The funnel teaches the kid where the ball goes after they catch it. Two cones form a path from the glove to a basket. It’s the Funnel part of the Drop, Show, Funnel, Send cue.
What you need: 2 cones, a bucket or basket, 10 soft baseballs (11”), grass.
Setup: Place two cones 3 feet apart forming a V-shape with a bucket behind them. Kid stands 10 feet in front of the V.
How to run it:
- Cue: Drop, Show, Funnel, Send.
- Roll a slow ball straight at them.
- They Drop (low), Show (glove), catch it, then Funnel the ball by moving it out of the glove and into the bucket through the V.
- Do 10 rolls. After each, they walk the ball back to you.
- On the final round, emphasize the hand movement through the funnel. No dropping the ball.
What to watch: Does the ball move smoothly from the glove through the cones? Or does it drop out and roll away?
If they’re struggling: Move the cones wider apart. Move closer to 8 feet.
If they’ve got it: Narrow the cones to 2 feet apart. Roll from the side so they have to move their feet and still funnel.