A clean field with no throw is half a play. A clean field with a good throw is the whole play. This is the drill where Drop, Show, Funnel, Send becomes one motion: field and throw without thinking about it.
What you need: 10 baseballs, two gloves, a base or cone for first base, a partner at first.
Setup: Player at shortstop position (about 60 feet from first base). First baseman at the bag. You at home with the bucket.
How to run it:
- Cue: Drop, Show, Funnel, Send. The Send is the throw to first.
- Roll or hit a grounder to the player. They field it cleanly, funnel up, and throw to first.
- After the throw, the first baseman tosses back to you (not the fielder).
- Do 8 reps from a stationary position.
- Last 4: hit the ball slightly to one side so the player has to move, then field, then throw.
What to watch: The transition from catch to throw. Most kids drop the glove down to the side after the catch, then bring the throwing hand over. Wasted motion. The Funnel takes both hands up the middle of the body, ready to throw.
If they’re struggling: Drop the throw. Just have them field cleanly and toss the ball back. Add the throw next session.
If they’ve got it: Add a runner from home plate. The throw has to beat the runner.