Simplify
things as much as possible. Help players make one or two positive
adjustments in their defensive techniques. Most players routinely
make basic mistakes. Focus on the fundamentals. There are plenty of opportunities!
One
key area that doesn't get much attention is foot work. Have players
add a jump rope to their equipment and have them use it a few minutes
as part of game and practice warm-ups.
Another
key, which many coaches and players choose to ignore, is muscle
memory. The only way to develop muscle memory is through repetition -
practing over and over and over. You can't handle too many grounders!
You can't handle too many fly balls!
INFIELD
•
hands at 6 and 12 o'clock
•
stay low to the ground
•
keep the ball in front of you
•
watch the ball into the glove
•
two seam grip
•
"thumbs away" arm motion
•
"step with the throw" release and follow through - hard pivot
•
three step approach on pitcher's delivery
•
communicate between every pitch
•
know what you're going to do before you do it
OUTFIELD
•
call "mine" on every play that's yours to make and keep
the ball in front of you
•
take first step back as you get a beat on the ball
•
use two hands for quicker throws
•
catch the ball at eye level near your throwing shoulder
•
"step with the throw" release and follow through
•
use one knee for grounders with no one on base
•
use two hand "infielder" position with a runner on base
•
use one hand, ball to the glove position when going for the lead runner
•
communicate between every pitch
•
know what you're going to do before you do it
POSITION
NOTES
1st
Base
• catch
EVERY foul ball
• play the
ball FIRST - not the bag - on bad throws
2nd
Base
• Quick,
hard tag down and straight up with emphasis
• Cover
everything on the right side - "eat dust"
Short
Stop
• Take charge!
• back-up
2nd and 3rd
3rd
Base
• catch
EVERY foul ball
• make
accurate throws to first base
Left,
Right and Center
• back-up
on every play
• hit the
cut-off man
Pitcher
• The
ratio of defense to offense is 9 - 1. Let the infielders make the plays.
• Know
where to go everytime the ball's in play.
Catcher
• Keep the
ball in front of you
• Take charge!
TEAM
DEFENSE NOTES
• practice
catcher throw downs
• practice
1st and 3rd runner defenses
• practice
bunt defenses
• practice
back-ups, relays and cut-offs
• practice
double plays and run downs
• practice
tags - quick down and up motion
• PRACTICE
MAKING THE ROUTINE PLAY
