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Geneva High School Infield Defense. General Rules. GET AN OUT!! Each position is different – coach them that way Limit to 3 outs an inning Make regular plays not ESPN plays Always know situation Nose in glove 3 second rule Don’t become drill machines who can’t play in games
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General Rules • GET AN OUT!! • Each position is different – coach them that way • Limit to 3 outs an inning • Make regular plays not ESPN plays • Always know situation • Nose in glove • 3 second rule • Don’t become drill machines who can’t play in games • Anticipate situation before ball comes to you • 9 guys always moving on every play • Cal Ripken Rule
First Base • Ground ball to first base is an automatic out • Glove/Glove leg move together • Feed pitcher • Proper cut mechanics • Holding Runners • Starting Rundown after pick or starting DP • Cutoffs – when do I use the first baseman? • Positioning based on situations
Second Base • Needs to be a smart player not just a place to stick a kid • Ball to right – when do I back hand, when to I get in front? • More time to make throw, but still use 3 second rule • Receiving throws from catcher on steal • Positioning based on situations
Shortstop • Ball to right – when to backhand, when to get in front • Ball up the middle – when to spin, when to plant and fire • 2 step or “v” to the ball on routine groundballs • SS on cuts – what is my job?? • Receiving throws from catcher on steal • Positioning based on situations
Third Base • Sit on the ball • Fielding Bunts • Ball in front of shortstop • 3rd baseman must be athletic to field bunts and react to “hot corner” • When to use 3rd baseman as cutoff man • Positioning based on situations • Hate seeing 3rd baseman holding runner – not baseball
General INF • Pop-up Communication – never lose an out • Pop-up priority • Double Plays • Rundowns • Holding runners • Do I teach the backhand??? • One key to good defense is to build arm strength among all players
Common Mistakes • Take too long to get rid of the ball • Fielding ball off to the side • Not attacking the ball – staying on their heals • First baseman – swatting not scooping
How to Fix • Break up into skill sets – i.e. ground balls separate the fielding part and the throwing part • Wall Ball • Must field ball with momentum towards base you are throwing to • Practice situations – SPECIFIC! Coach dictates outs, runners, where the ball goes. Practice goofy plays too.
Drills to Fix…… • Throwing to 1st Base • Picking balls at 1st Base • Attacking the baseball for all infielders
Contact Info • Matt Hahn • mhahn@geneva304.org • (630) 463-3943 • Open invitation to any game or outdoor practice