Baseball & Softball drill · Ground balls
Ground-Ball Funnel Station
The funnel sequence is the foundation every infield skill builds on. Controlled rolls mean high reps and zero fear, which is how young fielders get brave.
Why this drill works
The funnel, fielding the ball out front and drawing it to the belly while moving into throwing position, is the bridge between catching a grounder and doing something with it. Isolating it at a station builds the sequence slowly enough to keep gloves out front (the universal youth fault is fielding beside the body) and connects every clean pick to the first step of the throw, so fielding and throwing grow as one motion instead of two.
How to coach it
Feed consistent, medium-pace rolls so the funnel itself gets the attention, and stand where you can see the contact point: out front, glove low, eyes behind the ball. The funnel to the belly should be smooth, not a snatch. Add the crossover step toward the target once picks are clean, and finish sessions with a few live throws so the station’s purpose stays visible. Tired fielders drift upright; end before form does.
- Ages
- 5–12
- Skill levels
- first-time, beginner, developing
- Players
- 4–16 (ideal 8)
- Time
- 12 min
- Setting
- either
- Space
- 15 x 20 yards per station
Equipment
- 4-6 balls per station
- 1 glove per player
- 2 cones
- 1 bucket or target player
Setup
One roller (coach or player) kneels with a pile of balls, facing a fielding line 15-20 feet away marked by a cone. A target (bucket, coach, or player) stands to the side to receive throws.
How to run it
- The first fielder creeps into ready position as the roller shows the ball.
- Roll a firm ground ball directly at the fielder.
- The fielder moves through the ball, drops into a wide base, and fields it out front with glove on the ground and bare hand on top.
- Funnel the ball to the belly, replace the feet toward the target, and throw.
- Fielder retrieves their ball to the roller's pile and rejoins the line; progress to rolls one step left and right.
What success looks like
Gloves start on the dirt and work up, fielders move through the ball instead of waiting back on their heels, and throws come from balanced feet.
Coaching cues
- "Glove on the ground first"
- "Field the ball out front"
- "Funnel to your belly"
- "Through the ball, not beside it"
Common mistakes
- Glove starting high and stabbing down late; start every rep glove-on-dirt.
- Fielding beside the body with one hand; the alligator two-hand habit comes first.
- Waiting back on a slow roller; charge and field moving forward.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Roll slower balls from 10 feet, or start ball-in-place: the fielder runs to a stationary ball and works the funnel.
Harder: Roll firmer and wider, add a shuffle-left-shuffle-right before the roll, or time the field-to-throw transfer.
Adapt it to your team
Small roster: Four players rotate roller, fielder, target, and on-deck; everyone learns to roll a good ground ball.
Large roster: Run 2-3 identical stations with a coach or reliable roller at each; keep lines at four maximum.
Limited space: Needs only 15 feet of flat ground; a gym sideline or hallway works with rubber training balls.
Limited equipment: A bucket replaces the throwing target; tennis balls substitute when gloves are scarce, fielded bare-handed with the same funnel.
Safety
Use soft or age-appropriate balls on rough surfaces where bad hops happen, and keep the waiting line behind the roller, never beside the fielder. See the safety page for general guidance.