a tennis ball.

More: Soccer Passing Drill for Kids

Key Teaching Points

Find the Ball: The players need to make a quick turn with their eyes to the sky. As they turn, they should not be standing upright, but rather with their legs shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent since they may have to run to the ball.

Communication: Players should always call for the ball three times: i.e., "Ball, ball, ball," or "I got it, I got it, I got it." Teach the players to be loud and keep repeating their call.