Baseball is a Game of Movement
Defensive Responsibilities
A simple, step-by-step system for teaching coordinated team defense
Players learn what to do when the ball is not hit to them
Training This Content is a Season-Long, On-Going Task
Prior to the start of practices, explain to players AND Parents, that teaching and learning to play the game correctly takes more than the limited number of practices a team has before the opening game of the season.
The core content of this section CAN be trained prior to the first game. However, the more detailed pieces (and the on-going task of reinforcement via repetition) require work throughout the season. Teams/Leagues that provide opportunities for practices during the season are in a better situation to get this content down solid.
However, many leagues provide limited time for practices during the season (this is particularly true in urban areas, short on field space, and in the northern regions. Therefore, it is critical to communicate to players and parents that prior to each game the team will run mini practices, during which Defensive Responsibilities will be part of the content covered. Players and Parents need to recognize the importance of arriving at the park, before games, at the time designated by the coach.
Consuming the Info on This Page
FIRST - Look over: Foundations and The Base. Incorporate ‘Coordinated Team Defense (Part 1)’ into practices. The two drills: ‘Infield Bases Coverage’ and ‘Backing-up Bases’, make up the core of the system. The ‘Team Drills’ aspect of practice is a good place to teach these two drills. In subsequent practices, these quick moving drills can be run during the ‘Skill Building Warm-up’ segment of practice.
SECOND - The Section, ‘Managing the Ball’, includes content that kids really need to understand but is rarely taught. When the kids are trained in the content of this section, we eliminate many of the unforced errors that are common in the game played on the small diamond.
THIRD - Once the above content has been taught to your kids, the team can function pretty well together in the field. When starting the section: ‘Coordinated Team Defense (Part 2)’, move through the section piece by piece at a pace your group can grasp the content. From this point forward, we are filling in the gaps of the above teaching.
FOURTH - Dig into the final section, ‘End of the Play | Transition to the Next Batter’, your club is reaching a point of taking full control of the game. This final section is probably more than what is needed for kids 9 and under.
It would be nice for the 9-11 age group to get into this part, but it’s not life or death. A team of 11-12 year olds, who master this content, will cut 2-3 runs off the scoreboard, in most games, compared to a team that is not trained in this system. Folks watching that team will clearly recognize a quality of play at the 12u level that is unlike anything they have seen before.
NOTE: In this section we are addressing most of the situations that could come up during game play. As a coach moving through this content, you are reading what appears to be quite a bit of info. However, much of the content covered boils down to the players following one simple rule: Ball, Base, Back-up (see ‘Three Individual Responsibilities - Ball, Base, Back-up’, the third point below under ‘Foundations’).
When on the field, the kids learn to address each situation, less through our verbal instructions, and more through active participation in the drills. And going through multiple repetitions of the drills. They learn by doing, not by memorizing.
The same goes for the coach. The information below is a reference guide. It is not info for a coach to memorize. By adhering to the rule: Ball, Base, Back-up and running the kids through the drills, a coach will grasp the system. This occurs over a couple of months, piece by piece. By the time a team gets to the last third of their season (and heading into the playoffs/tournament play) the coordinated actions of the players on the field will be flowing pretty smoothly.
Foundations
The Game Played on the Smaller Diamond is Different
The Base
Base is for the Runner, Ball is for the Defense
Positioning at a Base to Receive a Throw
The Ball is the Key to the Base
Coordinated Team Defense - The System (Part 1)
Baseball is a Game of Movement
Three Individual Responsibilities - Ball, Base, Back-up
"I am going to GO GET the Ball"
Managing The Ball
RULE —> Runners Not Trying to Advance
Getting the Ball in to The Pitcher (Middle of the Infield)
Get the Ball to the Middle of the Infield
Coordinated Team Defense - The System (Part 2)
SS, 2b, P - Always Move Toward The Ball
Pitcher Responsibilities - Ball Hit to The Infield
SS, 2b Are Not the Relay on Plays to Home
Corner Infielders - Ball Hit to Their Side of the Infield
Full Team Movement --> Two Examples
End of The Play | Transition to Next Batter
Catcher Communication With Fielders
Coach Adjusts Player Positioning
FOUNDATIONS
The Game Played on the Smaller Diamond is Different
Many of us coaching kids baseball have been primarily exposed to the game played on the big diamond (90’ base paths). Primarily as observers of the pro game. Some of us played on the larger diamond and possibly have coached in that environment. Before jumping into teaching the kids game, we first want to recognize that the game played on the smaller diamond is different.
The players are not as strong, they do not move as fast, and there is the obvious fact that the bases and players are not spread out as much. The existence of these factors results in some fundamental ‘rules’ of how team defense is played on the large diamond to be executed differently on the small diamond.
This section of the website illustrates how to teach the ‘small diamond game’ to kids using a logical step-by-step, building-block approach.
A few examples of the differences between the two games:
The pitcher breaks for third base on balls hit to the left side of the infield - at this level we have runners on first and second a lot. These runners are not that fast. Double plays are rarely turned. Getting an out, any out is a big deal. Training our pitcher to break for third, and practicing feeds from the third baseman and shortstop to third base will result in a lot of 5-1 outs, a few 6-1 plays over the course of the season. We also train our pitchers that, when they field a ball that takes them to the third base side of the rubber to feed the third baseman for a 1-5 put out.
The second baseman covers first - when the first baseman in ranging to their right or coming in on a ground ball often the pitcher is also attempting to make a play on the ball, or is slow in getting off the rubber. Training the second baseman to cover the bag when not fielding the ball is important in youth baseball and softball.
The pitcher is the cut-relay to home on All balls hit to the outfield - reasons:
Often the pitcher is the best athlete on the field; we want them handling the ball as much as possible.
Unlike 90’ baseball, the pitcher does not back up home plate. In most cases, there is not enough room behind home plate for the pitcher to get enough depth to properly back-up an over throw. If we send the pitcher back there, the backstop ends up doing most of the backing-up.
Learning and execution is simplified when the pitcher is the cut-relay player on all plays to the plate. Kids play a variety of positions at this level; at the very least, they play positions other than pitcher. That fact, coupled with limited practice time we have at the youth level, results in kids not getting the reps needed learn the nuances of each position.
Outfielders back-up bases on every play. Even at the 12 year old level the outfielder are not that far from the infield. When they are not chasing down balls in the outfield, they should be sprinting in to back up throws to bases ...they develop this habit through drill work, not by us simply telling them. If you are new to this level, you will soon find out how important it is to have every throw to a base to have player backing-up.
The underhand toss is used a lot more often. The players are so much closer together on the small diamond. Also, there are many more base runners, setting up a lot of force outs. Given these two points, each game has many situations where a throw of 20' or less is in order. The kids need to be taught how to execute an underhand toss and it needs to be practiced a lot. You may be shocked by the number of kids who don't know that toss the ball underhand is even an option.
Three Team Objectives
Stop the ball
Stop the runners
Get the ball to the middle of the infield
Simple as this may seem, this is what the game is about.
