Baseball is a Game of Movement

Defensive Responsibilities

A logical, step-by-step system for teaching coordinated team defense.

(Players learn what to do when the ball is not hit to them.)

Foundations

The Base

Coordinated Team Defense - The System (Part 1)

Managing the Ball

Coordinated Team Defense - The System (Part 2)

End of the Play | Transition to Next Batter

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 position 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 by 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 heads into playoffs/tournament play), the coordinated actions of the players on the field will be flowing pretty smoothly.

Foundations

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 role 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 role, 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

A valuable tool for saving time and increasing repetitions is the Mini Diamond. Any drill that has a primary focus on teaching positioning, movement, and/or communication 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 we 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 enables 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 Game Played on the Smaller Diamond Is Different

Many of us coaching kids baseball have gained much of our baseball experience through exposure to the game played on the big diamond (90’ base paths), as observers of the pro game and/or as players in our teens or above. Possibly we have coached older teams on the larger diamond.

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 being 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 and 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 putout.

The second baseman covers first—when the first baseman is 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 overthrow. If we send the pitcher back there, the backstop ends up doing most of the backing up.

Learning and execution are 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 to learn the nuances of each position.

Outfielders back up bases on every play. Even at the 12-year-old level, the outfielders 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 have a 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 tossing 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 determine it’s 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 at 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-depth 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 tendencies (if known). The suggestions below are “Regular.” A coach who is factoring in some of the variables above instructs their kids to adjust from their “Regular” positioning. A coach with limited 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 provides 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 of feet to their right or left 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 of 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 of feet to their right or left to have a clear line of sight to the batter.

Note that we have the younger kids positioned farther 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 easily as they can get to second base.

The positioning of kids at the lower levels is such that 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 they have to move fast.

Ready Position

Prior to the pitch being thrown, or when preparing 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 bent, hands and elbows in front of the body, with hands spread 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 conducive to moving quickly to another spot on the playing field.

This stance has been taught for many generations and is well-intended, primarily for a third baseman being positioned to catch a rocket ground ball hit straight at them. Question: what percentage of balls in the 12u game are hit at laser speed, ankle-high, to the two-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 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 this 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 (the side the base runner is running toward).

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 toward. 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 the throwing-hand foot next to the 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, slide the foot near the corner of the base on the side the ball is headed, then “stretch” with the glove foot toward the ball. If the throw is off target, quickly move laterally from the Ready Position as far 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 squared 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 on 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 that 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

Cover the Base With Your Eyes

We teach our players: “Cover the base with your eyes.” This means that once they recognize they are not responsible for getting 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 the 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 toward 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 may need 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 there might be another runner trying to advance to the next base.

The teaching phrase “Look for Other Runners” is literal. It describes exactly what we want our player to do. 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 language to be as literal as possible.

Coordinated Team Defense —> the System (Part 1)

The Catcher’s Position

The Catcher is the Fourth Baseman.

Squatting behind Home Plate is where they catch pitches. It is not their defensive position.

A catcher plays defense in front of Home Plate... ‘Fourth Base’.

Catcher Communication Responsibilities

Prior to each batter: while standing in front of home plate, Call out: (1) Number of OUTS and (2) Bases occupied by RUNNERS.
After the ball is put into play: holler, to the players in the field, what to do with the ball (Infielders ‘Echo’ the call on balls hit to the outfield)
Communicate on Cut-Relay Plays to Home (Fourth Base).

Three Individual Responsibilities – Ball, Base, Back-Up

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 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 am 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 toward 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 fulfill their responsibility for that situation…Cover Third Base.

Move Towards the Ball

The old saying in baseball is, “Billy, 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 players’ 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 toward 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 “toward 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 ‘toward’ 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 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 it’s worth the effort. Overthrows 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.

Drill: Infield Base Coverage

Objective: All bases are covered on each drill repetition.

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 .” 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; they hold it. Coach checks that all bases are covered.
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.

Infield Base Coverage Responsibilities – Explained

The rule for infielders is ‘Play the Ball, or Cover a Base.’ One infielder plays the ball. The other three, who 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 “Always 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.

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, the 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.

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 responsibility. 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 Center Fielder 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 Drill 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 ingrain it as a 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

Set Up

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]!”
Whichever 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 step 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 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

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.
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.”
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.

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.)
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.
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 sprinting game. Most kids just don’t grasp this concept. It will take ongoing emphasis by the coaching staff to instill this habit. Figure on 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 is not as obvious to a kid as to an adult). Explain that they need to be far enough back to have time to react and move to the ball missed by the player at the base, while still 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. Have the player run over to get the ball. Stop them when they pick up the ball, then point out that they are NOW in line with the direction of the throw to the base.

Final Points

After a couple of days of running the drill, 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.
The drill has the corner outfielders only backing up first or third. 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 bases 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.

Diagram showing outfielders' roles and movements

Managing the Ball

Moving the Ball on Defense

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 may look a bit wonky because we are telling the players that if they don’t know where to throw the ball, they should take off running.

