A fielder’s choice is when the defense gets the lead runner instead of the batter. With a runner on first and a ground ball, the right play might be the force at second instead of the throw to first. The decision happens in half a second. This drill builds it.
What you need: A full infield, a runner on first, a coach with a bat.
Setup: Runner on first. Standard infield. Coach at home.
How to run it:
- Coach hits a ground ball to short, second, or third.
- Runner on first breaks for second.
- Fielder catches and decides:
- Force at second is faster than the throw to first: go to second.
- Force at first is the only sure out: go to first.
- Do 8 reps. Mix where the ball is hit.
- Talk through each: was the right base chosen?
What to watch: Are they always going to first? Defaulting to first means giving the runner second every time. Sometimes second is the right play. The lead runner matters in late innings.
If they’re struggling: Simplify. Tell them before each rep which base to throw to. Build the throw before the decision.
If they’ve got it: Add a double play attempt. Throw to second, then second baseman throws to first. Two outs.