Stop the ball - this begins by establishing in the minds of our players (and constantly reinforcing) that they want to go get the ball and get it as quickly as possible.
Stop the runners - the runners stop when they determine that further advancement might put them at risk of getting out. Quickly moving the ball closer to the runners helps them to determine its time to stop. The other way to stop a runner is to get the ball to the base ahead of the runner. Important note: when using a throw to move the ball into position to stop the runners, point #1 comes back into play. Often it requires a player backing up the throw in order to ultimately stop the ball (we'll address backing up soon).
At the youth level of play, no defense is truly out of the woods until the ball arrives at the middle of the infield and is securely in the hands of the pitcher. It is critical to establish a mindset in our players that their defensive responsibilities do not end until the ball has arrived to the middle of the infield. We also want to establish a sense of urgency to get the ball to the middle of the infield as quickly as possible - every play.
Positioning
The information presented in this section is Basic. This section does not address in-deph factors that might be considered in All-Stars play, or higher levels of the game (teen and above).
Positioning varies based on the level of play, game situation, and the pitcher’s and batter’s strengths and tendancies (if known). The suggestions below are ‘Regular’. A coach that is factoring in some of the variables above, instructs their kids to adjust from their ‘Regular’ positioning. A coach with limitd experience or understanding of modifying the positioning of players, need not worry. These adjustments are more important for All-Stars play and the Playoffs at the end of the season. Observing play during the weeks of the regular season provide a good education for even beginning and novice coaches. Those coaches will gain a decent sense for adjusting defensive positioning.
Common adjustments:
Moving outfielders back or in based on the power of the batter
Adjusting infielders a few feet to their left or right based on the tendency of a batter to pull the ball or hit the ball to the opposite field. The pitcher could influence the decision for modifying defensive positioning if they throw significantly fast or slow.
Positioning for play involving 10-12 year olds
Infielders
Corner Infielders: 12’-15’ from the base. Five feet behind the baseline.
Middle Infielders: 20’-25’ from the base. Ten to Fifteen feet behind the baseline.
Outfielders
Corner Outfielders: Midway between the Corner Base and Second Base, 60’ beyond the back edge of the infield.
Center Fielder: 60’ beyond the second base bag. Adjust a couple feet to their right or left so to have a clear line of sight to the batter.
Positioning for play involving kids ages 9 and under
Infielders
Corner Infielders: 15’ from the base, and a step behind, or a step in front of the baseline.
Middle Infielders: 25’-30’ from second base, and a couple steps behind the baseline.
Outfielders
Corner Outfielders: Midway between the Corner Base and Second Base, 60’ beyond the baseline between second base and the corner base.
Center Fielder: 30’ beyond the second base bag. Adjust a couple feet to their right or left so to have a clear line of sight to the batter.
Note that we have the younger kids positioned further from the bases. This forces the corner infielders to really move when the ball is put into play (Ball, Base, Back-up). We have the Second Baseman and Shortstop at a point nearly midway between second base and the corner base. At the 12u level of play they are needed to cover both a corner base and second base, depending on the circumstances of a given play. We want them to see that they can get to the corner base as easy as they can get to Second Base.
The positioning of kids at the lower levels is such, so they learn:
The bases belong to the runners; fielders spread out between the bases because their #1 priority is to get the ball.
They have to move some distance to cover a base or back-up a base; they learn that Baseball/Softball requires every player in the field to move when the ball comes off the bat, they have to move some distance, and have to move fast.
Ready Position
Prior to the pitch being throws or when preparng to receive a throw, we want our kids to be ‘Ready’ to move quickly, be it laterally, forward or back. Another common term used is ‘Athletic’ position, which is perfectly fine. I prefer ‘Ready’ simply because it is more descriptive….Hey! Be Ready to Move!
Examples of a good Ready Position are:
Middle Linebacker in Football
Basketball player on defense guarding a player dribbling the ball up court
These two athletes have their feet wider than their hips, knees are bent, hands and elbows are in front of the body with hands wpread a bit wider than the torso. This is the best body position for an athlete who needs to react and move quickly in any direction.
A stance we do not want to see with our fielders is hands hanging close to the ground near ankle level. This body position is not condusive for moving quickly to another spot on the playing field.
This has been taught for many generations and is well intended ….primarily for a Third Baseman being positioned to catch a rocket ground ball, hit straigh at them. Question: what percentage of balls in the 12u game are hit at laser speed, ankle high to the 2-foot space where the player is positioned? What percentage of balls are hit everywhere else, at lesser speed and/or bouncing knee high or higher? …balls requiring the fielder to move quickly from their starting spot.
THE BASE
Base is for the Runner; Ball is for the Defense
Kids take their cues from watching higher levels of baseball and softball. The most common (and most recognizable) out in the game is a force out at first base.
The visual is the first baseman catching the ball with their foot on the base standing in a stretch position. Logically kids come to believe that is the way to position themselves to take a throw at a base. Plant their foot on the base and stretch forward with the other foot.
When kids cover a base, more often than not they put a foot on the base. This creates two problems. First, they are potentially interfering with the runner. Second, and more significantly, kids tend to prioritize keeping their foot on the base over any other action that might be required of them……cleanly catching an off-line throw being the most critical.
The fact is, the bases are out there for the runners. Before the base has any useful function for a player on defense, they need to have the ball.
We want to educate our players on these facts during our first practices, ‘The base is for the runners, the ball is for the defense’.
Positioning at a Base to Receive a Throw
At the youth level of play the positioning of the player in relationship to the base, when receiving a throw, is different than at higher levels of play.
Receiving Throws at Second Base and Third Base:
Next to the base; only a few inches away, but not touching the base.
On the side of the base the ball is coming from
NOT On the front side of the base (side the base runner is running towards)
Squared up and facing the ball, in a Ready Position
Keep their eyes on the ball and not the runner (once a teammate has fielded the ball)
***we know the runner is going to the side of the base facing the previous base. On a Tag Play, the fielder catches the ball and immediately moves their glove to the ground, in front of the side of the base the runner is headed. Looking at the runner delays the application of the tag, AND may cause the fielder to take their eyes off the ball and miss the throw.
Receiving Throws at First Base:
Next to the base; only a few inches away, but not touching the base.
On the infield side of the base (away from the path of the runner)
Heel of throwing hand foot, next to center of the base (a few inches away, but not touching)
Squared up and facing the ball, in a Ready Position (not a ‘stretch’^ position)
^ remain in a ‘Ready Position’ until the ball is in the air and the First Baseman gauges the path of the throw. If the throw is accurate, slide the throwing-hand foot/’toe’ back against the side of the base. If the throw is a bit to one side of the base or the other, they slide their foot near the corner of the base on the side the ball is headed, then ‘stretch’ with their glove foot towards the ball. If the throw is off target, quickly move laterally, from the ‘Ready Position’, as fars as required to catch/stop the ball. …priority #1 is to stop the ball from going past first base, so the runner has to stay at first base. While the runner will likely be safe, we want to prevent them from advancing to second base.
Receiving Throws at Home Plate:
Stand on the field/pitching rubber side of the plate facing the ball
Feet squred to the ball in a Ready Position.
