Fielding a clean backhand ground ball can separate a good infielder from a great one. It’s one of the most challenging plays on defense—and also one of the most rewarding when done right. Confidence in your backhand doesn’t come from luck; it’s built through proper technique, repetition, and understanding what makes the play work.
As a former professional infielder, I learned firsthand that defensive consistency can make or break your career. A strong backhand not only improves your range but also gives you the poise to stay calm under pressure. Here’s how to build that skill step by step.
Five Keys to a Reliable Backhand
Many players struggle with the backhand because they rely on reaction instead of preparation. These five fundamentals will help you stay under control and make stronger, more accurate throws.
1. Keep your glove hand on the ground
Most players think they’re low enough—but usually, they’re not. If your glove isn’t truly on the ground, the ball can easily skip under it or cause you to stab downward instead of working through the ball. Fielding “up and through” the bounce gives you a smoother, more consistent result.
2. Point your elbow toward the ball
Your elbow controls your glove path. When it’s pointed at the ball, your glove naturally stays on a straight, efficient line through the grounder. This helps you track the ball cleanly without pulling your glove around your body.
3. Catch between the thumb and index finger
The sweet spot of the glove is between your thumb and pointer finger. That’s where the web naturally opens widest, creating a softer pocket that allows the ball to stick instead of ricocheting out.
4. Keep your glove path level
Hinge at the elbow so the glove stays on the same line as the ball. Avoid sweeping around your body or stabbing at it. A level path gives you more room for error and better consistency—two things every infielder needs on the backhand.
5. Maintain balance and momentum
As you field, stay balanced with your weight slightly forward and momentum moving toward first base. Good footwork sets up accurate throws, while poor balance leads to weak or off-target tosses.
The Three-Stage Backhand Drill Progression
Developing a dependable backhand takes structured practice. These drills can be done alone or with a partner and should be performed in three progressive stages.
Stage 1: Barehand on your knees
Start on your knees without a glove. This isolates hand movement and helps you focus on soft hands and proper glove angle. Even advanced players benefit from revisiting this drill—it sharpens coordination and refines touch.
Stage 2: Add your glove, still on your knees
Once comfortable barehanded, repeat the same motion with your glove. The goal is to keep your hand path and posture consistent. This phase allows you to get lots of repetitions without wearing out your legs. Many professional infielders use this as part of their warmup to stay sharp.
Stage 3: Full stance, live ground balls
Finally, stand up and take grounders from your normal fielding position. Maintain all the same mechanics you practiced on your knees—low glove, elbow aimed at the ball, and balance through the play.
A key reminder: don’t reach too far or overextend on the backhand. Keep the ball in your ideal fielding zone—roughly between your shoulder and belly button. This gives you the best adjustability and ensures you can react to unpredictable hops.
Final Thoughts
A confident backhand comes from repetition and trust in your mechanics. By keeping your glove low, directing your elbow, and working through the ball, you’ll turn a difficult play into one you can make instinctively.
Master these small details, and not only will your backhand improve—you’ll gain the confidence to handle any ground ball hit your way.
