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OUTFIELD - WILLIE MAYS
PUBLISHED BY OHS VARSITY BASEBALL
Regarded by many as the greatest player to play the game of baseball. There has not been many players that have been able to track balls down in the outfield better than the great Willie Mays. These drills can be used daily to improve footwork, communication, and tracking strategies.
- Each player should grab a baseball and then get into a line. The player gives the ball to the coach/thrower. The player should step back approximately 10 feet and face the coach/thrower. The coach/thrower points back to the direction for the outfielder to run. Outfielder will take a drop step and crossover to the direction of the point. The coach will now point to the other direction. The outfielder needs to cross over without turning his back to the ball to make the catch. The coach/thrower can point up to 3 - 4 times. Catch the ball and then get back into the line.
- Each player should grab a baseball and then get into a line. The player give the ball to the coach/thrower. The player should step back approximately 10 feet and fact the coach/thrower. The coach/thrower should now point straight behind the fielder. The outfielder will now drop step and make an over the head catch. Catch the ball and then get back into the line.
- Each player should grab a baseball and then get into a line. The player give the ball to the coach/thrower. The player should step back approximately 10 feet and face the coach/thrower. The coach/thrower will now throw the ball at a distance where the fielder has time to track the ball and get under the baseball. For right hand throwers, your right leg is placed behind your left. Make the catch and lift your left leg to begin your crow hop. Make an accurate throw to your target.
KEY POINTS
- Catch with two hands
- Call out the ball, "Ball, Ball, Ball"
- Utilize a drop step
- Utilize a cross over step
- Use proper footwork to begin your CROW HOP
- Hit your cutt off target
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