| Run this drill in any large open area (a field
or a gym). Divide the team into as many groups of two as possible. If an
uneven number of players are present use a coach to fill out the last
group.
One member of each group lines up on one side of the
area, the second member opposite on the other side. Space players an
equal distance apart along each side of the area to allow room for
safety.
Each group should have a ball. On the word “GO” each
team begins throwing the ball back and forth across the area. Each time
a team completes one throw and catch they count one point. If the throw
is bad, or the ball is not caught, that team's score goes to zero.
Allow between thirty and sixty seconds for a round
then call “STOP.” Each team then gives its score. The team with the
highest score wins and each of those two players gets one point. Then
rotate to the left so that all teams are different (see diagram below).
As soon as all teams are set and have a ball, start
another round as above. Run as many rounds as the time allotted for the
drill will allow. At the conclusion the player(s) with the most points
win.
Watch out for...
Some players have a tendency to throw softly so as not to make an error
and have their team score go to zero.
It is important to stress that the objective is to
throw as hard and fast as possible and develop good throwing skills, not
simply get the best score in this drill. Concentrate on developing a
good rhythm of moving to the ball to catch it and continuing on with the
throwing motion. This is also a good time to watch your players and see
who uses two hands and catches the ball properly.
After running this contest for several practices the
best fielders will almost always end up with the highest number of
points.
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