Charging eliminates extra bounces and reduces reaction time for the batter. A fielder who charges is more aggressive and puts pressure on baserunners.
What you need: 15 soft baseballs (12”), a partner with a glove, a large field.
Setup: Fielder stands 20 feet from a partner. Partner rolls ground balls at them.
How to run it:
- Partner rolls a ground ball.
- Fielder sprints forward until the ball is 3 feet away, then Drop into low fielding position.
- They Show the glove, Funnel, and throw to a cutoff 30 feet away.
- Do 10 rolls straight ahead. After each, return to start.
- Do 5 rolls to the left. Do 5 to the right.
What to watch: Do they slow down before the drop? Or charge full-speed and lose balance? Slow footsteps on the last three steps, then drop.
If they’re struggling: Start 15 feet away. Roll slower. Have them charge without fielding first, just to feel the motion.
If they’ve got it: Roll from different angles. Add a runner. Throw the runner out at a base.