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 Short-Hop Scoop
Pick throws out of the dirt at first base by reaching forward to the short hop.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Set up on the base with your heels against it.
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, softballs, partner, base
- Level · skill
- Developing · Fielding
The steps
How it works
- Set up on the base with your heels against it.
- Your partner throws one-hop balls at you from 30 feet.
- Stretch forward and scoop up through the hop.
- Do 20 scoops.
Coaching point
Reach forward, scoop up.
Safety: Your partner throws easy; you can start with soft balls.
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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