A few inches off the plate, and not touching the plate.
Ball First, Base Second
Before an out can be recorded at a base, the defensive player must have the ball. Kids need to be trained constantly of this sequence of prioritization. They tend to be overly concerned with being at/on the base, so they are in the best position to record an out, even when throws are off-line.
We need to constantly preach, “Ball First, Base Second”. Point out to them that quite often throws do not come straight to the base. Teach them that in order to catch off-line throws, they are going to have to move away from the base (‘Move Feet to Catch’).
Explain to them that ‘The runner is safe a lot’. While we would like to get an out every time, the reality is it is not going to happen. More importantly, we want them to understand that by prioritizing the ball they prevent the runner from advancing to the next base.
The Ball Is the key to the Base
This is an effective analogy, especially for younger players. Kids understand a key is needed to open the door to their house. Without the key, they don’t get inside to access food, warmth and shelter. If they don’t have the ball they are not allowed to access (touch) the base.
Cover The Base With Your Eyes
We teach our players: ‘Cover the base with your eyes’. This means, once they recognize they are not responsible to get the ball, their responsibility becomes the base. Until they arrive at the base where they are needed, it is their only focus.
We want them to turn their gaze away from the ball, put their eyes on the base and get to the base as fast as possible. Once they are at the base, then they turn around and get in a Ready Position facing the ball.
Point out to players that it only takes a second to cover the base. Barely anything is going to happen while they are looking away from the ball. They are not missing out. A fun statement to drive home the need for them to cover the base while acknowledging their desire to see what is going on with the ball is, “Cover your base and watch the game from there”.
Covering a base and receiving a throw is one of the most fundamental aspects of the game. We need to practice this often. When players do this correctly, team defensive play as a whole runs much smoother. This Drill should be one of first defensive drills of the year for our team. (watch: 0:25 - 0:42 of this video.)
During the year, this drill fits very well into our daily Skill Building Warm-up aspect of practice.
Look For Other Runners
Immediately after making a play at a base or tagging a runner, we want our player to turn towards the middle of the infield, in a Power Position, while Moving Their Feet, so they are prepared to make a throw.
If there are other runners attempting to advance to another base our player is ready to respond. We are teaching our players to always anticipate that another play needs to be made.
Often at the youth level of baseball and softball, kids are so consumed by the play they just made that they forget that there might another runner trying to get to the next base.
The teaching phrase ‘Look for Other Runners’ is literal. It describes what we want our player doing. We attach this phrase to the end of any drill or activity that involves making a play at a base or on a runner. (At higher levels of play the common phrase is ‘Look for the next play’. This is not as descriptive as the phrase we want to use with our kids.)
When working with kids we want to structure our talk to be as literal as possible.
COORDINATED TEAM DEFENSE —> The System (Part 1)
Baseball is a Game of Movement
We want to stick this concept with our players immediately at the start of practices. It will be reiterated constantly throughout the season in most drills and activities………because baseball/softball is a game of movement.
The ‘Defensive Responsibilities’ section of the website lays out a step-by-step system for teaching kids how to fulfill their roll as a member of a nine player unit, regardless of the situation or where the ball is hit on the field.
Before our kids are ready to learn their roll, they first must clearly understand that the foundation of their play is the need for them to move from their spot on the field when the ball is pitched to another spot on the field. Movement is critical.
Mini Diamond - Super Tool
One of the most valuable tools a coach can use is the Mini Diamond. Any drill in which the focus of the teaching is something other than working on full on overhand throwing technique can be run on a Mini Diamond. Use of the Mini Diamond is referenced throughout the Coaching Guide.
A Mini Diamond is 20’-25' square, but can be modified larger or smaller depending on the activity. It is constructed using cones, throw down bases, ball caps, extra shirts that are laying around, a leaf, anything. Anytime we compact the teaching/learning environment we reduce distractions, improve communication and the players get many more repetitions during a drill.
Examples of drills that can be run using a Mini Diamond include relays, backing-up and base coverage responsibilities, and first and third defense. Keep in mind that for most activities the throwing and catching aspect is the last skill that needs to be mastered (and we take care of that during 'Playing Catch Practice'). Proper movement, positioning and communication need to be understood and mastered to some extent before be add the throwing aspect to cement the execution of the activity.
The Mini Diamond is also used to teach drills and plays before running them on the regular size field. Players are able to get many reps in a short period of time on the Mini Diamond. This more compact environment enable coaches to better communicate and teach. When players take the learning and habits established on the Mini Diamond to the regular sized field, their work can focus primarily on throwing, catching and timing.
The Catcher's Position
The catcher's position in front of home plate. The Catcher, squatting behind Home Plate, is not in their ‘position’. That is where a catcher catches pitches. A catcher plays defense in front of Home Plate. To give some perspective, we can call Home Plate ‘Fourth Base’ and call the Catcher the ‘Fourth Baseman’.
Catcher Communication Responsibilities
Call out number of OUTS and location of RUNNERS before each new batter
After the ball is put into play: holler, in a loud voice, where to make the play (Infielders ‘Echo’ the call on
balls in the outfield)
Communication on Cut-Relay Plays to Home Plate
Three Individual Responsibilities - ‘BBB’
Ball
Base
Back up (a base/throw)
Regardless of level of play or the situation, each player on defense has one of three responsibilities: handle the BALL, cover a BASE, or BACK-Up a throw. Once the ball is fielded and moved to another point on the field, the responsibilities of some players change, while most have to reposition themselves in relationship to the ball's new location on the field.
Early in the teaching process our objective is to train our players to correctly respond to where the ball is hit off the bat. As the season progresses we want to teach our players that their our positioning on the field in relationship to the bases and the ball changes each time the ball moves. That may be as subtle of a movement as a slight turn in order to keep their body facing the ball. It may be more dramatic as running 30'-40' to reestablish the straight line relationship from the ball to the base to them in their backing up of a base.
“I’m Going to GO GET the Ball“
The first point to teach, in training our players on defense, is they react to the ball coming off the bat by Moving towards the ball. We establish the mindset, “I’m going to GO GET the ball“. This means that each player on the field takes an aggressive step towards the ball as it comes off the bat. ‘GO GET’ …implies motion. We verbalize this phrase to our kids repeatedly throughout the teaching process. Drill after drill, practice after practice, until they consistently execute this action themselves, we demonstrate by making an aggressive step and stating ‘Go Get the ball’.
A body in motion stays in motion. Once our players establish the habit (requirement) of getting into motion each time the ball comes off the bat, each play, it is now much simpler to keep them moving to make a play on the Ball, move to cover a Base, or move to Back-up a Base,
Creating this habit in our players takes effort and energy on our part; it is worth our effort. This movement requirement applies to all players, regardless of where the ball is hit ...Example, third baseman on a ball hit to right field: The third baseman takes an aggressive step towards right field. While making that initial movement, it becomes clear the third baseman is not going to get the Ball. However, they are now in motion. Now there is a better chance they will remain in motion, leading them to fulfilling their responsibility for that situation…Cover Third Base.
