Infielders know that a fraction of a second can make the difference between an out and a run scoring. Have you ever frozen for just a split second as a sharply hit ground ball zoomed toward you? I’ve been there countless times—watching a ball get past me because my reaction was just a moment too slow. Over the years, I’ve developed drills that not only speed up reaction time but also train your body and mind to anticipate plays instinctively. These drills are designed for serious players looking to elevate their infield game. Here are 3 advanced drills that can transform your defense, whether you play shortstop, second base, or third base.
Reaction Ball Drill
A reaction ball is an irregularly shaped ball that bounces unpredictably—perfect for sharpening reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
How to do it:
- Stand in your ready position with knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and glove prepared.
- Have a partner drop or throw the reaction ball toward you from various angles and heights.
- Focus on soft hands and quick movements, scooping the ball cleanly.
- Repeat 25–30 times per session, gradually increasing the distance and unpredictability of bounces.
Why it works: The unpredictable bounce forces your brain to process visual cues faster, training split-second decision-making. I remember preparing for a regional tournament using this drill. By the third week, I was scooping tricky grounders I used to miss and reacting instinctively rather than hesitating.
Pro tip: Mix in one-handed catches or rapid-fire drops to simulate game pressure and improve your glove work under stress.
Lateral Shuffle with Rapid Grounders
Footwork is critical for infield reaction. This drill improves lateral movement, balance, and body positioning.
How to do it:
- Start in your ready position between two cones about 8–10 feet apart.
- Your partner hits or rolls ground balls randomly toward either cone.
- Shuffle quickly, stay low, and field each ball cleanly before returning to the center.
- Perform 3 sets of 12–15 balls per session, resting 30–60 seconds between sets.
Why it works: Practicing lateral movement under simulated game pressure trains your muscles to respond automatically. The drill also reinforces staying low and keeping your glove close to the ground, which improves scoop success rates. I remember during summer league, this drill allowed me to reach sharply hit balls to my right and left that I never thought I could field cleanly.
Variation: Add a second partner hitting at slightly different heights or speeds. This challenges your body to adjust faster and simulates real in-game unpredictability.
“Read and React” Drill
Anticipation is just as important as speed. This drill combines mental focus with physical reaction to mimic live game scenarios.
How to do it:
- Have a partner stand at home plate or behind a tee with a ball.
- Instead of signaling where the ball will go, they hit or roll balls unpredictably.
- Your goal is to “read” the ball immediately from the initial angle and move accordingly.
- Perform 15–20 repetitions per session, focusing on speed, glove positioning, and clean fielding.
Why it works: It trains your brain to anticipate the ball’s trajectory rather than reacting blindly. During a scrimmage last season, mastering this drill helped me cut off multiple ground balls before they reached the outfield, giving my pitchers confidence to throw strikes knowing I had their backs.
Extra tip: Record your sessions to identify tendencies and reaction patterns. Seeing where you hesitate or overcommit allows you to correct errors faster than guesswork alone.
FAQ – Infield Reaction Training
Q1: How often should I practice these drills?
3–4 sessions per week, 45–60 minutes each, yield the best results. Focus on quality—speed and precision matter more than sheer volume.
Q2: Do I need special equipment?
A reaction ball is highly recommended but not mandatory. Cones, regular infield balls, and a partner are sufficient for most drills.
Q3: Can these drills help with turning double plays?
Yes. Quick lateral shuffles, glove work, and reading the ball trajectory improve your ability to turn double plays efficiently.
Q4: Are these drills suitable for all infield positions?
Absolutely. Shortstop, second base, third base, and even first base can benefit from faster reaction times and better anticipation.
Q5: How long until I notice improvement?
Most players see measurable progress in 3–4 weeks if the drills are practiced consistently, with attention to form, footwork, and mental focus.
