High school
Outfield
All positions
Intermediate
Big League Prep Parachute Outfield Drill
The Baseball Pro drill that uses a parachute or resistance to train explosive first steps and controlled deceleration for outfielders.
- Equipment:
- Ball only
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Outfielder works against light resistance (parachute or band) while reacting to balls hit in different directions. The resistance forces a powerful first step and teaches the athlete to stay under control when changing direction or decelerating into the catch.
Objectives
Increase first-step explosiveness and teach controlled deceleration so outfielders can still make accurate throws after hard runs.
Coaching cues
Drive the first step hard against the resistance; keep the chest up; decelerate under control into the catch; finish in a strong throwing position.
Common errors
Letting the resistance pull the body out of athletic posture; over-striding; failing to decelerate and falling off balance after the catch.
Steps
- 1. Attach light resistance (parachute or band)
- 2. React to balls hit in multiple directions while driving against the resistance
- 3. Decelerate under control into the catch
- 4. Finish in a strong throwing position and release the resistance
Source:
The Baseball Pro