Our first goal is to instill the idea of keeping the ball moving. Early in the season, players—especially outfielders—may be unsure of where to throw, so they will run with the ball quite a bit. That is okay; it is part of the learning process. They want to throw the ball, and this approach motivates them to learn their responsibilities for throwing.

In the meantime, we are developing in them the recognition that getting the ball closer to the middle of the infield gives the defense greater control over the base runners.

Soon, they will be making quick and sound decisions for making throws. In the worst-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. Players, especially outfielders, will learn they can run the ball in and deliver it to a teammate by handing it off or flipping it a short distance underhand (see: getting the ball into the Pitcher).

The Ball is Constantly Moving

The ball never stops moving on defense. The moment a player handles the ball, they do one of two things*:

Throw the Ball
Run with/Move the Ball towards the pitching rubber

The spot on the field where the ball is the greatest threat to base runners is the middle of the infield (pitching rubber). When the ball is at this point, it is an equal distance from each base.

When the ball is at a base or outside the infield diamond, each step a player makes towards the pitching rubber moves the ball closer to this most advantageous spot on the field for the defense.

If a player is not sure where to throw the ball, they do not stand in place. They immediately start moving towards the pitching rubber with the ball in hand.

A common situation where moving towards the pitching rubber is required is after a player makes a play at a base. The player shuffles aggressively, in a Power Position, towards the pitching rubber. This moves them closer to the other three bases, preparing them to make a throw.

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 that they have the option of carrying the ball to its destination. They believe the ball is only moved by throwing it.

When a player is unsure what to do with the ball, we teach them to run (sprint) straight for the pitching rubber. Each step closer to the middle of the diamond makes the player with the ball a greater threat to the base runners. With each step, the base runners are 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 still learning, and mistakes are expected.

Two Types of Throws

Overhand Throws from base to base, across the diamond, or from the outfield, are made using an overhand throw. The fundamental aspects of an overhand throw:

Shuffle Feet, while gaining ground straight towards target – Power
Wrist Snap – Accuracy

Underhand Toss

Used for most throws of 25’ or less. The starting point of the underhand toss action is not the actual distance of the throw. The first part of the action involves the player running 2–3 steps aggressively toward their target, creating momentum for the throw.

This throwing technique is used often at the 12u level for several reasons:

The bases are closer together
Often there are runners on base; many outs are recorded by throwing to the nearest base (not throwing across the diamond to First Base)
The lower the level of play, the higher the percentage of underhand toss throwing situations

Note: Major League players toss the ball underhand many times in each of their games. Underhand toss is a Major League skill.

Rule → Runners Not Trying to Advance

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 that 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 toward them to a point where they are close enough to make a short, safe toss)
The player primarily responsible for recognizing that 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 loudly, “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 as quickly as possible and into the hands of the Pitcher).

Getting the Ball Into the Pitcher

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 of “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 to bait a throw is not considered 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 into the Pitcher’s hands not only costs the defense by allowing runners to advance further than planned, it also delays the game and extends its length. A big part of making youth baseball more fun for everyone involved is to keep the game moving along at a quick pace.

Getting 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 what to do with the ball. While that player is heading toward the pitching rubber, they are assessing 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 acceptable 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 that 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.

Pitcher Responsibilities

Move Towards the Ball
If not playing a ball hit to the infield, sprint towards the corner base on the same side of the infield the ball was hit:
1. Cover the Base
2. If the base is covered, Back-up the base

Run towards the corner base on the side of the infield the ball is hit to; cover the Base, or Back-up if the base is covered

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 that 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 they can 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 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 Baseman positioned 15’ off the base, in the baselines on their respective sides of the base. The coach and the Pitcher stand at 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

The 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 drill. One repetition 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 six 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) that when they are one of the players in the middle of the field, they Always Move Towards the Ball.

Pitcher Responsibilities – Balls Hit to the Infield

The Pitcher has as much, or more, movement responsibility than any other 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 include:

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 Move 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) has all three players follow the Ball, Base, Back-up rule. These drills are especially important in training the Pitcher to execute their defensive movement responsibilities.]

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 moving to get in line between the ball and home plate.

If the Center Fielder decides to throw the ball 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. Once they recognize the Catcher is getting the ball, the Pitcher keeps moving and covers home base, reading the Catcher’s throwing position 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 for 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 this 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’ of 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: the outfielder throws to the infielder, who throws to the Pitcher, who then relays the ball home. In some cases, when 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, are 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. The 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 that since nothing is immediately happening at third base, there is no urgency to cover the base. We need to make this clear (and it will require repeating this instruction multiple times over several 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. The Third Baseman sprints toward the spot they are needed to back up a throw to the base.

When the Third Baseman is backing up throws to third base, they will rarely be in the ideal spot when the throw is made. However, if they are sprinting toward 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. The first action is always Towards the Ball.

