Working The Infeild

Working the infield

mysportsguru.com

As a coach, you've got to teach your infielders to think fast and execute plays precisely. Here are drills and suggestions that can help you help them achieve greatness.

The fungo stick

The adage "spare the rod and spoil the child" is applicable here, and the "rod" referred to is the fungo stick. Caution must be used in hitting to the infield during batting practice and the sound advice, "keep your eyes on the hitter" should be upheld. Young infielders must be reminded of this and should never stand around talking to teammates or working on plays with their backs turned to the hitter. Infielders can work safely if the fungo hitter hits between pitches. Mix-ups happen and should be noticed by the fungo hitter, who warns the fielder to watch the hitter. For the average young infielder, hitting to him just during infield and batting practice won't get the job done. It is recommended that special sessions be held when practical, when fundamentals, pick offs and plays can be explained and worked on.

It is recommended that special sessions be held when practical...

Scheduling practices

It is suggested that during the warmer weather you hold an hour session occasionally in the mornings around l1 a.m. after the dew is off the grass and permit players to work in shorts. This has proved popular with youngsters in the past as they do not sweat up their uniforms and won't tire from the exertion. Be careful of sunburn and recommend lotions for protection.

Infield workouts

The following routine is suggested for your infield workouts or prior to game:

Hit to the outfield first.

LF—two throws to 2B and two home.

CF—two throws to 3B and two home.

RF—two throws to 3B and two home.

A minimum of:

Two rounds of single play
Two rounds of double play
One play to infielder's right or in hole; throw to first base
One play charging; throw to first base
Pop-up to your catcher

Infield drills for improvement

Get as many ground balls hit to you as possible.

Use infield practice as a tool to make you better. It's not just something to do before the game starts.

Play in a pepper game as much as possible—two to a game

In pepper games use one hand.

Get your body moving to improve range

Spread out and do long pick up with other infielders, throwing ground balls to left and right, underhanded. Plant the back leg whenever possible.

Practice the double play over and over.

Throw at extended distance to lengthen your arm and improve strength.

Pick out a spot and throw to it when playing catch with other infielders.

The third baseman get slow throws to him on sidelines just like topped balls.

Practice the crossover step even when not fielding the ball. Visualize imaginary balls to both right and left.

Throw the ball underhanded with other infielders. Use a stiff wrist just as if a double play were being made. This can be done on sidelines as well as during infield practice.

When playing catch or playing pepper let your hands relax. Get the feeling of the ball coming into your hands softly. Don't jab or be stiff.

The shortstop or second baseman should not get too big a glove. Use a glove that you can handle and not one that is difficult to get the ball out of.

Catch as many pop flys as possible.

Practice going back on the ball. Kick yourself in the tail to be in position to field the ball with your back to the outfield.

Practice going to your weak side.

Practice backhanding balls.

Click the button above to go back to the web page or web site you were at before comming to this page