Baseball PFP, which stands for pitcher’s fielding practice, is a dedicated block of practice for pitchers to hone their defensive skills and prepare for various scenarios. 

Pitchers become the “fifth infielder” once they release a pitch. Despite that, many pitchers neglect fielding practice and technique, focusing solely on their pitching responsibilities. But they are more than that and need to prepare accordingly.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a youth scrimmage or the world series, a ball hit to the pitcher can change the game. If they’re prepared, they’ll easily field the ball and make the right decision. Players that lack PFPs and fielding technique may fail to catch the ball or make a costly error.

This resource serves as an ultimate guide to PFPs in baseball. Whether you’re a coach planning practices or a pitcher looking for ways to improve, the information provided throughout will help you take one step closer to achieving your goals on the diamond. 

We’ll cover everything you need to know about pitcher’s fielding practice, including: 

• What PFPs are in baseball terms
• Fielding scenarios pitchers need to prepare for 
• Common mistakes pitchers make in the field 
• Reasons why PFPs are important 
• Specific baseball PFP drills to practice 
• How to incorporate PFPs into your practices 
• FAQs about pitcher’s fielding practice in baseball

What Is PFP In Baseball? 

Pitcher’s Fielding Practice (PFP) in baseball is a routine of structured practices and drills designed around game situations that pitchers will encounter over the course of the season. 

Because of their defensive responsibilities after the pitch, pitchers need to strive to be athletes, not just pitchers, to effectively field their position. Through a series of drills and game scenarios, PFPs aim to make defensive reactions instinctual for pitchers. 

PFPs include: 

• Covering bases
• Holding runners on
• Pickoff plays, and 
• Bunts and ground balls

While it’s important all season, PFP is a staple of spring training and preseason for baseball teams. 

Practicing PFPs can have significant benefits or consequences for pitchers and their teams.  

• Players that lock in, focus, correct errors, and effectively communicate during drills see results translate in-game. 
• Those who go through the motions so they can check PFPs off the to-do list won’t be prepared for crucial moments that can change momentum in a game.

What Fielding Scenarios Do Pitchers Need to Prepare for in Baseball Games?

Throughout the season, pitchers face numerous situations as fielders. PFP focuses on the various defensive scenarios that happen around the pitcher’s mound. Pitchers need to become adept, accountable, and responsible for a multitude of defensive situations on a daily basis during PFPs. 

Key PFP scenarios include: 

• Fielding come backers
• Bunts 
• Covering first base on ground balls
• Backing up bases
• Turning double plays, and
• Executing pickoff moves

A major component of PFPs, and defensive scenarios pitchers face during games, is communication. Whether it’s deciding who fields a bunt depending on where it lands, or identifying who fields a slow hit ground ball in between multiple positions, communication is essential to perform well in the field as a pitcher. 

What Are Common Mistakes Pitchers Make As Fielders?

A pitcher’s central focus revolves around pitching. It makes sense that pitchers sometimes neglect their fielding responsibilities because they’re so focused on the game plan from the mound. 

But failing to prepare as a fielder can lead to the perfect pitch becoming a nightmare scenario. Some common mistakes that pitchers make as fielders include: 

• Lack of communication. Pitchers can make critical errors if they do not communicate effectively with infielders during plays. 
• Under thinking & mental lapses. Mental errors are often the leading culprit of physical errors on the mound for pitchers. It all starts during practice. Mental errors during PFP work can lead to physical errors on the mound.
• Lack of awareness & poor baseball IQ. Poor baseball sense and lack of awareness could lead to giving up a free run or out and come back to haunt pitchers later in the inning.
• Not taking the position seriously. Many pitchers fail to excel at learning how to field their position once the ball has been put in play. You can’t expect to make every play required by a pitcher if you don’t practice fielding the position.
  • For example, pitchers often struggle with covering first base after a grounder, leading to errors during games.

Why Are PFPs Important To Your Baseball Team? 

PFPs help pitchers avoid costly fielding mistakes, therefore the impact of PFPs often focuses on pitchers. Rightfully so, it’s in the name. But PFPs play a larger role than that. They’re essential to your entire baseball team, and the success you’ll have come game time. 