Ball or Base – If the 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 avoid interfering 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 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 that we have two players in position to catch each throw to a base:

The player covering the base who we hope catches the throw.
A second player backing up the throw to the base.

Backing up Home Plate

Many youth fields have the backstop positioned close to home plate, which effectively backs up the throw. At higher levels of play—such as All-Stars, Summer Travel Ball, or for teams that have reached a high level of competency—there are situations where a player may back up home plate.

This is primarily necessary when playing on a field with a larger distance between home and the backstop.

Example: On a relay to home plate from a ball hit to the outfield:

The Pitcher serves as the cut-relay to home, consistent with the rules outlined above.
We train the First Baseman to, once it is clear that the batter-runner will safely reach first base, concede their base coverage responsibility and sprint to back up home plate.

These circumstances typically occur late in the season or during summer ball, and only on fields with a deep backstop. For most coaches using the material in this guide, this situation will be rare.

Two Examples of Coordinated Team Movement

The diagrams below illustrate how the entire defense moves based on where the ball is hit. The principles in the “Rules for Defensive Movement” section above are applied to these examples. After training players in these rules, most will begin to react more quickly and instinctively to where they are needed on the field in any given situation.

Note: These diagrams are provided as a visual learning tool and not necessarily for running a full nine-player drill.

Ball Hit to the Shortstop

The other three infielders cover a base.
The Center Fielder (CF) and Right Fielder (RF), because they are not fielding the ball, are responsible for backing up a base.
The Pitcher always moves towards the ball. In this case, the pitcher does not field the ball, so they continue running straight towards third base. Seeing the base is covered, they proceed to their next responsibility: backing up the base.
The Left Fielder (LF), because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, first goes for the ball. Only after the fielder successfully fields the ball does their responsibility change to backing up a throw. Initially, getting to the backup position is not critical, since the pitcher is already backing up third base. However, the LF visually tracks the ball and prepares for the possibility of being needed to back up a throw later in the play (e.g., to second or third base).

Ball Hit to the Second Baseman

The other three infielders cover a base.
The CF and LF, because they are not fielding the ball, back up a base.
The Pitcher always moves towards the ball. In this scenario, the pitcher does not field the ball, so they continue running straight toward first base. Seeing the base is covered, they proceed to their next responsibility: backing up the base. The pitcher ensures they cross behind the base runner when moving along the base line.
The Right Fielder (RF), because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, first goes for the ball. Only after the fielder successfully fields the ball does their responsibility change to backing up a throw. As with the LF in the previous example, the RF tracks the ball visually and prepares for the possibility of backing up a throw later in the play (e.g., to second or first 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 essential that players understand their base coverage and backing-up responsibilities continue throughout the play—even if they perceive that nothing important is happening in their area. These responsibilities do not end until the ball is in the pitcher’s hands and the pitcher is standing next to the pitching rubber.

Players covering a base remain at the base.
Players backing up adjust their position as necessary to maintain a straight line from the ball to the base to where they are standing.

The goal is to establish in the players’ minds that once the runners have stopped attempting to advance, the focus shifts to getting the ball to the middle of the infield as quickly as possible.

Handling “Baiting” by Runners

Players are instructed to ignore any “baiting” by runners dancing back and forth a few feet from a base.

The odds of recording an out in this situation are low.
The odds of making an errant throw that gets past the player covering the base are high.
Most importantly, this baiting wastes time and delays the game, affecting other players, parents, and coaches waiting for the next play.

Calling TIME

Once the pitcher has control of the ball, is a few feet from the pitching rubber, and the runners are not attempting to advance:

The pitcher raises their arms.
Hollers loudly, “TIME Please!” in the direction of the umpire.

Coaching Note:

Players should be trained on how to call TIME.
Before each game, inform the umpires about this practice. A conscientious umpire should be receptive.
Quickly ending plays keeps the game moving, allowing more at-bats and more action early in the season, especially when games risk being called for darkness.

Leagues are encouraged to train umpires to call TIME promptly, get the next batter in the box, and maintain a fast pace of play. This improves the experience for everyone at the park.

Eyes on the Catcher

Catcher Communication With Fielders

Throughout each play, the Catcher is positioned in front of home plate, actively instructing the defense on what to do with the ball. A catcher’s most valuable tool is their voice.

Communication at the End of a Play

Once the play ends (TIME has been called, and/or the pitcher steps on the rubber):

The catcher remains in front of home plate and surveys the bases to identify which are occupied by runners.
The catcher loudly announces:

“Defense! Eyes In!”
The number of OUTS
The location of RUNNERS on the bases

Important:

The catcher does not predict future plays (e.g., “Infield go one, outfield go two”). The defense cannot know in advance where the ball might go.
Infielders echo this information to the outfielders if needed, because not all players can project their voice the entire length of the field.

Older players (ages 10–12) often have the vocal strength to reach the outfield, but not every skilled player has the personality or voice to be as vocal.