11U–12U
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Beginner
Combo Defense Drill - Four Stations
Efficient ABCA multi-station defensive circuit that develops soft hands, angles, glove freedom, and outfield tracking in limited space with one coach.
- Skill:
- soft hands angles tracking
- Equipment:
- Cones
- Duration:
- About 12 min
- Setting:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Players:
- Team
Coaching notes
Four quick stations run by a single coach: (1) short hops for soft hands/reactions, (2) rolling ground balls with cones for proper angles, (3) throwing hand behind the back for pure glove-hand feel, and (4) banana drill for outfield tracking footwork. Ideal for indoor, cold-weather, or space-constrained practices.
Objectives
Maximize defensive reps in a small area while addressing both infield and outfield fundamentals in a short time block.
Coaching cues
Soft hands and give with short hops; take proper angles to the cones; free the glove hand by keeping the throwing hand behind the back; use banana-path footwork to track fly balls.
Common errors
Stiff hands on short hops; running directly at the ball instead of angling; using two hands when the throwing hand should stay back; straight-line instead of curved tracking paths.
Safety
Clear station space; soft balls for younger groups; rotate quickly to manage fatigue.
Setup
Four small stations with cones, balls, and minimal equipment; can be set in a gym or corner of a field.
Progressions
Station time 60-90 seconds each; rotate entire group; increase difficulty (harder rolls, higher flies) as players improve.
Variations
Add competition scoring per station; combine with live throws after the glove-work stations.
Steps
- 1. Station 1: Short hops – soft hands and quick reactions
- 2. Station 2: Rolling ground balls with cones – proper approach angles
- 3. Station 3: Throwing hand behind back – pure glove-hand freedom and feel
- 4. Station 4: Banana Drill – curved footwork path for tracking fly balls
- 5. Rotate groups every 60-90 seconds; one coach can oversee all stations