Here are a few key reasons why PFPs are important to baseball teams: 

• Helps pitchers improve their fielding abilities
• Establishes clear, effective communication
• Builds teamwork
• Defines roles and responsibilities 
• Simulates real game scenarios and conditions
• Locks in mental focus

Helps pitchers improve their fielding abilities 

Pitchers need to become adept at fielding their position once the ball has been put in play. PFPs dedicate time in your baseball practice for pitchers to work on fielding drills, especially technique and form. 

While they’re in a unique position after delivering a pitch, pitchers must be ready to react and equipped with proper fundamentals to field whatever comes their way. Setting aside dedicated time within PFPs to work on form and proper fielding technique gives pitchers much needed reps to improve their abilities. 

Establishes clear, effective communication 

Communication is key for pitchers fielding their position on defense. Pitchers must communicate with infielders during plays involving ground balls and bunts. If a slow ground ball is hit between the first baseman, second baseman, and pitcher, the three must determine who will receive the ball and who covers first base. 

Pitchers must also communicate effectively with catchers and infielders to make quick decisions during game situations. Bunt plays, pickoffs, double plays, and other important scenarios require clear communication between pitchers, catchers, and fielders. 

Sharing effective communication between pitchers and catchers, as well as infielders, is crucial during PFP sessions to ensure proper coverage and execution of plays. Each individual drill focuses on a specific scenario, and all players involved within the drill should discuss communication tactics and comments prior to running it. That way, they understand how to communicate well and drill it to become second nature by game day. 

Coaches often integrate verbal communication into PFP to ensure seamless plays among players. 

Builds teamwork

Open communication also builds teamwork and strengthens relationships. Practicing PFP fosters camaraderie among players as they learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. 

It can also bring together groups of players who don’t spend as much time together during practice. Often, pitchers are off doing independent work while infielders and outfielders practice. By spending dedicated time together, they get to know each other better and build stronger bonds as teammates. 

Defines roles and responsibilities 

Pitchers must understand their role once a ball has been put in play, as they are as much of a fielder as the other players on the field. Depending on the scenario, roles and responsibilities vary by position. 

Everyone involved in a play needs to be aware of their specific roles and responsibilities. For pitchers specifically, they must memorize the responsibility that coincides with each type of play. 

• E.g. When covering bunts, pitchers have different responsibilities depending on what side of the field the ball is placed and where there are runners on base. 

Team work during PFP drills helps pitchers understand their roles and responsibilities in various game situations. 

Simulates real game scenarios and conditions

One of the most important parts of PFPs is preparing pitchers for high pressure, important in-game situations. If you run lackadaisical, half-speed PFPs, it will be noticed and your pitchers are going to fold under pressure. 

The best PFP sessions simulate real-game conditions by having coaches hit ground balls or roll bunts to pitchers. Incorporating speedy base runners can help simulate the limited time pitchers have to make a clean play in a game. 

Locks in mental focus 

Mental focus during PFP sessions is essential to prevent errors that can impact game outcomes. As previously mentioned, mental errors in practice can turn to mental and physical errors come game time. 

By running high-intensity drills with precise focus and attention to detail, PFPs build mental strength that results in better performance on game day. 

Baseball PFP Drills

We’ve covered the skills and scenarios that PFPs work on, and the importance of incorporating them into your practices. Now it’s time to go over some key drills to incorporate into your sessions. 

PFP drills can involve multiple groups rotating through several plays simultaneously to maximize reps.

Some of the best, most effective baseball PFP drills include: 

• The Six “F’s” of Fielding fundamental instruction
• 3 in 1 Pick-Off Drill
• 3 in 1 Fielding Bunt Drill
• Come-Backer Drill
• Squeeze Attempt Defensive Drill 
• Combination 3-in-1 Drill
• Backing Up Base Drill
• Pitcher Covers First Drill
• Communication Drills (First & Third Base Lines) 

The Six “F’s” of Fielding fundamental instruction 

At the core of PFPs is proper fundamentals and technique. No matter how experienced your pitching staff, covering the six fundamental steps of fielding drills the concept into their memory. 

The six steps of fielding, known as the ‘6 F’s’, are:

• Feet
• Field
• Footwork
• Funnel
• Fire, and 
• Follow Through

Pitchers should practice fielding techniques to handle ground balls and line drives effectively when they are not on the mound.

