Game version
Fielding game: a partner rolls ground balls and you field and throw to a cone. The pair counts clean plays, then swaps.
First Base Footwork and Stretch
Find the base, then stretch toward the throw so outs come sooner.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Run to first base and put your heels against the bag.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best of clean plays out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Glove, base, ball, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Fielding
The steps
How it works
- Run to first base and put your heels against the bag.
- Wait until you see the throw, then step toward it with your glove-side foot.
- Catch with your glove out in front.
- Do 20 throws from different angles.
Coaching point
Find the bag, read the throw, then stretch.
Safety: Keep your foot on the side of the bag so runners do not step on it.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slow rolls), Core (medium), More (to your sides). Beat your own best of clean plays out of 10.
Story
You are the shortstop in the big game, and every clean play is a big play.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best of clean plays out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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