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11 Infield Drills to Use with Your Zooka Pitching MachineFor infielders, repetition is everything. Clean glove work, quick footwork, and fast transfers make the difference between an out and a run. The Zooka pitching machine gives infielders the consistent reps they need without relying on a coach hitting fungos for hours.
Here are 11 infield pitching machine drillsdesigned to build confidence and consistency across all positions in the infield — from first base to catcher.
Set the Zooka to deliver straight ground balls to each infielder.
Focus on glove out front, low hips, and quick transfer to throwing hand.
Rotate between shortstop, second, third, and first base.
👉 Why it works:This pitching machine drill reinforces clean fundamentals and gets infielders comfortable with routine plays.
Angle the machine slightly toward the glove side.
Have infielders work on extending with soft hands and using proper footwork.
Practice both shortstop and third base backhands.
👉 Why it works: Builds confidence fielding tough glove-side balls.
Switch to the throwing-hand side.
Infielders shuffle feet and keep momentum moving toward first.
👉 Why it works: Prepares infielders to cut off balls in the hole and make strong throws.
Adjust Zooka to deliver bouncing short hops.
Mix forehand and backhand hops.
Stress soft hands and keeping glove low.
👉 Why it works: One of the best pitching machine fielding drillsfor improving glove control.
Fire grounders to shortstop or second.
Players work on flip or feed to double-play partner.
Partner throws to first base for completion.
👉 Why it works: Builds timing and chemistry for quick infield outs.
Reduce machine speed so balls trickle slowly into the infield.
Infielders charge aggressively, scoop barehand, and fire to first.
👉 Why it works: Improves instincts for tough plays that require quick reactions.
Randomize Zooka’s accuracy settings.
Alternate grounders between hard shots, slow rollers, and short hops.
👉 Why it works: Simulates game-like unpredictability.
Shoot short hops to first baseman.
Work on stretching properly with glove down and foot on the bag.
👉 Why it works: Strengthens first base fundamentals and improves ability to pick tough throws.
Deliver line drives and hard grounders to third base.
Infielder focuses on quick glove reaction and short throws across the diamond.
👉 Why it works: Builds reflexes needed at third base (“the hot corner”).
Aim Zooka for bouncing short hops just in front of home plate.
Catcher drops, squares chest, and blocks with proper technique.
👉 Why it works: A vital pitching machine drill for catchers to improve blocking skills.
Sequence: grounder to short, hot shot to third, scoop at first, catcher block.
Run this drill at high tempo, 6–8 balls per round.
👉 Why it works: Keeps all infielders sharp and simulates fast-paced, pressure-filled innings.
The Zooka pitching machine is a versatile defensive tool that goes far beyond batting practice. By integrating these infield pitching machine drills, players can sharpen glove skills, improve footwork, and prepare for real-game situations.
Bottom line: Whether it’s routine grounders, short hops, double plays, or catcher blocks, pitching machine fielding drills help infielders build confidence and consistency that carries over to game day.
The catcher is one of the toughest and most important positions in baseball. A good catcher must block wild pitches, frame strikes, throw out runners, and command the field. Traditionally, coaches or pitchers provide practice reps, but with a Zooka pitching machine, catchers can get hundreds of consistent, repeatable reps without wearing out arms.
When it comes to defense, the outfield is all about tracking the ball, reacting quickly, and making strong throws back into the infield. While coaches can hit fungos for reps, the Zooka pitching machine offers something better: consistent, repeatable fly balls, line drives, and grounders that let players sharpen their skills without fatigue.
The Zooka pitching machine isn’t just for batting practice — it’s also one of the most effective tools for defensive development. The Zooka pitching machine allows you to replicate consistent fly balls and grounders, which aligns with many standard fielding drills used by coaches everywhere. With the right setup, you can create realistic pitching machine fielding drills that simulate fly balls, ground balls, line drives, and short hops.
