A pitcher's job isn't over when the ball leaves their hand. Think of your pitcher as your fifth infielder. Their ability to field their position—handling a screaming comebacker, charging a bunt, or covering first base—can be the difference between a tough loss and a dominant win. This defensive skill requires the same dedicated practice you give your shortstop, which is why a dedicated PFP program, much like your high-tempo infield drills ▸, pays huge dividends.
Yet, Pitcher's Fielding Practice (PFP) is often the most neglected part of training. Coaches hit inconsistent fungoes, pitchers go through the motions, and the number of quality reps is frustratingly low. By pairing a pitching machine with the right training ball, you can transform your PFP from a chore into a high-tempo, skill-building session.
The Problem: Inconsistency and Wear & Tear
Traditional PFP has two major flaws: inconsistent reps and using the wrong ball. Game balls get destroyed by the dirt and machine wheels, while cheap cage balls provide unrealistic hops. You need a ball that can withstand the machine while still providing a realistic feel.
The Solution: A Durable, Consistent Training Partner
The MC3 Baseball ▸ and MC3 Softball ▸ are the perfect tools for this job. Their high-durability composite material is designed to handle thousands of machine-fed reps, making them the ideal ball for both hitting and fielding practice.
Pro-Tip: Setting Up Your Machine for PFP
Position your wheeled pitching machine about 35-45 feet from the mound. Angle the head to hit sharp grounders or roll slow bunts. The goal is to simulate realistic "off-the-bat" speed and location, which is a core principle for coaches ▸ looking to maximize their drills.
3 Essential PFP Drills for Baseball and Softball
|
Drill |
Objective |
Key Coaching Focus |
|
1. The "Comebacker" Reaction Drill |
Improve a pitcher's instinctual reaction to a ball hit right back at them. |
Staying balanced after the follow-through, getting the glove up, and transitioning into a throwing motion. |
|
2. The "Bunt Coverage" Drill |
Master charging the ball, fielding it cleanly, and making an accurate throw. |
Proper angles to the ball, fielding with two hands, and setting the feet before the throw. |
|
3. The "Covering First" Drill |
Automate the footwork and awareness needed to cover first base on a ground ball. |
An explosive first step, taking the correct angle to the bag, and receiving the throw while finding the base—a crucial piece of athletic biomechanics ▸. |
Pro-Tip for Left-Handed Pitchers (LHPs)
PFP is biomechanically different for lefties. Keep these nuances in mind:
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Comebackers: Your momentum after a pitch naturally carries you toward the third-base side of the mound. Your most important PFP skill is a quick, efficient pivot to square your shoulders and make a strong throw to first.
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Covering First: Your path to first base is a different angle than a righty's. Drill this specific path repeatedly to make it second nature.
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Bunts: You have a natural advantage on bunts rolled down the first-base line. Practice charging aggressively to leverage this angle.
Putting It All Together: The High-Tempo PFP Circuit
Individual drills build skills, but a circuit builds athletes. The true power of using the MC3 for PFP is the ability to create a high-repetition circuit that simulates the conditioning and focus required in a game. This is how to structure a 10-minute station for both baseball PFP and softball PFP.
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Station 1: Comebackers (5 Reps). The pitcher fields a hard grounder back to the mound and makes a throw to first.
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Station 2: Bunt Coverage (5 Reps). The pitcher fields a slow roller down the third-base line and makes the throw to first.
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Station 3: Covering First (5 Reps). The machine hits a ball to the first baseman; the pitcher sprints to cover the bag for the out.
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Rest (60 seconds) and Repeat.
This continuous movement keeps the pitcher's heart rate up and forces them to transition between different defensive responsibilities, just like they would in a real inning.
The Pitcher as an Athlete
The MC3 system isn't just a hitting tool; it's a program development tool. By using it to run efficient, high-repetition fielding drills, you train your pitchers to be complete athletes who can defend their position with confidence. It's how you turn a potential error into a routine out, and it's how you win more games.
Share Your Drills
What's your go-to PFP drill for your pitchers? Share your ideas with the JZ Sports community in the comments below!
