Ground Ball to First: Beat the Runner
A softball and baseball ground ball drill: the fielder charges the ball, fields it with two hands, and throws to first before the runner gets there. Students practice the ready position, moving to the ball, and a quick, accurate throw.
How to play
- Set up 4 stations, each with home plate and first base 50 ft apart. Each group of 6 has a roller, fielder, first baseman, runner, and two waiting (2 min).
- Technique: feet wider than shoulders, knees bent, hands out front and low; field the ball in front of the body with two hands, feet and hands forming a triangle.
- Technique round: the roller sends a grounder from home to the fielder 40 ft away, who fields it and throws to first. Six grounders, then rotate (6 min).
- Beat-the-runner round: the runner leaves home the moment the ball is rolled; if the throw beats them to first, the defense scores a point.
- The first baseman keeps one foot on the bag and stretches toward the throw. After every play, everyone rotates one spot (10 min).
- Each group tracks how many times the defense wins in 12 plays and tries to beat it next round.
Rules
- Safety: the runner steps on the outside of the base and the first baseman on the inside to avoid collisions.
- Runners run straight through the base and don't stop on top of it.
- Only grounders that bounce within the first 20 ft count.
Variations
Easier
The runner leaves one second after the ball is rolled.
Standard
Runner and roll start together, with grounders right at the fielder.
Harder
Grounders go to the fielder's left or right so they have to move.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays first base at a closer bag or serves as the roller.
- Autism: mark the rotation order with numbered cones on the ground.
- Fitness level: students who get tired can take two turns in a row as the roller.
Learning goals
- Get into ready position and field a grounder with two hands.
- Link fielding and throwing without wasting time.
- Receive at first base by stretching while keeping contact with the bag.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 8
- bases: 8
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is waiting for the ball with straight legs, so stress charging it and getting the hips down. Check that runner and first baseman use different sides of the bag.
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