The wheel and repeat crossover drills focus on developing the baseball crossover step as it occurs in fielding and on the base path. The baseball crossover step is important for efficient acceleration in moving to the side or behind you. Performing the baseball crossover step requires staying low and athletic throughout the entire movement. Standing up before getting back down to accelerate is a common error in taking off on the bases and in the field. Another common mistake is taking a false or drop step. By taking a drop step you are essentially moving backwards to move forwards!
Repeat Crossover Drill
- From an athletic fielding position (image on left), perform a crossover step to the left (image on right)
- Reset in your fielding position and repeat to the right
- Perform 3 sets of 5 crossovers for each leg
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Wheel Drill – First Step Only
- Begin on the middle of the wheel where all lines meet, facing the #1 (image on right)
- Start with a balanced athletic stance
- Step out low and fast, pausing at the end position for 1-2 seconds
- Keep the step short and under control, not a long lunge step
- Stay low when returning to the start position
- Each set consists of 1 rep at each spoke of the wheel for each leg
- Rest for 1 minute between sets
Wheel Drill – Full
- Set the cones up at a distance of 3-5 yds away from the center point
- From a balanced athletic stance, drive out low and fast for 3-5 steps
- At the numbered cones, break down into a fielding position and pause
- Walk back to the start position and repeat in sequence around the wheel
- Each set consists of 1 rep at each spoke of the wheel for each leg
- Rest for 1 minute between sets
Wheel Drill – Position Specific
- This is an option for the “Wheel Drill – Full” during the Transfer and Sharpening Phase
- Catchers – Start in a catching stance. Simulate throwing off the mask on spokes 4,5, and 6 – pop fly situations. Step and drop to spokes 1,2,3,7, and 8 – blocking situations
- Middle Infield – Emphasize spokes 3,7,1,2, and 8 in order. Perform 5 sets instead of 3-4
- First Base – Emphasize spokes 1, 3,7, and 6 in order. Repeat each twice per set
- Third Base – Emphasize spokes 1,7,3, and 4 in order. Repeat each twice per set
- Outfield – Emphasize spokes 4,5,6, and 1 in order. Repeat each twice per set