Move Towards the Ball
The old saying in baseball is, “Billy Bob, know what you are going to do with the ball if it is hit to you”. What is left out of this statement is the eight other players. Are we teaching them what to do when the ball is not hit to them?
We first want to establish in our player’s minds that they are going to get every ball that is put into play. We teach them to think, “I am going to GO GET the ball” the moment it comes off the bat. Our objective is for each defensive player to make a hard, aggressive step towards the ball when it is put into play.
This puts our player in motion. Once they are in motion it is easier for them to continue moving to the spot on the field where they are fulfilling their defensive responsibility. For most it will quickly be obvious that they aren't playing the ball, so they move to their next responsibility: cover a base or back up a base/throw.
The three players in the middle of the field: pitcher, shortstop, second baseman -“Always Move Towards the Ball". (This will be covered in detail later in this section.)
There are three situations (also covered in greater detail later in this section) where the shortstop and second baseman’s response to this rule is modified slightly; when the ball is hit to the catcher, pitcher or center fielder:
Catcher or Pitcher: shortstop covers second base; the second baseman backs up second base
Center fielder: shortstop goes into the outfield “towards the ball”; the second baseman covers the base.
NOTE: in the instance of a ball being hit to the catcher or pitcher, the shortstop and second baseman are still moving ‘towards’ the ball which has been hit in the space between the two positions. The same is true, in most instances, when the ball is hit to the center fielder.
Whenever the ball is hit to one of these three players (catcher, pitcher, center fielder) the shortstop is the player in position to potentially handle the ball. Usually the shortstop is a better player than the second baseman and we want the more talented player handling the ball as much as possible.
There will be the odd instances when the roles of the two players will be reversed. It would be difficult to go into too much detail here, but over time, and through experience playing and coaching the game, those exceptions to the rule will come up.
One example is a ball hit to the pitcher where the shortstop, thinking they may end up fielding the ball and moving aggressively to do so, is unable to cover second base. In this case the second baseman then takes over the responsibility of covering second base. (The center fielder is still there to back-up the throw to second base.)
There is no rule to determine when the second baseman takes over this responsibility. Over time, players will learn to recognize this situation. However this, and similar situations, lead to mistakes at all levels of play.
Infielder Responsibilities & Base Coverage
Field the Ball
If you don’t field the ball, cover a Base ("Ball or Base")
If the base is covered, run beyond the base to Back-up a throw to the base*
* Many kids' idea of backing up a base is to stand five feet behind the base. We want them 20-25' beyond the base. Simply telling them is not enough for them to Get It. We need for them to physically move to the correct distance beyond the base. This may require us to take them with us to the correct spot and say, "See how far away you are right now? This is how far back you need to be in order to back up the base."
And they won't get it the first or second time ...we will have to teach it over and over. But its worth the effort. Over throws are a big part of the game at this level. Coaches that train the kids to back up bases properly will see a vast improvement in team defensive play.
Infield Base Coverage
Running the Drill
Objective: All bases are covered on each play.
Set-up: Mini-diamond, 20'-25' square. Four infielders and catcher (the catcher is not necessary if you only have a group of four kids).
Coach rolls a ball to one of the four infielders.
Calls out “ground ball to <position>”. This is important because the kids are standing close together.
Infielders not fielding the ball move quickly to cover a base; turn and face the ball in a “Ready Position”.
Player fielding the ball does not* throw the ball.
When all bases are covered the drill repetition is over
Players return to their positions and the coach rolls the ball to a different player/position
After a few repetitions, put the players at different positions
IMPORTANT NOTE: When delivering the ball to the first baseman or third baseman, only roll the ball about one third of the way toward the base. This forces the player to move far away from their base making it clear to the other infielders that it is not covered. When working on movement responsibilities this clear visual of an uncovered base helps the kids recognize where they are needed.
*Later in the season, after the players have demonstrated they clearly understand their movement responsibilities, the drill can be modified. The catcher calls out which base to throw the ball to. Using proper Underhand Toss technique, the player fielding the ball throws the ball to the base. If the ball goes to a corner base they, players then throw the ball around the infield, base to base; each using proper Underhand Toss technique. If the initial throw goes to second base, the ball is then thrown to first base, then to home plate.
Infield Base Coverage Responsibilities - Explained
There are four infielders, the game is played with one ball and there are three bases. The rule for infielders is ‘Play the Ball, or Cover a Base’. Each infielder has only two possible responsibilities: 1. Ball or 2. Base. The formula for infield base coverage: 4 = 1 + 3; one player gets the ball; the three infielders that aren’t playing the ball cover a base.....
The First and Third Basemen have one base they are responsible for; the Shortstop and Second Basemen have two bases they are responsible for; one to their Left and one to their Right. These two players, positioned in the middle of the field, follow this simple rule: If the ball is hit to your Left and you aren’t fielding the ball, SPRINT to the base on your Left; If the ball is hit to your Right and you aren’t fielding the ball, SPRINT to the base on your Right.
The rule for the players in the middle of the field is to “Move Towards the Ball”
When a Catcher participates in this drill, they also have a responsibility to move. When the ball is delivered to the infield the Catcher leaves the spot where they receive pitches, behind home plate, and moves to their ‘Position’, which is in front of home plate.
Backing-up Bases (OF & P)
Outfielder Responsibilities
1. Go Get the Ball
The first movement of all three outfielders is towards the ball. Their mindset is: “I am going to GO GET the ball”. Then, if they see the ball is not coming to their area of the field, they go to their second responsibility of Backing-up a base.
The outfielder that has the ball hit ‘in front of them’, either the Left Fielder or Right Fielder sprints straight towards the ball, and doesn’t slow down until they see the ball cleanly fielded by an infielder.
Balls hit to the 3B/SS side of the infield are the responsibility of the Left Fielder.
Balls hit to the 2B/1B side of the infield are the responsibility of the Right Fielder.
The assumption of the outfielder, each time the ball is put into play in the infield, is that it will not be fielded and the outfielder will be getting the ball.
The outfielder (LF or RF) that has the ball hit on their side of the field, initially, does not have a Backing-up respsonsibility. The pitcher (and sometimes one of the infielders) backs up the corner base on the side of the infield the ball is hit. (see ‘Pitcher’ below)
2. Back-up
If an outfielder is not playing the ball, they are responsible to back up the base. The CenterFfielder backs-up second base. There are times where the direction of the throw to second base is such that it can be a challenge for the Center Fielder to get into position to back up the throw. That doesn’t matter, the CF gets going and does their best to get into position to back up the base.
The Left Fielder and Right Fielder, in most cases, back up the corner base on their side of the field. However, they need to recognize that some throws to second base are on an angle to the base that would send an overthrow right to a corner outfielder. The LF & RF need to be aware of this possibility. The LF & RF have two bases to back up.
Backing-up Bases Explained
OVERVIEW
Thrown balls getting past their intended target, specifically throws to bases, happens in almost every youth baseball game. In most cases this occurs multiple times. Given this common occurrence, which significantly impacts the number of runs a team gives up, why don’t we invest time to drill and train our players to back-up throws to bases?
