Good fielders all have the same body shape. Feet wider than the shoulders. Glove out front, low. The shape forms a triangle (feet apart, glove forward) and the ball comes in through the open side. Same shape every time means same catch every time.
What you need: A glove, 10 baseballs or tennis balls, flat grass.
Setup: Stand 15 feet from the kid. They face you.
How to run it:
- Cue: Drop, Show, Funnel, Send.
- Show the body shape: feet wider than shoulders, butt down, chest forward, glove on the ground out in front.
- Have them hold the position for 5 seconds. Check the shape. Reset.
- Now roll 5 grounders right at them. Each rep, they drop into the shape, field, and toss back.
- Last 5: roll slightly off-center. They step into position then drop into the shape.
What to watch: Are the feet outside the shoulders? Many kids field with feet too narrow. Wide stance is what holds the body steady.
If they’re struggling: Have them hold the body shape without a ball for 30 seconds. Make it about getting the position right first.
If they’ve got it: Roll harder and to either side. They have to get to the spot before they drop into the shape.