How It Works

With your pitching staff, define and explain the following six “F’s” of fielding: 

• Feet: After delivering the pitch, pitchers must get their feet in a ready position. In an ideal scenario, that involves squaring their body to the plate in an athletic fielding position.
• Field: When a ball is hit at the pitcher, they need sound technique to field the ball cleanly. Teach pitchers to get their hands out front, so they can see their glove and the ball simultaneously. Emphasize a wide, athletic base for balance and watching the ball into the glove. 
• Funnel: The funneling process involves taking a fielded ground ball and bringing it to an ideal throwing position. Instruct pitchers to bring their glove from the ground to their mid-section or chest after cleanly fielding the ball. This keeps everything compact, close to their body, and balanced as they prepare to throw to their intended target. 
• Footwork: Proper footwork moves the pitcher toward their intended target, setting up an accurate throw. Teach pitchers to lead with their glove side shoulder and foot, shuffling to generate power and momentum without crossing their feet. Though their target is often close-range, proper footwork ensures solid positioning and an accurate throw. 
• Fire: This step is self-explanatory, with pitchers throwing the ball to their intended target. 
• Follow-through: The final “F” in fielding, following through ensures you complete the throw and continue moving your body toward the target. Highlight to your pitching staff the importance of following through to complete an accurate throw, end the throwing motion, and save their arms from injury. 

3-in-1 Pickoff Drill

The 3-in-1 Pickoff Drill helps pitchers perfect various pick-off techniques and timing for infielders. It’s an efficient drill that works pickoff moves to all bases simultaneously, getting the most out of your time. 

The purpose of the 3-in-1 Pickoff Drill is to get equal work on pickoffs at each base: first, second, and third. It helps pitchers work on variations of moves and communication with specific infielders at each respective base.

How It Works

Split pitchers into three small groups on the mound. Have your infielders go to their respective positions in the field.

Each group of pitchers starts with pickoff moves to a specific base: 

• One group lines up to the left of the rubber (when facing home plate), working pickoff moves to first base
• The second group stands on the rubber, working pickoff moves to second base
• Your final group stands to the right of the rubber (when facing home plate), work pickoff moves to third base

Only one pitcher from each group actively participates at a time. Have all non-participants kneel behind the mound, safe from any errant throws. You can either have groups remain at the same spot for a set period of time, or rotate players through all three stations at the same time. 

You can also complete this drill in the outfield or at any flat surface. Be sure to measure approximate distances so you’re practicing to game day field dimensions. 

Pickoff Variations to Practice 

Here are some of the pickoff variations and focal points for pitchers to practice at each base: 

Base	Variations and Focal Points
1st (First)	Standard pickoff move Quick move  Mixing up timings to keep runners guessing Specific pickoff moves for left-handed pitchers Timed plays w/ first baseman behind runner
2nd (Second)	Standard spin move to second baseman and shortstop  Inside move Fakes
Third	Timing play Step off

3-in-1 Fielding Bunt Drill

The 3-in-1 Fielding Bunt Drill teaches pitchers correct techniques in fielding bunts and proper throwing techniques. As with the pickoff drill, it aims to cover all bunt scenarios to each base simultaneously. 

Place an emphasis on using the six F’s to cleanly field each bunt and throw to the respective base. 

How It Works

Split your pitchers and catchers into three groups at the mound and behind the plate. Have your infielders go to their respective position on the field.  

Each group of pitchers works on bunt plays to a specific base: 

• The first group stands to the left of the rubber (when facing home plate), working bunts down the first base line to first base. 
• Your second group stands on the rubber, working on making throws to second base on bunts directly back to them 
• Finally, the third group stands to the right of the rubber (when facing home plate), working bunts down the third base line to third base. 

Only one pitcher in each group actively participates at a time, so all non-participants should kneel behind the mound and out of harm’s way. 

With one pitcher and one catcher at each spot on the mound and behind the plate, coaches give two signals: 

1. One for pitchers to get into their set position 
2. Another for pitchers to deliver the ball to the catcher, who rolls a simulated bunt for the pitcher to field

Rotate pitchers through each spot on the mound. Have your second basemen and shortstops rotate every other play to get equal reps covering second. As with the previous drill, you can complete this one in the outfield or on any flat surface, indoors or outdoors. 

Come-Backer Drill 

The Come-Backer Drill teaches pitchers to field their position and react to various defensive situations. This drill is essential in preparing pitchers for balls hit hard, directly back at them, with little reaction time. 

It places pitchers in numerous scenarios that may arise, drilling proper decisions into natural reactions come game time. 