My experience observing youth practices and games, is coaches hollering to their players, “Back up those throws!” However, getting our kids to recognize the importance of this aspect of the game and to develop urgency in their execution takes more than ‘Telling’ or ‘Reminding’. Getting our players in position to properly back up throws, requires repeated drilling to engrain it as habit. The good news is, we can give the kids the reps they need in as little as 5-10 minutes every second or third practice.
Also, in most drills, when we are working on other skills and game situations, by simply adding an extra player, we can incorporate the development of this important habit without eating up additional practice time.
OBJECTIVE
Outfielders and Pitcher develop awareness of, and habit of, executing their responsibility of backing up bases.
SET UP
Drill is run using the MINI DIAMOND.
Players at each outfield position, approximately 30’ beyond the infield diamond (mark those spots with cones).
Coach stands a few feet from where the pitching rubber would be, on the home plate side.
Pitcher, in the middle of the diamond, where the pitching rubber would be (marked by a cone) facing towards home plate and the coach
DRILL
The coach runs/jogs out to one of the four infield positions. This action of the coach represents a ground ball. While moving out to a given position, the coach hollers, “Ground ball to [position]!”
Which ever side of the field the ball is going to, the LF/RF sprints straight towards the ball, stopping only when they come within a few feet of the coach. RULE: ‘I am going to Go Get the ball’
The pitcher sprints towards, and past, the corner base* on the side of the infield the coach/ground ball is going. RULES: P Always moves towards the ball | Ball. Base, Back up (it is assumed for the purpose of the drill, that the corner base is covered)
CF and the corner outfielder opposite the side of the field the ball is hit to, after first making an aggressive in the direction of the ball (coach), sprint to back up second base and the opposite corner base.
*when running the drill on the first base side of the field. Place a an object (ball bucket, etc.) 10’ from first base; this represents the base runner going to first base. Instruct the pitcher to run BEHIND the base runner. …to avoid collisions during games/scrimmage.
TEACHING POINTS
1. There are four players in the drill. There is one ball that needs to be fielded, and three bases needing to be backed up. One player goes for the ball; the other three back up a base (4 = 1 + 3). All four players sprint until they are in position to fulfill their responsibility.
2. The 1st Rule for Defensive responsibilities is ‘I am going to go get the ball’. This is the mindset of all nine players on the field as the ball is put into play.
When a ball is hit to the right side of the infield, the RF goes to get the ball. A ball hit to the left side is the LF’s ball. They execute this rule by sprinting towards the ball (explain that we never assume the infielders are going to field/stop the ball). The mindset of the LF/RF: ‘when THE ball is hit on your side of the infield, YOU will be fielding the ball.
3. RULE: Ball, Base, Back up
(for the purpose of the drill, it is assumed that each base is covered …and the Pitcher does not field the ball)
Pitcher sprints to back up the corner base on the side of the infield the ball is hit to (after the coach/ball goes past them). The two outfielders, the ball is not hit to, are not playing the ball, so their responsibility is to back up a base.
4. Backing up distance is 25’ beyond the base…in line with the throw
For the purpose of the drill (working on a MINI DIAMOND), we want the backing up approximately 15’ beyond the base.
Proper positioning is in line with the direction the ball would be thrown to the base… Ball------------> Base ------> Player Backing up.
(Note in the diagrams where the backing up players end up.)
5. Concept:
We want TWO players in position to catch every throw; the player at the base who we hope makes the catch, and a second player beyond the base to catch the ball, if it gets past the base.
6. All movements in the drill are a full out sprint.
WHAT WILL GO WRONG
Players won’t sprint (even though we just told them)
Solution: constant reminding that baseball is a printing game. Most kids just don’t grasp this concept. It will take ongoing emphasis by the coaching staff to instill this habit. Figure on it taking 4-5 practices of constant badgering until they ‘Get it’.
Early on, most players, especially those age 10 and younger, will stand only a couple feet behind the base when backing up.
Solution: constant correcting until they get it right (effort and persistence on part of the coach, and the recognition that the concept it’s not as obvious to a kid as to an adult). Explain that they need to be far enough back in order to have time to react, and move to, the ball missed by the player at the base; while they need to be close enough to make an effective throw, if needed, when the base runner takes off to the next base.
Backing up players will not get directly in line with the direction of a possible throw. Some will be miles off the mark.
Solution: at the conclusion of the drill (players have gotten to where they think they are supposed to be), for each player who is not lined up with the direction of a throw to a base, roll a ball firmly towards, and past the base. This illustrates to the player where the ball will go if not caught at the base. We have the player run over to get the ball. Stop them when they pick-up the ball! Then point out to them that they are NOW in line with the direction of the throw to the base
FINAL POINTS
1. After a couple of days of running the drill we want to expand the teaching of the backing up situation. Point out that the fence line on most fields is only 10-15’ behind first and third base. In this circumstance, the corner outfielders will back up the base by playing a carom off the fence. Ideally, they learn to run to where the carom will land.
2. The drill has the corner outfielders only backing up first or third. We point out that some throws to second base are going almost directly towards the Left or Right Field positions. Explain to the corner outfielders that they, in fact, have two baes to back up. Usually it’s the corner base; sometimes they are needed to back up throws to second base.
How does a player determine which base to back up? …some aspects of baseball play are learned through experience. There isn’t a hard and fast rule to follow. The reality is, like a lot of things in this game, mistakes will be made (multiple times). After repeated exposure to a given situation, a player will begin to better anticipate what will happen. At the youth baseball level, this is most often a years long process. We coaches are not going to have players this age playing the game perfectly.
NOTE: This does not mean the Center Fielder is not attempting to back up on these throws. The Center Fielder, on every potential throw to second base, is sprinting to get into position to back up the base.
MANAGING THE BALL
Moving the Ball on Defense
There are two ways to transport the ball around the field:
Throw the ball
Run with the ball
Most kids only consider the first option. We want to teach our players early on that they are not required to throw the ball in order to move it around the field. It is perfectly acceptable to carry the ball. Many young players do not recognize they have the option of carrying the ball to its destination. They believe that the ball is only moved by making a throw.
When those times come up that a player is not sure what to do with the ball, we teaching them to run (sprint) with the ball straight for the pitching rubber. Each step closer to the middle of the diamond, the player with the ball becomes a greater threat to the base runners. With each step, the base runners are less and less likely to attempt to advance. When the defense limits the runners attempts to advance, they reduce the number of throws they have to make, and therefore reduce the number of chances to make a mistake …at this level, the players are good at making mistakes :)
The Ball is Constantly Moving
As soon as a player has control of the ball they must immediately move the ball...throw it, or run with it towards the pitching rubber. No standing in one spot holding the ball.. We want to instruct our players to 'keep the ball moving' when handling it on defense. When this concept is first introduced, the play in scrimmages will look a bit wonky because we are telling the players, if they don’t know where to throw the ball, to take off running.
Our first goal is to pound in the idea of keeping the ball moving. Because players, especially outfielders, early in the season, are unsure of where to throw, they will be running with the ball quite a bit. That is ok, it is part of the learning process. They want to throw the ball. They will be motivated to learn their responsibilities for throwing.
