Help for Outfielders

An important key to any person playing in the outfield who needs to go back on a fly ball, is knowing how to do it! A simple drill that I have come up with involves much repetition in a very short period of time. My group of boys stand off to the side, while the first boy in line stands in front of and facing me. I will say "Fly ball, go", then point to my left or right. If I point to my left, the boy takes a drop step back with his right leg, then crosses over with his left. After he does this move correctly, and has begun running out for the ball, I throw him a fly ball. I also will occaisonally signal left or right, and after the boy starts out, throw it to the opposite side. This simulates a boy breaking back on the ball but turns the wrong way, or when the ball curves away from him. After they catch or retrieve the ball, I have them run back to me with it. Might as well get some additional running in at the same time. The difference between a crossover step for an outfielder who has to go back on the ball, versus a crossover step to the left or right, is that going back requires first the step back, then the crossover. When using a crossover step to either side, you cross over and turn at the same time. Besides not wanting the boys to run on their heels as they go after the ball, you also want them to keep most of their weight on the balls of their feet as they step back and cross over. Keeping their weight off of their heels will make the crossover go more smoothly. Crossing over to your left or right only requires a 90 degree turn, but going back on a ball is 135 degrees or more. Therefore you need to use the most efficient mechanics you can.