10-Minute Fly Ball Drill
Fly balls are intimidating for young players. The ball is up in the air, it’s coming fast, and the sun is in their eyes. The only cure is reps.
The routine
| Time | Drill | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 min | Self-toss | Player throws ball straight up and catches it. Builds comfort looking up. |
| 3 min | Short pop flies | Toss or hit short fly balls (30–50 ft). Drop step, move to ball, catch above the head. |
| 3 min | Longer fly balls | Hit or throw to 60–80 ft. Read off the bat, take an angle, catch on the run. |
| 2 min | Communication | Two players — hit between them. Must call “I got it!” to practice communication. |
Key cues
First step is back (drop step), not forward. Run to the spot, then set up under the ball. Catch with two hands above the head — not at the waist. On longer flies, take an angle to the landing spot rather than drifting under it.
Sunglasses matter. A $10 pair of sport sunglasses prevents lost fly balls and builds confidence in bright conditions.