In the mean time we are developing in them the recognition that getting the ball closer to the middle of the infield the more control they and the defense has over the base runners.
Soon they will be making quick and sound decisions for making throws. And worse case scenario they will keep the ball moving by running with it. They will also come to recognize that running with the ball is sometimes the smarter option. If the base runners are not attempting to advance, we do not want to risk making a throw. The players, especially outfielders, will learn they can run the ball in and deliver the ball to a teammate by handing it to them or flipping it a short distance, underhand. (see: getting the ball in to the Pitcher)
RULE —> Runners Not trying to Advance …No Overhand Throws
Near the end of each play, the base runners will recognize they have advanced as far as they can do so safely. Once the defense (most specifically the Catcher) sees the runners are not attempting to advance, our rule is our defensive players do not make overhand throws. Options are then limited to:
Carry the ball to its destination (run with the ball)
Hand it to a teammate (who they have run to)
Make a short underhand toss to a teammate (after running towards them to a point they are close enough to make a short, safe toss)
The player primarily responsible for recognizing the runners have stopped attempting to advance is the Catcher, who is the lead communicator for the defense, since that is the one position that can see the entire field at all times.
The Catcher hollers loud, “Eat it!” (meaning to hold onto the ball). That command is followed by, “Run it in!” (meaning, NO overhand throws; get the ball to the middle of the infield asap and in the hands of the Pitcher).
Get The Ball To The Pitcher (Middle of the Infield)
A common mistake made by youth teams is mishandling the ball while getting it back to the middle of the infield after a play has ended.
The definition for 'end of the play' is when the base runner(s) have stopped running hard and attempting to advance to another base. Making a wide turn and/or dancing around baiting a throw are not examples of attempting to advance.
After the play has ended there is no reason to risk making an overhand throw. We train our players to 'run the ball in'. When moving the ball to a teammate, the options are to hand the ball off or make a short underhand toss.
Mishandling the ball while getting it back to the middle of the infield and in the the pitchers hands not only costs the defense by allowing runners to advance further than they had planned to; it also delays the game and extends the length of the game. A big part of making youth baseball more fun for everyone involved is to keep the game moving along at a quick pace.
Get the Ball to the Middle of the Infield
Other than recording an out (which doesn’t happen on every play), getting the ball to the middle of the infield as quickly as possible (to end the play) is our top priority.
When the ball is near the pitching rubber, the player with the ball is an equal, and significant, threat to all base runners. This is why the pitching rubber is the destination for a player who is not sure of what to do with the ball. While that player is heading toward the pitching rubber, they are assessing the the situation on the field. It is likely that while they are on the move, they will figure out where to throw the ball, if needed. If they identify the need to make a throw, because they are so much closer to the center of the diamond, the distance of that throw is greatly reduced. This reduction in distance greatly increases the chances of executing a successful ‘throw and catch play’.
Our objective is to get the ball into the hands of the Pitcher at the middle of the infield. There will be times however, when another player can get to the area around the pitching rubber easier, and quicker, than the pitcher. As long as the bases are covered by a teammate, it is ok for a position player to carry the ball to the middle of the infield until the pitcher arrives and can be handed the ball.
COORDINATED TEAM DEFENSE - The System (Part 2)
SS, 2b, P (the 3 players in the middle of the field) - Always Move Towards the Ball
A common occurrence in the youth game is the Shortstop and Second Baseman covering second base at the same time. This problem is eliminated by teaching: the three players in the middle of the field, the Pitcher, Shortstop and Second Baseman always move towards the ball. Another common mistake is the Shortstop or Second Baseman serving as the cut-relay player, on plays to home plate, when the ball is hit in front of the outfielders. In these situations the Pitcher is always the cut-relay player.
Ball Hit to the Outfield
One of the middle infielders (Shortstop or Second Baseman) runs towards the ball in the outfield. The other, while running towards the ball, ends up covering second base. On a ball hit to center field, the Shortstop goes out to get the ball (the reason is, the Shortstop, in some instances, serves as the cut -relay on throws from center field to third base).
The Pitcher moves towards the ball to get into position to serve as the cut-relay player on a throw to home plate. If there is no throw to home plate, they are nearer the ball, so to quickly get it from a middle infielder and move the ball to the middle of the infield (pitching rubber/mound).
[If the ball is hit past an outfielder, the middle infielder moving into the outfield becomes the lead cut-relay player. The Pitcher becomes the second cut-relay player on a play at home plate.]
Below are diagrams for running a drill to train these three players to Always Move Towards the Ball (on a balls hit to the outfield).
These three diagrams illustrate the situations on a full size field.
A drill can be run on a ‘Mini Diamond’ without a ball.
Set up
Use a throw-down base to serve as second base. Have the Shortstop and Second Basemen positioned 15’ off the base, in the baselines of their respective sides of the base. The coach and the Pitcher stand that the ‘Pitching Rubber’ approximately 20’ from second base. Use three cones to serve as outfielders. Place the ‘Left Fielder’ cone 20’ behind the Shortstop, the ‘Right Fielder’ cone 20’ behind the Second Baseman, and the ‘Center Fielder’ cone 20’ behind second base.
Drill
he coach hollers ‘Ready Position’; the middle infielders get ‘Ready’ facing where home plate would be (backs to the outfield as they would be in a game). The coach then points to one of the cones and hollers which outfield position the ball was hit to; for example, the coach points to the right field cone and hollers “Ball Hit to Right Field!”.
The Second Baseman sprints to the Right Field cone (towards the ball). The Shortstop sprints to second base (towards the ball). The pitcher sprints out to the baseline between second base and first base (towards the ball). That is the entire dril. One repetiton takes approximately 10 seconds. Reset the players and run the drill again with the coach pointing to a different outfield position.
The drill can be run using 6 players; two groups of three. Every few repetitions the players change positions. In three minutes the players can get 12-15+ repetitions. Through repetition, the players quickly learn (develop the habit), when they are one of the players in the Middle of the Field, that they Always Move Towards the Ball.
Pitcher Responsibilities - Balls Hit to the Infield
The Pitcher has as much, or more, movement responsibilities as an any position on the field. Pitching the ball is just the beginning of their work during games. When the ball is put into play, the Pitcher becomes a member of the Defense; their responsibilities on balls hit to the infield:
Field the Ball
If not fielding the ball, cover a Base
If the base is covered, run beyond the base to Back-up a throw to the base
[The drills below include the Shortstop and Second Baseman, positions that ‘Always Moving Towards the Ball’. The drills (Three Players, One Base) help train them in situations where they move towards a Corner Base.
The ‘Three Players, One Base’ situation (drills below). All three players follow the ‘Ball, Base, Back-up’ rule. These drills have significant importance in training the Pitcher to execute their defensie movement responsibilities.
An additional play that occurs on this side of the field is a ball hit between the Shortstop and Third Baseman, resulting in a 6-1 Play. In this circumstance the Third Baseman is moving towards the ball (away from third base), does not field the ball and is unable to get to the base to cover. The pitcher covers third base and takes the throw from the Shortstop. Often the throw is an Underhand Toss.
