11 Baseball Fielding Drills to Use with Your Zooka Pitching Machine

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.

Here are 11 proven pitching machine fielding drills designed specifically for the Zooka to sharpen defensive fundamentals, improve reaction times, and boost confidence on the field.

Drill 1: Fly Ball Fundamentals

Step 1: Angle the Zooka upward to deliver high fly balls to the outfield.
Step 2: Have players call for the ball, track it, and make the catch with two hands.
Step 3: Rotate players through different outfield positions (left, center, right) to simulate game angles.

👉 Why it works: Builds confidence under high-pressure fly balls and improves communication between fielders.

Drill 2: Ground Ball Routine

Step 1: Adjust the Zooka downward to roll or skip balls across the infield.
Step 2: Fielders use proper mechanics — glove down, butt low, hands out front.
Step 3: After fielding, make a strong throw to first base or a target.

👉 Why it works: Reinforces fundamentals and helps infielders handle routine grounders with consistency. Able to do this drill independently with the Zooka AL-1 Autoloader Attachment. 

Drill 3: Short Hop Challenge

Step 1: Set the Zooka to deliver low, bouncing short hops in front of the fielder.
Step 2: Players focus on soft hands, staying low, and reacting quickly.
Step 3: Mix in forehand and backhand short hops for variety.

👉 Why it works: Improves glove control and hand-eye coordination — essential for infielders.

Drill 4: Line Drive Reaction

Step 1: Adjust the Zooka to deliver hard line drives at infielders.
Step 2: Players must react quickly, catch the ball, and immediately make a throw.
Step 3: Gradually increase velocity as players gain confidence.

👉 Why it works: Simulates game-speed reaction plays, especially valuable for corner infielders and pitchers.

Drill 5: Outfield Drop Step Drill

Step 1: Have the Zooka shoot deep fly balls slightly behind the outfielder.
Step 2: Players practice taking the correct drop step (left or right) before sprinting back.
Step 3: Make the catch on the run and simulate a throw to the cutoff man.

👉 Why it works:Trains proper footwork and angles for tracking deep balls.

Drill 6: Ground Ball to Throw Drill

Step 1: Fire grounders directly at infielders.
Step 2: After fielding cleanly, players must quickly transition and make an accurate throw to first, second, or home.
Step 3: Alternate positions to simulate game situations.

👉 Why it works:Reinforces quick transfers and infield rhythm — field, step, throw.

Drill 7: Pop-Up Communication

Step 1:Set the Zooka for high infield pop-ups.
Step 2: Multiple players (e.g., catcher, pitcher, infielder) converge on the ball.
Step 3: Emphasize calling for the catch loudly and clearly.

👉 Why it works: Builds communication skills and prevents collisions on infield fly balls.

Drill 8: Catcher Blocking the Plate

Step 1: Angle the Zooka to deliver short hops and bouncing balls just in front of the plate.
Step 2: Catchers practice dropping to their knees, keeping chest square, and blocking balls.
Step 3: Mix in balls slightly to the left and right for lateral blocking work.

👉 Why it works: Sharpens catcher defensive skills and prepares them for wild pitches or balls in the dirt.

Drill 9: Double Play Simulation

Step 1: Position the Zooka to shoot a ground ball to shortstop or second base.
Step 2: Player fields and flips to their double-play partner, who throws to first.
Step 3: Rotate positions so everyone practices both sides of the turn.

👉 Why it works: Builds infield chemistry and improves double-play speed.

Drill 10: Relay Throw Drill

Step 1: Launch long fly balls or line drives to the outfield.
Step 2: Outfielder catches and makes a strong throw to the cutoff man.
Step 3: Cutoff man relays to home or a base.

👉 Why it works: Reinforces fundamentals of cutoff positioning and strong, accurate throws.

Drill 11: Pressure Fielding Circuit

Step 1: Program the Zooka to alternate between grounders, fly balls, and short hops in random order.
Step 2: Fielders must react quickly without knowing what’s coming next.
Step 3: Keep reps short (6–8 pitches) at high intensity.

👉 Why it works: Simulates unpredictable game conditions and builds defensive versatility.

Tips for Using Zooka in Fielding Practice

• Use consistent balls (dimple balls or safety balls) for accuracy and safety.
• Keep drills short but intense to avoid fatigue and sloppy mechanics.
• Start with high accuracy variation, then increase randomness as players improve.
• Always emphasize footwork, communication, and quick transitions during defensive reps.

Final Thoughts

A Zooka pitching machine isn’t just for hitters — it’s a complete defensive training tool. With these 11 drills, players can sharpen their skills in the infield, outfield, and behind the plate. Whether you’re working on fly balls, ground balls, short hops, or catcher blocking drills, the Zooka provides the consistency and repetition needed to master defensive fundamentals.

Bottom line: If you want to maximize your team’s fielding practice, the Zooka pitching machine gives you the flexibility, safety, and accuracy to create game-like reps for every position on the field.