Hey everyone, Tanner here! As a former college pitcher and now product manager at Web Flex, I know how important it is to start each practice or game day with the right warm-up. Proper warm-ups not only get your muscles ready but also sharpen your skills before you take the field. Here, we’ll go through some of my favorite warm-up drills that I recommend to all players, whether you’re practicing solo, with a coach, or with a teammate. These short hop drills are fantastic for building your fielding foundation, and with the right baseball training equipment—especially our Web Bounder rebounder net—they’ll set you up for success on game day!

1. Straight-On Short Hop Drills

The straight-on short hop drill is all about meeting the ball head-on. This drill helps you develop the skill to catch or stop a ball coming directly at you, making it a critical piece of your training. Start by setting up your Web Bounder rebounder in front of you. The Web Bounder is perfect for creating a controlled return, allowing you to practice quick, direct hops. The idea here is to work on reacting fast and keeping your glove stable and low.

I love using the Web Bounder pitchback for this drill, especially to work on catching quick returns. Not only is this drill excellent for reaction time, but it also builds confidence in handling the ball. For those practicing indoors or without a partner, the Web Bounder is fantastic for consistent repetition and honing that straight-on focus!

2. Backhand Short Hop Drills

The backhand short hop is a skill that separates good fielders from great ones. This drill teaches you how to handle the ball confidently on your glove’s backhand side, essential for covering ground in the infield. Set up the Web Bounder Pitchback to act as a rebound wall, and practice taking the ball to your backhand side.

For this drill, focus on keeping your glove low and turning your wrist to soften the impact. If you’re using the Web Bounder rebounder with softball pitching nets or baseball protective gear setup, make sure you’re positioned for the ball to come at an angle that challenges your backhand reach. Practicing backhands will not only improve your infield range but also boost your control over unexpected plays.

3. Forehand Short Hop Drills

Moving on to the forehand short hop, this drill is crucial for mastering grounders and those balls that might sneak by on your glove side. Set up the Web Bounder to help simulate quick forehand returns. The goal here is to practice staying low and keeping your glove hand soft, letting the ball settle in the pocket without overextending.

The Web Bounder rebounder is ideal for getting a solid range of returns and makes a great addition to any batting practice equipment or hitting training equipment setup. This drill encourages proper glove technique, balance, and fast footwork. Once you’re in position, keep your eyes on the ball and your feet ready for movement. The forehand short hop is a must-have skill for fielders and an important warm-up that gets your legs, eyes, and hands working together.

4. Slow Roller Short Hop Drills

Lastly, slow roller short hops are perfect for working on your reaction time and control over soft-hit balls. This drill simulates those slow rollers that can be tricky to handle without solid fundamentals. Use the Web Bounder rebounder to practice charging the ball while maintaining a low stance. The Web Bounder’s controlled returns make it perfect for slow rollers, allowing you to focus on scooping and transferring quickly, with fluidity in your movements.

The Web Bounder rebounder delivers that ideal slow roller and lets you work on timing and transition, especially if you’re practicing solo. Incorporate it into your pitching practice equipment or baseball training stuff setup for reliable, high-quality practice.

Wrapping Up Your Warm-Ups

Warm-up drills like these short hops should be a consistent part of your daily practice routine. Not only do they help with reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and glove work, but they also get you comfortable with the types of plays you’ll encounter on the field. Whether you’re using Web Bounder, baseball batting nets, protective equipment in baseball, or softball sports equipment, having the right gear is key to making your warm-ups effective.

Remember, these drills are about creating a solid foundation. Start with a few reps, focus on technique, and you’ll notice improvement in both your fielding skills and your confidence on the field. So, grab your Web Flex baseball accessories and gear up for a season of strong fundamentals. Let’s make every warm-up count!

Catch you next time on Training with Tanner!