An additional play that occurs on this side of the field is a ball hit between the Second Baseman and the First Baseman, resulting in a 4-1 Play. In this circumstance the First Baseman is moving towards the ball (away from first base), does not field the ball and is unable to get to the base to cover. The pitcher covers first base and takes the throw from the Second Baseman. Often the throw is an Underhand Toss.
Illustrations of Pitcher movement on balls hit to the Corner Outfielders and Corner Infielders
Pitcher Responsibilities - Ball Hit to the Middle of the Field
Center Field: The Pitcher moves a few feet towards second base when the ball is hit beyond the second base bag to center field. Following that initial movement, the Pitcher adjusts their positioning to back-up a throw to second base.
If the play began with a runner on second base, the Pitcher’s primary responsibility is to set-up as the cut-relay player to home. They move to the midway point between the pitching rubber and second base.
Then they get lined up for a throw from the Center Fielder.
This is accomplished by the pitcher turning to get their shoulders in line between home plate and the ball in center field. From that position they ‘look both ways’, back and forth. While doing so, they move to get inline between the ball and home plate.
If the Center Fielder decides to throw the ball in to second base, the Pitcher sprints to a spot in-line with the throw, to back-up.
Catcher: When the ball is hit to a spot where the Catcher is going to field the ball, the Pitcher moves towards the ball. When they recognize the Catcher is getting the ball, the Pitcher keeps moving and covers home base …reading the Catcher’s throwing position so to avoid moving into the path of the throw.
Catcher is the ‘Fourth Baseman’ …and the ‘Quarterback’ of the Defense
Unless they are fielding a ball in front of home plate, anytime the ball is put into play the Catcher becomes the Fourth Baseman
RULE: if you are not playing the Ball, cover a Base (home plate = ‘Fourth Base’). Proper positioning is a few inches in front of home plate.
Holler loudly to the defense, where to throw the ball……or to ‘Eat it’ and run the ball in to the Pitcher (if there is no play)
Stay alert of throws in the direction of the home plate area of the field. Occasionally the ball will get loose and the Catcher fills the role of Backing-up. In most cases the Catcher doesn’t have to move far from the plate to get the ball. ………If the Catcher does have to move a greater distance to get a loose ball, it becomes the responsibility of the pitcher to cover home plate. In such a case, the pitcher doesn’t have the Ball, so they follow the fundamental rule: ‘Ball, Base, Back-up’ ……they cover a Base (home plate = ‘Fourth Base’).
SS, 2b Are Not the Relay to Home
A common mistake in youth baseball and softball is an outfielder throwing the ball to the Shortstop or Second Baseman to relay the ball to home plate.
The Pitcher is always the Cut-Relay player on plays to home plate.
We have the Shortstop or Second Baseman move towards the ball and run to the outfield to get the ball back to the infield. If the base runners stop, we want the infielder to be within 10’-15’ from the outfielder, who delivers the ball using the Underhand Toss technique. The infielder then turns and sprints with the ball towards the middle of the infield. If a runner is attempting to advance to a base, the outfielder throws the ball directly to that base.
If a runner is attempting to score, the outfielder throws the ball to the Pitcher, who is the Cut-Relay player on plays to home plate.
If the ball is hit past the outfielders, the infielder who ran out to the outfield serves as the first player in a double-relay to home: outfielder throws to the infielder, who throws to the Pitcher, who then relays the ball home. In some cases, in a situation where the ball is hit past the outfielders there is a relay to third base. This is a less common occurrence in the game played on the small diamond.
These relay situations, where the ball is hit past the outfielders, is addressed in the Drills section of the website
Corner Infielders - Balls Hit to Their Side of the Infield
Third Baseman
I am going to GO GET the ball - React towards the ball. First action is always Towards the Ball. When it is recognized that another player will field the Ball……
Ball or Base - If the Third Baseman is not playing the Ball, their responsibility is to cover the Base. Early on this can be difficult to train. In many instances the Third Baseman figures, since nothing is immediately happening at third base, there is no urgency to cover the base. We need to make clear (and it will require repeating this instruction multiple times for a number of days/weeks: ‘When you are not playing the ball, IMMEDIATELY cover the base’. ……HINT: tell the player they can ‘Watch the Play from the Base’. ……early in the teaching process, we want to eliminate the ‘Wandering Third Baseman’ from membership on our team.
Back-up - Instruct the Third Baseman to aggressively go after balls hit between them and the Shortstop or between them and the Pitcher. If a play needs to be made at second base or first base, the play for the Third Baseman, with their momentum going to their left, is easier than for the Shortstop or the Pitcher.
Some attempts to play the ball will take the Third Baseman (and their momentum) far from the base. ‘Ball, Base, Back-up’ always applies. In this circumstance, another player (Shortstop or Pitcher) will cover third base. In this situation the Third Baseman sprints towards the spot they are needed to Back-up a throw to the base.
When the Third Baseman is backing up throws to third base, rarely will they be in the ideal spot when the throw is made. However, if they are sprinting towards the correct spot, they will be on their way to retrieving an overthrown ball. If we instill a sense of urgency in our players to fulfill their defensive responsibilities, in this situation the Third Baseman will often get to the ball quickly enough that the Base Runner does not attempt to advance to home plate.
Side of the Base the Ball is Coming From - To avoid throws crossing the path of the Base Runner. Teach players to stand on the same side of the base as the ball’s location on the field. (NOTE: at the 12u level we do not teach players to straddle the base. When straddling the base, young players rarely leave the base to make a ‘sure’ play on offline throws.)
First Baseman
I am going to GO GET the ball - React towards the ball. First action is always Towards the Ball.
Ball or Base - If First Baseman is not playing the Ball, they quickly move to cover the Base.
Balls Hit to the Outfield: the First Baseman needs to be aware of the base runner and not interfere with them while moving into position at First Base. If the ball is hit to right field, the First Baseman aggressively sprints to the right-field-side of first base in case there is a possibility to receive a throw for a force out.
Back-up - Occasionally, when the First Baseman is aggressively going for the Ball, the play will evolve with the Pitcher and Second Baseman fulfilling the Ball and Base responsibilities. In this case, the First Baseman progresses to the Back-up responsibility……all players follow the same progression of the Rule: 1) Ball, 2) Base, 3) Back-up. When backing up throws to first base, we teach the players to cross the first base line behind the Base Runner (to avoid a collision and potential injury).
Teach the First Baseman to be aggressively go after balls hit between them and the Second Baseman or between them and the Pitcher. As the players develop the ‘Ball, Base, Back-up’ concept, the First Baseman can be confident that another player will cover first base.
Full Team Movement —> Two Examples
When our fielders follow their movement responsibilities correctly, the result is we have Two Players in Position to Catch each Throw to a Base. The player covering the Base who we hope catches the throw. And a second player Backing up the throw to a base.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
[Home Plate: many youth fields have the backstop positioned close to Home Plate; the backstop ‘Backs-up’ the throw. If we are playing at a higher level of play: All-Stars, Summer Travel Ball, etc.; or if a team reaches a level of competency that the players are prepared to learn more, there are situations where we can have a player backing up Home Plate.
