First base is a pride position. First base is a guts position. As the father of a middle infielder, nothing drives me crazier than an infielder making a stellar play, throwing the ball low to first (as I teach them), then the first baseman waves at it, trying to “pick” it and the infielder gets …
FIRST BASE 1. Must be able to handle all types of throws 2. Covers a wide territory 3. Tossing ball to pitcher covering first 4. Throwing to second base on double play a. Back point of second, if throwing from behind baseline b. Front point of second if throwing from in front of baseline 5. …
Our objective in a nine-inning ball game is to hold our opponents to four-runs-or-less. This goal provides direction for our defense during the course of a game and practice. Once the goal has been established (four, five, six runs or whatever works in a specific program), then the players have to understand how to achieve it …
DEFENSIVE QUOTATIONS: The following quotations can be heard in every baseball park at any time. These are at the heart of baseball philosophy. Prevent the big inning. “If you hold them scoreless, I promise you a tie” said the offensive coach to the defensive coach! We cannot lose if we do not let them score. …
Every infielder must strive to achieve the following. He must have: The correct attitude Excellent sensory perception Good rhythm with all ground balls Proper mechanics The ability to make the plays Once he has developed these five areas, he must never settle for anything short of perfection. Every infielder must desire to be involved in …
A team unprepared to deal with rundowns might panic at the sight of a runner caught off base. In reality, few situations favor the defense more. Once your team masters the following strategies, they’ll view rundowns as “slam dunk” outs. The keys to successful rundown defense are as follows: Conduct the entire rundown far away from …
Purpose: Primarily for throwing, but will also impress the opposition if done right. Suggested to use your regulars and one extra with two catchers. The fungo hitter hits from behind the mound area on all outfield throwing. LF- (hit two) Base hit down just inside foul line where it can be fielded well short of the fence. …
I call this the relay shuttle drill. It’s great for a number of skill learning activities and can be adjusted for a variety of skill levels. Get 3-4 players 45-50 feet apart in a line with one baseball to start with. One of the players on one end throws the ball to the next player …
Here is a fun drill we call “County Fair.” Our team of 12-year olds love it, and it gives them exposure to nearly every aspect of baseball defense. The drill starts with 6 players: Catcher Third Base Shortstop Second Base First Base Center FieldThe 5-6 remaining players feed into the center field position from left …
“50” This is an infield drill. Players at their spots, one coach fungoes, another times how fast the fungoed ball reaches first base. Players must make 50 straight plays in less than 4.5 seconds each. Any mistake returns count to zero. You can make the time whatever you want. It represents the average runner’s time …
