Too many times we as coaches think we have to hit fly balls with a bat to our outfielders for every practice. Some problems arise when we consistently attempt this feat: an inability to hit a good fly ball, fly balls that don’t challenge our players, and a lot of “standing around” waiting for a fly ball to be hit.

"50"
This is an infield drill. Players at their spots, one coach fungoes, another times how fast the fungoed ball reaches first base. Players must make 50 straight plays in less than 4.5 seconds each. Any mistake returns count to zero. You can make the time whatever you want. It represents the average runner's time to first base. You also can decide the number of successful plays needed. It doesn't have to be "50."

Here is a fun drill we call "County Fair." Our team of 12-year olds love it, and it gives them exposure to nearly every aspect of baseball defense.

The READY POSITION is one of narrow stance with the weight on the balls of feet and the center of gravity relatively high, so that the outfielder can move quickly in any direction. He must be ready to move rather instantaneously in an unknown direction. You should walk into the ready position.