(This is really only necessary when playing on a field with a larger amount of space between home and the backstop.)
Consider a relay to Home Plate on a ball hit to the outfield: The Pitcher is the Cut-Relay to Home (consistent with the rules outlined above). We train the First Baseman to, once it is clear the batter-runner will safely reach first base, concede their Base coverage responsibility and sprint to Back-up Home Plate. The circumstances for reaching a playing situation to teach this play would come late in the season or summer. And only when playing on a field with a deep backstop. It would be a rare occurrence for a coach utilizing the material on this website to find themselves in a situation where this training for the First Baseman would need to be applied. ]
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Below are two examples of the movement of the entire defense moving based on where the ball is hit. The points in the 'Rules for Defensive Movement' section above are applied to these examples. After training our kids in these rules they will get to a point where most react more quickly and instinctively to where they are needed on the field in any given situation.
These diagrams are provided less as a suggestion to run a drill with all nine players and more as a visual that a coach can use as a learning tool in preparation for teaching their players.
The primary point to take from these two diagrams is that on ground balls on a given side of the infield the outfielder on that side of the field DOES NOT immediately take off to back up a base. Their first responsibility is to go for the ball, which means sprinting in behind the infielder attempting to field the ball. It is not until the ball is cleanly fielded and the outfielder is not needed that they look for a place to back up, which likely would be the a potential second or third throw of the play.
Note: These diagrams are old and will be replaced at some point. Ignore the 'key' at the top.
Ball hit to the Shortstop:
--> The rule for the other three infielders is to cover a base.
--> The rule for the CF and RF is that because they are not playing the ball they are backing up a base.
--> The rule for the Pitcher is "Always move towards the ball". In this case the Pitcher does not field the ball so they continue running in a straight line towards third base. They see the base is covered, so go to their next responsibility of backing-up the base.
--> The rule for the LEFT FIELDER, because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, is to go for the ball. Not until they see the ball is caught by the fielder in front of them does their responsibility change to moving to back up a throw. In this case getting to the initial backing-up position is not a concern because the Pitcher is backing up third base.
However, the Left Fielder does visually follow the ball and prepares for the possibility that the ball may be moved around the infield and they may be needed, later in the play, to back up a throw to second or third base.
Ball hit to the Second Baseman.
--> The rule for the other three infielders is to cover a base.
--> The rule for the CF and LF is that because they are not playing the ball they are backing up a base.
--> The rule for the Pitcher is "Always move towards the ball". In this case the Pitcher does not field the ball so they continue running in a straight line towards first base. They see the base is covered, so go to their next responsibility of backing-up the base. They need to be sure to go behind the base runner when crossing the base line.
--> The rule for the RIGHT FIELDER, because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, is to go for the ball. Not until they see the ball is caught by the fielder in front of them does their responsibility change to moving to back up a throw. In this case getting to the initial backing-up position is not a concern because the Pitcher is backing up third base.
However, the Right Fielder does visually follow the ball and prepares for the possibility that the ball may be moved around the infield and they may be needed, later in the play, to back up a throw to second or first base.
End of The Play | Transition to Next Batter
“TIME!”
It is important that our players understand that their base coverage and backing-up responsibilities continue throughout the play (regardless of their perception that nothing of importance is going on in their area of the field) and do not end until the ball is in the Pitcher’s hands and the Pitcher is standing next to the pitching rubber.
Until this time, players covering a Base remain at the base. Players Backing-up are likely adjusting their position to maintain a straight line from the Ball to the base to where they are standing.
We want to establish in the minds of our players that once the runners have stopped trying to advance, we want to get the ball to the middle of the infield as fast as possible. The players need to understand that the player with the ball needs to remain conscious of the runners.
We mandate to our player to ignore any ‘baiting’ by runners dancing back and forth a few feet from the base. The odds of making a throw, in this situation, and recording an out, are slim. The odds of making a throw that gets past the player covering the base are pretty high. [More importantly, this baiting game wastes time and takes away from the other players (also parents and coaches) waiting for the game to continue.]
Once the Pitcher has control of the ball, is a few feet from the pitching rubber, and the runners are not attempting to advance to the next base, we want our Pitcher to raise their arms and holler in a loud voice in the direction of an umpire, “TIME Please!”
Once you have your players training in how to call Time, talk to the umpires before each game and alert them of what your players will be doing. An experienced and conscientious umpire should be receptive to this practice. Quickly ending each play keeps the game moving along quicker. More kids get to bat and there is more action in the early part of the season when many games get called early because of darkness. This practice leads to a better experience for everyone at the park.
I encourage leagues to consider taking this a step further and instruct their umpires to call Time, get the next batter in the box, and keep games moving along.
Eyes On the Catcher
We want to train our players that the moment TIME has been called, and/or the pitcher steps on the rubber, they immediately move their eyes from the ball to the Catcher (see below). In most cases they are doing this while running back to their positions. We can establish this habit during the Scrimmage (see Practice Structure) portion of practice.
This habit keeps them busy between batters, reducing the opportunities for a player in the field to get distracted.
Catcher Communication With Fielders
Throughout each play the Catcher is at their Position in front of Home Plate instructing the defense what to do with the ball*. (A catcher’s ‘most valuable tool is their voice’.)
When the play ends (TIME has been called, and/or the pitcher steps on the rubber) the Catcher, who remains standing in front of home plate, surveys the three bases to identify which are occupied by runners.
The Catcher hollers, “Defense! Eyes In!”. Then they holler (loud enough to be heard in the outfield) the number of OUTS and the location of the RUNNERS.
They Do Not ‘predict’ how the next play might work out ie ‘Infield go one, outfield go two’; how do we know in advance where the ball might need to go?
The infielders then ‘echo’ this information to the outfielders (if needed). We teach this practice to the infielders because not every child can project their voice all the way to the oufield. Older player (ages 10-12) often have vocal muscles developed enough for the outfield to hear them. We also want to keep in mind that a player we identify has having solid physical skills for the position may not also have the vocal strength and/or personality to be so vocal.
* The Catcher is the only player that can see all the action on the field. We want the Catcher ‘running the game’. When giving this responsibility to the Catcher we do so with the understanding they will make some mistakes. We don’t criticize the Catcher when they make the ‘wrong’ call. When the Catcher comes back in the dugout, we now have an opportunity to teach.
Releasing this responsibility to the Catcher is simple to do if we subscribe to the Philosophy that ‘It’s the Players’ team, not ‘My’ team.
Coach Adjusts Player Positioning
While the Catcher is moving back behind home plate to set up to receive the next pitch, this is the time for the coaching staff to adjust the positioning of any player in the field, if needed.
=============================================================================================================
Pitcher Responsibilities
Move Towards the Ball
Back-up throws to second base or to the Shortstop or Second Baseman, whichever ran out to get the ball.
‘Play’ the Ball - the Cut-Relay Player, on throws to home plate