PART I The Three in one Drill

RUNDOWN DRILLS: PROGRESSION MASTER MULTIPLE DEFENSIVE DRILL

It has often been said that “DEFENSE AND PITCHING WIN GAMES” and that “OFFENSE DETERMINES BY HOW MUCH!”

It behooves those coaches that subscribe to this theory to have an efficient and effective method of practicing the defensive game.

A Master Multiple Defensive Drill that allows several critical area of the defensive game to be practiced simultaneously is one solution. A well thought out Master Multiple Defensive Drill has many advantages:

1. More learning will take place if “key” defensive fundamentals are practiced for short periods of time at regular intervals than would be possible in longer more widely spaced practice sessions.
2. By practicing defensive skills for short periods of time at regular intervals, defensive skills will be honed and a transfer of learning to actual game situations will become routine and automatic.
3. It makes maximum use of limited practice time.
4. It enables critical areas of the defensive game to be taught thoroughly.
5. It gives the players a sense of confidence when dealing with defensive situations.
6. It makes difficult defensive situations seem “routine.”
7. It gives the players a sense of accomplishment and growth.

When deciding which fundamentals/components of the defensive game play the most important part in developing a solid defensive team, the coach must take into consideration which aspects of the defensive game occur the most often and then incorporate then into the “Master Defensive Drill.”

How important is a particular defensive skill or situation to winning ? This then is the percentage of practice time that should be allocated to practicing these defensive skills and situations

The coach must take the time to lay a solid foundation for the defensive game. This is done by teaching each segment of the Master Defensive Drill completely and thoroughly before continuing onto the next set. This takes time but will pay dividends over the course of the season.

As the players become familiar with the drill not only will the drill become highly efficient but the players will help coach the newcomers and/or rookies.

Teach thoroughly what you expect your players to learn, and then fully expect the players to perform what you have taught.

Three In One Drill :

The Three in One Drill is an example of a Multiple Defensive Drill.

Erroneously named the Three in One Drill the original drill practiced three parts of the defensive game in one drill. However, during the years (like the coach) it has expanded and grown to incorporate several more components of the defensive game.

The term “Three in One Drill” still exists, but it is a misnomer, as the following drill covers many more aspects of the defensive game than the original three.

Overview :

1. The “Three in One Drill” is divided into two sections and each section is divided into sets. Section I has three sets while Section II has four sets.
2. All drills within a set are run simultaneously, that is, while the pitchers are working on Covering First Base, the middle infielders and third baseman are working on the Reverse Double Play, etc.
3. Players should practice each drill a prescribed number of times before moving on to the next drill within that set.
4. Devise your own components or modify those suggested. A drill of this magnitude seems difficult but once mastered it becomes a highly effect method of improving your teams defensive play by honing timing and individual skills. So don’t dismiss this drill without some real thought!
5. The following is an overview of the basic setup and what defensive components we cover in our drill.

Basic Organization/Setup :

1. Pitchers single file behind the mound.
2. Each pitcher has a baseball and one at a time will step on the mound and windup or stretch and then deliver the ball to the catcher at home plate.
3. All catchers are at home plate except one.
4. Place one catcher thirty feet from home plate down the first base foul line and three feet into foul territory.
5. The first baseman is in his position on the dirt back of first base.
6. Shortstop, second baseman and third baseman are in their positions…middle infielders have a bucket of ball with them.
7. The coach is at home plate with a fungo bat and baseballs and fungoes to the appropriate position.
8. Place a “pylon” thirteen feet from first base toward home plate and approximately four feet from the first base foul line into fair territory….Pylon acts as a “reference point” for pitchers when covering first base….For subsequent
   

Section I – Set One: While the pitchers and first baseman are practicing covering first base, the middle infielders and third baseman are practicing double play opportunities and put outs.

1. Pitchers Covering First Base: (Coach fungoes.)
   1. Normal ground ball to first baseman.
   2. Infield topped ground ball between pitcher and first baseman.
   3. Ground ball between first baseman and second baseman…Pitcher covers first base.

1. Shortstop and Second Baseman: (Bounce Drill.)
   1. Reverse double play to third base.
   2. Shortstop to second baseman to third baseman.
   3. Second baseman to shortstop to third baseman.
   4. Backside double play: Third baseman to shortstop...second baseman practices ground ball between first baseman and him.
   5. Shortstop to third baseman: Ball in hole.

Section I – Set Two :

1. First and Second Bunt Defense – Pitcher and Third Baseman coordination. (Coach fungoes bunts.)
2. Double Play Pivots – Shortstop and Second Baseman (Bounce drill.)

Section I – Set Three :

1. Count pick off at second base.
1. Pitcher and Shortstop.
2. Pitcher and Second Baseman.
2. Slow Rollers to third baseman: throw to first base.
3. Bunt to first baseman: throw to third base.

Section II – Set One:

1. Come Backers: Coach fungoes the ball back to the pitcher.
1. Pitcher throws to first base.
2. Pitcher throws to second base and middle infielders throw to first base.
2. Catcher throws to third base after pitcher delivers the ball.

Section II – Set Two :

1. 3-6-1 Double Play : First Baseman to shortstop at second base to pitcher at first base… coach fungoes to first baseman holding imaginary runner to start drill.
2. Catcher fields bunt and throws to third base (simulates bunt with runners on first and second bases.)

Section II – Set Three :

1. Double plays – rapid five – coach fungoes from outside right-handed batter’s box (third base line.) Fungo between pitcher’s delivery.
1. 5-4-3
2. 6-4-3
3. 4-6-3
2. Pitchers/Catchers
1. Pass ball : pitcher covers home plate…catcher makes shin guard slide and throw to pitcher covering home plate.
2. Pitch-out.
3. Intentional walk.

Section II – Set Four :

1. Pickoffs – Pitchers three abreast on mound and practice pickoff at first, second, and third bases simultaneously.
1. Pitcher/Shortstop/Catcher and Pitcher/Second Baseman/Catcher FLIP DRILL
2. Pitcher/Third Baseman Pickoff
3. Pitcher/First Baseman Pickoff
   
2. Pitchers rotate from third base pickoff to second base pickoff to first base pickoff to end of the line.

CONCLUSION :

Exactly what fundamentals should be incorporated into the “Master Defensive Drill” will be an individual matter. The age and maturity/skill level of the players is of course of prime consideration.

Develop a “Master Defensive Drill” that meets the needs of your team. The examples that are presented here are advanced and designed for older more sophisticated players, but should serve as a model.

Good Luck!

Next month’s JNL will include the mechanics and execution for all drills.