• For example, pitchers must have the sense to get the lead runner at 2nd base where possible when fielding a come backer with a runner on first base and less than two outs.

How It Works

One pitcher stands on the mound, with all others kneeling off the playing field. In some cases, other pitchers play the role of fielders (when other fielders are busy during PFPs). Otherwise, the regular infielders should be at their respective positions. 

There are three main steps to the drill: 

1. A coach calls out a particular situation for everyone to hear
2. The pitcher gets set on the mound and delivers a simulated pitch
3. A coach uses a fungo bat to hit a simulated ball in play, and the pitchers make an appropriate fielding decision for the situation

Comebacker PFP Defensive Situations 

Here are some examples of defensive situations to cover during the Come-Backer PFP drill. 

Baserunners	Situations
No runners on	Hard-hit come backer: Make the play at first base Bunt for hit: Cover first base line, and make the play to get the runner out at first base
Runner on first	Hard-hit come backer: Field cleanly, set feet, and throw out lead runner at second base.  Slow-rolling come backer: Look to get the lead runner at second, but make the safe play at first base if there’s any hesitation or doubt.  Come backer on steal attempt: Look to get the lead runner at second, but if they get a strong jump make the play at first base.  Sacrifice bunt: Look to get the lead runner at second base, but make the safe play at first if the baserunner got a good jump.
Runners on first and second	Hard-hit come backer: Either get the lead runner at third base, or try to turn a double play, depending on which way the ball takes you and the number of outs.  Bunt: Look to get the lead runner at third base, if bunted to third base side, or make the play at first if bunted to first base side.
Runner on third	Come backer: Check the runner at third base, then make the throw to first base.
Bases loaded, less than two outs	Come backer: Look to turn a double play at whichever base the ball takes you toward. Ideally, you want to get the lead runner at home and have the catcher throw to first for the double play.

Squeeze Attempt Defensive Drill

The Squeeze Attempt Defensive Drill focuses on techniques to prevent and control squeeze bunt attempts. It helps pitchers, catchers, and infielders prepare for squeeze and safety squeeze bunt plays in high leverage situations. 

Squeeze plays are often used to manufacture a run in tight ballgames, so it’s imperative that all defensive players involved are prepared when the moment comes. 

How It Works

One pitcher stands on the mound and one catcher squats behind the plate at a time, with all others kneeling off to the side of the field. Send your first basemen and third basemen to the field. 

Split all non-participating infielders and outfielders into two groups: baserunners at 3rd base and batters at the plate to either bunt, fake bunt, or take the pitch. 

Have your pitchers work in the following strategies: 

• Throwing a pitch out, looking for either the batter to chase or a potential to get the runner in a pickle on the third base line
• Trying a pickoff move to third base
• Using a slide step and throwing a high fastball inside the strike zone
• Stepping off the mound to reset

Pitcher should practice the following defensive decisions (after fielding the ball cleanly) when players bunt in play:

• Check runner at third and throw to first 
• Throw to catcher at home, who tags the runner from third 
• Throw to first, allowing the runner from third to score but getting the batter out
• Get the runner at third into a rundown on the third base line  

Combination 3-in-1 Drill

The Combination 3-in-1 Drill drills nine common defensive situations quickly by having three pitchers react simultaneously. Combining multiple scenarios at once allows all of your pitchers to get sufficient reps in a limited time period. 

This drill combines some of the different practices from previously discussed drills, as well as incorporating new scenarios. 

How It Works 

Split pitchers into three small groups on the mound and have your infielders go to their respective positions in the field. One coach is assigned to each group, in charge of hitting balls with a fungo bat. 

Each group of pitchers line up in the following manner: 

• One group lines up to the left of the rubber (when facing home plate)
• The second group stands on the rubber
• Your final group stands to the right of the rubber (when facing home plate)

One pitcher in each group actively participates at a time, so all others should either kneel behind the mound or stand off the field past the foul line. As each pitcher steps up to their turn, they throw a simulated pitch. 

