Kobata - Left foot foward hop-step through

Doug Romrell · Jun 29, 2014

I really like what Howard Kobata teaches in terms of moving through fielding a grounder. He shows fielding a grounder just inside the left foot as it lands, then hop-step through to throw it. Seems very efficient. Seems to really activate the feet. Seems to move forward through the ball rather than stopping, field the ball, then start moving again.

Thoughts?

CoachYoYo · Jun 29, 2014

We started doing these drills this year (1st year 12U) and there has been a noticeable improvement in quickness and throwing accuracy. Of course we also subscribe to the AB Athletics water bottle drill, which has helped tremendously. We do a lot of Kobata drills every practice.

The girls footwork has gotten quicker, they are more balanced and they get rid of the ball faster. I truly believe that the improved footwork and better balance has greatly improved their throwing accuracy.

Rob.

Doug Romrell · Jun 29, 2014

I agree. It seems that the most difficult thing defensively is getting the girls to have legs and feet that are active, or explosive. More often than not, when a player is fielding a ball or receiving a through, I'm thinking, "Gosh, they could have been quicker!" I would like to see a little too much motion in the feet in waiting for a ball to be hit or thrown to them than no motion at all. It's easier to start moving in a direction if you have already activated things than if there is no activation to start with.

Doug Romrell · Jun 29, 2014

Yes, I can see the footwork Kobata advocates VERY important for the short-stop and third-baseman for throws to 1B. It would tend to be a bit tamer for throws to first from the pitcher, second-baseman, or first-baseman fielding a bunt.

CoachYoYo · Jun 29, 2014

We practice the pivots and reverse pivots. Essential for 2B, but everybody practices them. Love the 4 corner drills. Throwing forward and backwards. Following your throws/rolls can be be a great conditioning drill as well.

02Crush · Jul 20, 2014

I am a big believer in moving through the ball as he teaches. I feel if taught at a young age it teaches them to field on the move and maintain accurate throwing while on the move. Then later they can learn other options and have a full bag of ammunition helping them play the game better. Every player on my team has been through this and it has made them better defensively.

Ken B · Jul 24, 2014

I've brought over a cue I use with goalkeepers to softballers: "To and through" the ball.

moe · Jul 25, 2014

We use them. They have changed everything with our team.

Cowdogz · Jul 25, 2014

I notice that when I make a conscious effort to step into my throw, and follow it with a step after, that my elbow and shoulder hurt much less. But, alas, I am (semi-) old and still trying to play at 90'.

iMlearning · Jul 25, 2014

Are there any disks similar to Kobata's that aren't 99.00? I really would like to see some things to help DD mainly at 3rd and other infield positions, but I don't help coach and don't need team drills etc...

Kobata - Left foot foward hop-step through

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Doug Romrell

CoachYoYo

Doug Romrell

Doug Romrell

CoachYoYo

02Crush

Way past gone

Ken B

moe

Cowdogz

iMlearning

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