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Diamond Nine

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Bases-Loaded Live Situation

FieldingFull field15 minAges 9-12, 13-157-12 playersIntensity: normalPitch Smart OKAdult supervision

Coach hits live; defense reacts to runners and outs. 6 scenarios.

Your job today

Bases loaded. Coach yells the outs, then hits the ball. You all have to know — before the pitch — where you’re throwing if the ball comes to you.

What good looks like: Make the right play on 4 of 6 scenarios.

Why it matters: Most youth runs score on mental mistakes, not great hits. Knowing your job before the pitch is half the game.

How it works

Set runners at all 3 bases. Coach declares outs (0, 1, or 2) and hits a live grounder or fly. Defense must throw to the right base. 6 scenarios with debrief after each.

Reps / rounds
6 scenarios
Rest between sets
60s
Space needed
full_infield
Coaches
1-2

Equipment

  • fungo bat
  • 6 baseballs
  • infield bases

Setup

  1. Defense at positions
  2. Runners at all 3 bases

Run the drill

  1. Coach calls outs and hits live
  2. Defense executes
  3. 30s debrief

Coaching cues

  • Know the outs before the pitch
  • Get one for sure, then look for two

Common mistakes

  • Throwing home with no chance
  • Forgetting the out count

Scoring

Track % correct play (percent). On-track when at or above 60.

Adjust it

Make it easier

  • easier: Coach pre-announces the right base

Make it harder

  • advanced: Add a wild card pitch (passed ball)

Variations

  • Quiz only: Whiteboard scenarios, no live ball

Safety

  • STOP_ON_PAIN: Distinguish acceptable muscle soreness from joint pain or severe muscle ache. Any pain, pop, or possible injury must be reported to a parent, coach, or trusted adult, and the activity stopped immediately. Any sign of illness or injury must be evaluated before returning.

Source

Author: platform · Status: Published · Last reviewed 2026-05-26