Defensive Scenarios in the Combination 3-in-1 Drill

Group	Scenario
First base side	Coach hits a ground ball to the first baseman Pitchers practice sprinting to first base to receive throws during ground balls hit to the right side Proper footwork, such as using the ‘banana route’, is emphasized when practicing covering first base
On the mound	Coach hits a ground ball back to the pitcher  The pitcher fields it, turns their body, and makes the throw to second base (with second base and shortstop rotating to cover every other rep)
Third base side	Coach rolls a simulated bunt down the third base line Pitcher fields the bunt, turns their body, and makes the throw to the third baseman

Backing Up Base Drill

The Backing Up Base Drill trains pitchers to get into proper backup positions and be ready to protect the ball from dead ball areas. Pitchers should be backing up the throw to whatever base the ball is headed towards after a wild pitch or passed ball occurs, or on throws from the outfield. 

How It Works 

In this drill, one pitcher stands on the mound. Other pitchers and position players are lined up in short center field and right field. 

1. First, the pitcher throws an “errant” pickoff toward second base, into center field, and has to sprint to backup third base where the outfielder throws the ball. 
2. After receiving the throw from center field, either the pitcher or a coach throws the ball to shallow right field 
3. The pitcher sprints from third base to home plate, backing up a throw to home from the right fielder.
4. After completing their rep, the pitcher drops the ball in a bucket behind home plate.

Not only does this drill work on backing up bases, it also helps pitchers practice conditioning.

Communication Drills

The final PFP drill covers communication on balls hit in between multiple positions. There are two main “in-betweeners” that impact pitchers: 

• Balls hit to the right side of the field, in between the pitcher, second baseman, and first baseman 
• Hits to the left side of the field in between the pitcher and third baseman 

Communication drills are broken down into two sub-drills: 

• First-base line communication 
• Third-base line communication 

First-Base Line Communication Drill

The First-Base Line Communication Drill works on balls hit to the right side of the field. In these scenarios, the ball enters a triangle between the first baseman, second baseman, and pitcher. Depending on where and how hard the ball is hit, these three players must communicate with each other to facilitate the play. 

The three main results of balls hit on the right side include: 

• A soft hit ball that the pitcher calls and fields, throwing to the first baseman covering the bag. 
• Balls hit hard enough that the first baseman fields it, either the pitcher or second baseman cover first base. 
• A ball hit between the second baseman and first baseman, where one of those two players fields it, and the pitcher covers first base. 

Third-Base Line Communication Drill

The Third-Base Line Communication Drill works on balls hit to the left side of the field. This primarily focuses on communication between a charging third baseman and the pitcher. 

The several scenarios to consider includes: 

• Plays where the third baseman needs to stay back and cover third base
• Slow rollers in between the third baseman and pitcher 
• Bunts down the third base line

How To Incorporate PFPs Into Your Baseball Practice Plan

As a baseball coach, you should set aside dedicated time for PFPs every practice. Depending on the phase of the season (pre-season, in-season, postseason) and amount of time you have, PFPs will take different forms. Sometimes you use all of your fielders while other times PFPs are exclusive to pitchers.

The easiest way to make time for PFPs is to strategically plan out a timeline for your entire practice. GoRout makes it easy with our free downloadable baseball practice plan. Our printable PDF template breaks practice into timed blocks you can dedicate to specific drills, goals, and initiatives. Simply fill out your information in the browser and the files are sent to your email within 60 seconds! 

GoRout’s Baseball Coaches Toolbox

Our baseball practice plan is one part of the complete coaches toolbox! The GoRout baseball coaches toolbox includes multiple free templates and resources to make your life easier. It’s published to our website and available to anyone free of charge, no service fee or any additional expense.

The GoRout baseball coaches toolbox includes our:

• Baseball spray chart
• Baseball bullpen tracker
• Baseball travel checklist
• Baseball recruitment one-sheeter
• Baseball scorebook
• Baseball scorekeeping cheat sheet

FAQs About Baseball PFPs

What does PFP stand for in baseball?

PFP stands for pitcher’s fielding practice in baseball. It’s a dedicated practice block for pitchers to work on defense fielding skills and game situations. 

What are PFP drills in baseball? 

PFP drills in baseball are dedicated practice blocks for pitchers to work on their defense and fielding responsibilities. They are designed to work on fielding abilities, while incorporating situational practice to prepare pitchers for important defensive scenarios. 

What does PFP work in baseball?

PFP works fielding abilities and defensive responsibilities for pitchers in baseball. Referred to as pitcher’s fielding practice, PFPs cover a range of fielding responsibilities and scenarios including: 

• Covering bases
• Holding runners on 
• Pickoff plays 
• Bunts and ground balls